American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd

From their names alone, the American Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd might seem like the same dog. They do have similarities, such as their coloring, temperaments, jobs, and energy levels. However, they’re actually pretty different. For starters, the American Shepherd, often called the Miniature American Shepherd, is the smaller version of their Australian sibling.

There are some other key differences between the two Shepherd breeds. We’ll break it all down for you here, from their average height to their grooming needs and energy levels. 

American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd comparison summary

Origin and history of the American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd

When it comes to the origin and history of the Australian Shepherd, there is one very surprising fact to bear in mind: They aren’t actually Australian. Their moniker is actually a misnomer, because the Australian Shepherd was developed in California in the 19th century.

The Miniature American Shepherd, on the other hand, was bred as a small herding and working dog going back to the 1960s. (In the 1970s, breeders achieved their desired size.) The American Shepherd wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2015, despite being around for almost 50 years by then.

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Physical characteristics

The Australian Shepherd is a bigger dog with a thick, double coat that can come in colors including blue merle, red merle, and black. They can also have white and tan flecks in their fur. They are medium-sized, athletic, and sometimes have unique features such as striking blue eyes.

The American Shepherd looks very similar, except for one cute distinction: They can be as little as half the size of the Australian Shepherd. Their short stature gives them a unique appearance compared to their Australian sibling. 

Temperament and personalities

When it comes to their temperament and personalities, the Australian Shepherd and the American Shepherd are both very easy to get along with. They are loyal, playful, affectionate, keen to learn, and easygoing. That sweet temperament makes either dog an easy addition to the family. Every single dog is different, so there is likely to be some variation. But generally, they make really great family dogs as long as they are well-trained, exercised, and stimulated.

Grooming needs

The Australian Shepherd and the American Shepherd both have double coats, which means they have thick undercoats as well as topcoats. They shed all year round and require quite high levels of maintenance. You should brush your American Shepherd or Australian Shepherd ideally at least a few times a week.

In addition to that, they require trips to a professional groomer every month to three months. One thing to keep in mind is that they should never be shaved, which can seriously impact how they regulate their own temperature.

Exercise needs and activity levels

The American Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd both need quite a lot of exercise and have high energy and activity levels. The Australian Shepherd needs more than two hours of exercise a day, which can be a lot to fit into the average person’s lifestyle and daily routine. The American Shepherd, despite being so much smaller, still needs around two hours a day or at least two 45-minute walks. This is something worth considering if you’re planning on bringing one into your family.

Training and intelligence

Both the American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd are extremely intelligent and easy to train. They are both herding dogs, so it is in their nature to learn how to work and perform different tasks. However, some people report that the Australian Shepherd is actually more intelligent.

This will vary from dog to dog, but still something to keep in mind. At the same time, because the American Shepherd is so much smaller, this actually makes them easier to handle. Whichever dog you choose, both are very intelligent and love to learn to do new things.

Health and lifespan

In terms of health and lifespan, the Australian Shepherd and the American Shepherd are quite alike. The Australian Shepherd is generally a healthy, fit dog, and they have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They may have some health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

The American Shepherd is similar, with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy. Generally, though, both breeds tend to be pretty healthy, and just need the same general upkeep as any dog.

Cost

The cost of Australian and American Shepherds varies a lot, and it all depends where you get them. If you get one from a breeder, an American Shepherd can cost around $1,500 to $2,500. Australian Shepherds also come at a similar price. Of course, if you get your new family member from a shelter, the costs will be much less. As always, though, we encourage anyone looking for a specific breed to adopt from a breed-specific rescue or a shelter.

Do American Shepherds and Australian Shepherds make good family pets?

If you have a family, particularly kids in the house, you might wonder if American Shepherds and Australian Shepherds make good family pets. The good news is that American Shepherds are athletic, energetic, and affectionate.

They have calm temperaments and tend to be well-behaved and calm around children. Australian Shepherds are also very easygoing and have a calm, relaxed energy that makes them ideal pets around both children and other animals in the house. Beware, though: In both cases, their herding instincts might kick in.

How to choose between an American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd

Whether or not you choose an American or Australian Shepherd as a pet for your household is about your personal preference. They are quite similar in terms of energy, temperament, and how easily they can fit into a family home. However, the American Shepherd is actually much smaller than the Australian Shepherd.

So, if you have less space to work with or are less able to commit to walking for long periods of time, the American Shepherd could be a better option for you due to their miniature size. 

Bottom line

The bottom line is that American and Australian Shepherd dogs are actually very similar, and the one who is right for you really depends on your preference. The main difference is in their size, so if you prefer smaller dogs — or have a little less room — the American Shepherd might be the best fit for your home. If you’re looking for an affectionate, energetic, easygoing dog, you really can’t go wrong with either an American Shepherd or an Australian Shepherd.

FAQs

Are American Shepherds the same as Australian Shepherds?

No, American Shepherds are not the same as Australian Shepherds. Although they do have similar coats, temperaments, grooming needs, and energy levels, there are some key differences.

The main difference between the two dogs is their size. American Shepherds are also known as Miniature American Shepherds, and when you see the two dogs next to one another, their size difference is apparent. 

Are Australian Shepherds the smartest dogs?

If you’re looking for a pet who can easily outsmart you, you can’t go wrong with an Australian Shepherd. They are actually known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are renowned for their agility, obedience, and outstanding performance in herding and other sports.

They have a lot of jobs thanks to their superior smarts, and are known to work well as service dogs, therapy dogs, drug sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. All of that intelligence makes them amazing pets, and they often pour it all into being devoted to you and your household.

What are the pros and cons of Australian Shepherds?

The pros of Australian Shepherds are that they are incredibly intelligent, easygoing, affectionate, loyal, even-tempered, and calm. They can be easily trained, and love playing agility games and other activities that tap into their herding spirit. They don’t come with many cons, but they do require a lot of stimulation, exercise, and space.

So, if you aren’t prepared to dedicate a lot of time and energy to this breed, they might not be the one for you. But if you do have the time and energy, they make very rewarding pets.