Originally bred for herding and protecting flocks, both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are known for their high intelligence and unwavering loyalty. While having ‘Shepherd’ common in their names, the two breeds look quite different from each other.
Hailing from Germany, German Shepherds are large and muscular dogs of noble character. Famous for their confidence and bravery, these smart pups excel at obedience and dog training. GSDs need a proper outlet to channel their excess energy.
Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build. Having an innate desire to please their people, Aussies are smart dogs with lots of energy. They love having a job to do.
With both breeds introduced, let’s have a look at some key differences between German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds.
German Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Energy and Training Differences
Origins & Purpose
Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds were primarily herding breeds. However, the two breeds have different origins.
German Shepherds are versatile working dogs that were developed by a German, Max Friedrich von Stephanitz, in the mid-19th century. The intelligence and lightning-fast responsiveness of herding dogs inspired him.
Do You Know? ‘Horand von Grafrath’ was the first ever German Shepherd.
Like GSDs, Aussies were also bred for herding and guarding flocks of sheep and other livestock from predators. Despite their name, they were developed in the United States in the late 1800s from the British-derived herding dogs.
Their ancestors came to America with Basque immigrants from the Pyrenees mountains of France and Spain, explains Britannica.
Size & Build
Size difference is an important factor to consider while choosing between the two breeds.
Heavier and taller than Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds are agile, athletic, and large dogs with deep chests and muscular builds. Their dense, medium-length coats come in a variety of colors. The most common GSD colors are tan and black.
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized herders with an athletic appearance. They were bred to work, and this fact is reflected in their builds. Their medium-length coats should be straight or slightly waved. Possible color combinations include black, blue merle, red merle, and red, and may have tan points.
Pricing & Availability
Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are among the most highly available and popular dog breeds in America, as well as the rest of the world. Instagram and Facebook are flooded with their informative and funny videos.
German Shepherds are more popular across the globe compared to Aussies. Purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from an American Kennel Club-accredited dog breeder may cost you somewhere between $2000 and $4500.
On the other hand, the initial purchase price of an Australian Shepherd puppy is $1500 to $2500. Having said that, GSDs appear to be more expensive.
Want to save a few bucks? Consider buying an older dog or adopting your GSD or Aussie from a shelter home.
Temperament & Personality Style
Since the two breeds were bred for a similar purpose, they share a lot of behavioral similarities.
German Shepherds are incredibly loyal dogs with strong protective instincts. They love spending time with their family and may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long, explains PetPlan. While they are gentle around their loved ones, GSDs tend to be wary of strangers.
Well-trained and properly socialized German Shepherds get along nicely with kids. However, make sure to supervise all interactions between dogs and kids.
They are not aggressive, but tend to be a bit territorial and have an independent streak. German Shepherds are famous for their courage, bravery, and confidence. They have a long history of serving as guard dogs and excelling in military and police roles.
Like GSDs, Australian Shepherds are also very loyal dogs, a true example of strong character. They are bold, responsive, and alert. Many Aussies are friendly, but some tend to be reserved towards strangers.
Aussies are protective of their people, make good watchdogs, but are not well-suited as guard dogs. Well-socialized dogs get along nicely with children and other pets. Due to their innate herding tendencies, they may try to herd smaller animals and children.
Note: This is the general temperament of both breeds. There can be a few exceptions.
Exercise Needs & Energy Levels
German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are both highly active dogs with bundles of energy. It means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
German Shepherds are known for their athleticism and high energy. They require at least one to two hours of daily exercise to channel this energy positively, explains PetMD. Exercise can include all sorts of activities, including running, hiking, and playing.
Australian Shepherds are relatively more energetic dogs. Adults need more than two hours of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Brisk walks, long runs, and playing in the yard are some good outlets for their boundless energy.
Trainability & Obedience
German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy-to-train dogs. However, there is a slight difference between the trainability of both breeds.
German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds in the canine world. Having a strong drive and eager to please nature, they learn new tricks quickly. They follow their owner’s commands with great ease and are highly trainable.
They respond best to positive reinforcement training and are well-suited for experienced handlers who understand how to deal with and communicate with a big dog. GSDs excel at a variety of dog sports, including agility, tracking, and obedience training.
Australian Shepherds also bond closely to their humans and are not very difficult to train. Thanks to their high brain power, they process information quickly and easily learn new things. Like GSDs, Aussies also excel at a variety of dog sports, including agility, obedience training, flyball, and flying disc.
Grooming Needs & Shedding
Both breeds possess thick double coats that not only give them a striking appearance but are also weather-resistant and waterproof.
German Shepherds shed a lot. They need frequent brushing using a pin brush. Brushing not only helps manage shedding but also controls the amount of fur that ends up on your floor and furniture.
Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders. They shed the most in spring when they lose their thick winter coat. Brushing your Aussie’s hair twice a week helps manage shedding and keep the coat free from tangles.
Herding & Work Drive
Being members of the herding group, German Shepherds and Aussies have a very strong work drive. These agile dogs thrive on having a job to do.
German Shepherds had been working as herding dogs for several decades. Considering their keen senses, people began using them as guard dogs later. Their role as police dogs, military pups, and search-and-rescue workers confirms their versatility.
Australian Shepherds are also known for their high drive and strong herding instincts. They are also widely employed for police work and in search-and-rescue missions. However, Aussies are not as common as police dogs as GSDs.
Health & Lifespan
Being large dogs, German Shepherds don’t have a very long lifespan. Unfortunately, these loving pups stay by your side for no longer than 7 to 10 years. During their life, GSDs are prone to a variety of health problems.
Like other big dogs, they may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat and GDV, cancer, heart disease, and allergies.
Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs. They live longer than GSDs and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. During their life, they may develop collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
Complete vet checkups, regular exercise, and proper diet can significantly help increase your dog’s life expectancy.
Which Breed Thrives in Your Home?
German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds can both be a wonderful addition to active families who can keep up with their exercise requirements. They thrive with experienced owners who have found ways to channel their energy in a positive manner.
The question is: which breed is better for you? The answer lies in your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. If you are looking for a better guard dog, opt for a German Shepherd. If you want a helping hand on your ranch, bring home an Australian Shepherd.
Conclusion
German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are both herding dogs, having immense loyalty, high energy, and a strong drive to work. Despite these similarities, the two breeds look very different. GSDs are larger in size than Aussies and have different coat colors.
German Shepherds outshine Australian Shepherds in intelligence and trainability, but Aussies have stronger herding instincts. GSDs make a perfect choice for people looking for a guard dog and family companion, while Aussies are well-suited for individuals needing an energetic farm dog.
