While both breeds have ‘shepherds’ in their names, German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are quite different from each other. Both are very intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs, bred to herd livestock.
While the German Shepherd dog is a larger dog breed, the Australian Shepherd tends to be a bit smaller. Both breeds have a lot of things in common. A detailed comparison between the two breeds can help you find out which one is right for you.
This article highlights the differences between their origins, size, physical build, temperament, and personality. It will also help you understand the energy levels, exercise needs, and trainability of the two breeds.
Have a look at some differences between German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds.
German Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Dog Breeds Face-Off
Origins & Purpose
Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They were originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s for protecting flocks from predators.
Their strength, courage, and sharp instincts make them a perfect choice for sheep herders and people looking for an efficient guard dog. German Shepherds are also used as service dogs, police pups, search-and-rescue dogs, and military dogs.
GSDs are capable of understanding their owners’ moods and emotions and make excellent therapy dogs.
The American Kennel Club explains that the Australian Shepherd is a quintessentially American breed. They were bred in western states like California, Colorado, and Idaho. Apart from herding sheep, Aussies make versatile working dogs.
They have been working as police dogs, farm dogs, herding canines, and search-and-rescue dogs for years. Like GSDs, they can also make good therapy and service dogs.
Size & Physical Build
Both Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds are quite different in appearance. German Shepherds are larger, sturdier, and more muscular of two shepherd dog breeds. They can easily scare away intruders with their mere presence.
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs weighing less than GSDs. Female German Shepherd dogs and Australian Shepherds are smaller than their male counterparts. German Shepherds have standing and pointed ears, while Aussies have floppy ears.
Both Aussies and German Shepherds possess moderate-length double coats that provide them adequate protection against harsh elements and extreme temperatures. However, both breeds vary in their fur colors.
German Shepherd coat comes in 15 varied colors, with black and tan being the most common. Australian Shepherds come in red merle, black and red, and blue merle, with or without markings. Another difference is their eye color.
GSDs typically have brown eyes, while the eye color of Aussies can vary greatly. In fact, Australian Shepherds are one of the few breeds with two different colored eyes. They may have a combination of blue, hazel, brown, amber, or green.
Temperament & Personality
German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are both powerful and robust working dog breeds. Their temperaments are similar to each other in many ways. For instance, both are intelligent, energetic, and alert dogs.
German Shepherds are incredibly loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. They have natural protective instincts and tend to be wary of strangers. These brave pooches can sacrifice their lives in the line of defense.
German Shepherds tend to be gentle with children and make great family dogs. However, they can exhibit some behavioral problems if left alone for too long, explains PetPlan. Similar to GSDs, Australian Shepherds also make devoted companions and bond tightly with their humans.
They are quite friendly towards their loved ones, but are reserved towards strangers. Unlike German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds do not make effective guard dogs. However, they make good watchdogs.
Exercise & Energy Levels
Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are active and athletic canines. They need lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content. These high-energy dogs need plenty of exercise every day.
When not exercised properly, both shepherd dog breeds can become frustrated and develop undesirable behaviors. A German Shepherd’s enthusiasm and stamina mean it requires at least two hours of exercise every day.
According to PetMD, Aussies are very energetic and rarely slow down. They also need two hours of vigorous exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Training & Intelligence
When it comes to training and intelligence, both GSDs and Aussies are highly intelligent and eager to please. However, German Shepherds surpass Australian Shepherds in brainpower. They rank third on the American Kennel Club’s list of the smartest dog breeds.
It ultimately makes them more trainable than Aussies. GSDs excel at obedience training and can learn new commands in less than five repetitions. They excel at a variety of canine sports, including herding, tracking, agility, and dock diving.
Australian Shepherds can also learn new commands quickly and are easier to train than many other dog breeds. Like GSDs, they also enjoy dog sports like obedience, herding, agility trials, and dock diving. Aussies possess strong herding instincts.
They can end up chasing every moving object or creature, even small children. Both breeds need consistent training and early socialization to turn into well-behaved canines.
Coat Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds have a thick double coat comprising a dense, close-lying outer layer and a softer undercoat. They shed a lot and need only a quick brushing every few days or so to remove loose hairs.
Australian Shepherds also have a thick double coat that needs weekly brushing and occasional bathing to stay in top-notch condition. Brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. Since they love to work and play outside, it is not unusual for them to come home dirtier than they left.
Health & Lifespan
German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds, both are generally healthy dogs. However, both are prone to some health issues throughout their lives. German Shepherds have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, while Aussies tend to live up to 12 to 15 years.
Both can develop problems like elbow and hip dysplasia and cancer. German Shepherds can suffer from degenerative myelopathy, bloat, and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Aussies are more prone to epilepsy and eye diseases like cataracts and iris coloboma.
Purchasing the dog from a reputable and responsible breeder can significantly reduce the chances of such health issues.
German Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd Suitability as Family Pets Vs Guard Dogs
Both German Shepherds and Aussies are better suited for active and experienced handlers who know how to handle high-energy and athletic dogs. GSDs and Aussies both get on well with children if trained properly and make excellent pets.
However, if you are looking for a larger dog with a stronger protective nature, a German Shepherd may be a better choice for you. Aussies may need a little more exercise than GSDs, so they are better suited for pet parents who can provide them with adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are incredibly loyal and affectionate dogs who bond tightly with their humans. Both are protective of their owners but reserved towards strangers. However, GSDs make better guard dogs.
Both breeds are quite versatile working dogs, serving as service dogs, police and military dogs, and search-and-rescue pups. These shepherd dog breeds even make wonderful therapy dogs.
Aussies are very smart and trainable, but German Shepherds take the lead in intelligence and trainability. Both dog breeds are a better fit for active and experienced dog owners.
