These two breed may share the same last name and belong to the working category, German shepherds and Australian shepherds are very different from each other. Both of these wonderful canines were originally bred for being herding dogs.
Because of their exceptional intelligence, people pleasing attitude, and ability to grasp on commands quickly as compared to other dogs, these pups not only make wonderful pets but are also useful in the police, military, rescue, and therapy tasks.
We have gathered enough information regarding both these breeds to help you make a choice between the two. Read on to learn more about their physical differences, temperament, exercise needs maintenance, health and how you can play a good role being a responsible pet parent.
German Shepherd Vs Australian Shepherd Which Dog Breeds Thrive
Origin & Breed History
German Shepherds
Originated from the heart of Germany, German shepherds were used for the purpose of herding and hunting. Because of their affectionate, protective, and playful nature these canines are now popular as pets not just in the US but all over the world. According to Pawlicy Advisor, after world war II, all German things were stigmatized which is why their name was changed to Shepherd dog or Alsatian wolf dog. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 and are now the third most popular dogs as pets.
Australian Shepherds
Developed in the United states with ancestors from Europe, Australian Shepherds are a working dog breed perfect for dog sports and other hardy tasks. These dogs are a cross and refined version of Basque herding dogs and Border collie. They were brought to Australia via Europe, hence the name. They are popular in the US as ranch and rodeo dogs but now also make popular pets worldwide. They were recognized in 1991 by the American Kennel Club and their miniature, American version in 2015.
Size & Physical Differences
GSD’s are 22-26 inches in height and weight a good 50-90 pounds. They have pointed ears and a long fluffy tail. Their coat comes in 15 varied colors, the most common being tan, brown, black, etc. These dogs have a heavier structure and are build for endurance. They have an imposing presence and alert features which benefit them while guarding.
While, Australian shepherds are slightly smaller than German shepherds. These pups are 18-22 inches tall and weigh 40-65 pounds. They have floppy ears and a cropped tail but these features vary from dog to dog. They are build to be light on their paws for quick movement. They appear softer because of their coat colors that range from red merle, blue merle, black and red, etc. These pups are better suited for herding than guarding as compared to GSD.
Appearance & Coat Differences
German Shepherds have a thick double coat with short to medium straight hair while Aussies have more of a wave in their hair with a medium to long length. Aussies coat is built for protection against harsh weather while GSD need to be covered in cold climates.
Aussies require medium coat management as they are not heavy shedders and their coat is soft to touch while on the other hands, GSD coat has a more rugged and rough feel and they shed heavily year round which label them as high maintenance dogs in terms of grooming needs.
GSD have more of a strong and confident appearance while Aussies have a soft style with their colorful coats which makes them appear calm and friendly.
Temperament & Trainability
GSD are known for their loyalty, bravery, obedience, and naturally protective temperament. They are gentle and loving around family but tend to be aloof and alert around strangers. They are great with kids, but their play time must be supervised to prevent any mishaps. Early socialization helps to ensure these canines remain well behaved dogs. According to PetMD, GSD are highly intelligent and are eager to learn which makes training easier. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. They like to be challenged during training to keep their focus.
While on the other hand, Aussie are smart, loyal, and friendly dogs who take their time to get comfortable around strangers. They have a strong prey drive and like to chase moving objects or cats and love playing fetch. They can get along well with children but early socialization is essential to ensure obedience and maintain an affectionate lifestyle at your house. Aussie dogs are intelligent and respond well to training, given that you use positive reinforcement methods for these smart canines.
Energy & Exercise Needs
GSD are high energy dogs who love having a job at hand and a proper schedule for regular exercise and mental stimulation. Being highly active, these pups require training and regular physical activity to keep them out of trouble and prevent unwanted behavior. These pups requires a house with an active life style. This athletic breed requires two hours of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and satisfied. Pet owners must focus on providing them an outlet to fulfil their energy needs.
Because of their herding background, Aussie dogs have high energy and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay well behaved dogs. They too like having a task at hand otherwise they tend to get bored easily. They high energy can cause problems in their joints which is why Aussie owners should focus more on hiking and walking for these pups rather than agility competitions or activities that require a lot of jumping.
Grooming and Maintenance
GSD have a soft undercoat and a rough outercoat which that is heavy and sheds a lot which is why they require a lot of in house grooming. These pups should not be bathed regularly because of heavy shedding. They must be bathed few times a year with a dog friendly shampoo to ensure good coat health. Brushing their hair with a pin brush can help to prevent hair fall everywhere around the house. These pups are prone to ear and eye infections which is why pet parents must be careful and must clean them regularly to prevent health issues. Regular nail trimming is recommended as their nails are prone to breaking if they get too long.
Australian Shepherds have a double layer, water resistant coat with a medium to long hair length. These pups needs weekly grooming for upkeep as they are more active outdoors. Frequent bathing is a part of their routine as they spend more of their time outside in mud and dirt. Brush their hair frequently to prevent excessive shedding. It is not recommended to shave their hair as, their coat protects them from harsh climates. Clean their eyes regularly to prevent infections and since they have floppy ears they are prone to store debris which must be removed to prevent any issues.
Health & Lifespan
GSD are the right dog for the right owners. They require pet parents who can give give them proper time and care. The average lifespan of these Alsatians is 7-10 years but many sources suggest that with proper care and affection, these pups can live to 9-13 years. According to PDSA, GSD are prone to certain illnesses that must not be missed as they can lead to serious health issues in the dog. These canines are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, eye diseases, etc. Relevant health screening and regular vet checkups are recommended to ensure optimal health care is being provided.
In case of Australian shepherds, these canines are considered to be healthier as compared to German shepherds. The average lifespan of these canines is 12-15 years however, they are predisposed to certain health issues that must not be ignored by pet parents. These pups can acquire hip and elbow dysplasia, retinal atrophy, cataracts, epilepsy, deafness, etc. Regular vet checkups and health screening is recommended.
Suitability & Lifestyle Fit
In case of German shepherd, these canines are much more suited for spacious homes, active routines, and preferably those who require guarding. These pups do great with families and get along well with every one in the house. They are ideal canines for experienced owners who can understand their needs and can offer both mental and physical stimulation.
While one the other hand Australian shepherds prefer an active lifestyle and owners likewise. They like being involved in everyday family activities. These pups prefer mental challenges and physical activity. They are well suited for agility competitions. Aussies require owners who can give them dedicated time and interact with them otherwise boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors.
Conclusion
Whether you bring home a German shepherd or an Australian shepherd, both prove to be marvelous pets. Both of them are exceptional dogs and get along well with their pet parents but to truly understand which breed thrives, you must make a decision based on your life style and house. With German shepherds being more inclined towards protection and Aussies towards herding and field work, choose a dog according to your requirement.
Both of these pups are high energy dogs and require attention from their owners. So, it’s truly up to you to see which is the right dog breed for you and who aligns with your personality.
