English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: What Are 8 Key Differences?

Both Australian and English Shepherds are intelligent dogs with distinct personalities. While the English Shepherd has a long history as a working dog, the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog. The English Shepherd is an English breed. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, originates in the United States. Not only are these dogs distinct in origin, but they also share several additional defining features. Let us begin!

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: A Comparison 

Key Differences Between English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd

The key difference between Australian Shepherds and English Shepherds is their temperament. English Shepherds are a more dominant breed more concerned with keeping order.

Due to the striking similarities between the Australian Shepherd and the English Shepherd, these two breeds are commonly mistaken. Australian Shepherds and English Shepherds are both medium-sized sheepdogs that share a few coat colors and patterns. They are intellectual and physically vigorous, necessitating a high level of physical exercise. However, numerous distinctions remain between the two. Take a look below!

Appearance

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Height

Male Australian Shepherds grow to be between 20 and 23 inches tall, while females grow to be between 18 and 21 inches tall. The English Shepherd is a medium-sized dog breed that stands an average of 20.5 inches tall.

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Weight

English Shepherds are smaller than Australian Shepherds, weighing 45-60 pounds for males and 40-50 pounds for females. Australian Shepherds can weigh up to 65 pounds for a male and 55 pounds for a fully developed female.

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Coat Type

Between the two breeds, their individual coats have a slightly different texture and feel. The Australian Shepherd’s coat is fuller and more feathered, while the English Shepherd’s coat is fluffier but thinner in texture.

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Colors

Both breeds come in a huge array of colors. The Australian Shepherds are available in a range of hues, including blue, black, merle, and red. While the English Shepherd can be seen in tan, brown, tricolor, white, brindle, sable, yellow, and black.

Characteristics

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Temperament

English and Australian Shepherds are both clever dogs with distinct personalities. Australian Shepherds are known to be active, friendly, loving, affectionate, good-natured, and protective.

The English Shepherd is a demanding breed that has a reputation for being dominant. They’ll attempt to persuade other dogs to follow the rules, as they are concerned with keeping order.

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Trainability

Australian Shepherds are exceptionally easy to teach, however, English Shepherds require a little more time and work since they are more independent. Nevertheless, effort willing, they are both on the top end of the trainability spectrum.

Health Factors

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Life Expectancy

The typical lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is 13 years, but they can live longer. The English Shepherd can live up to 15 years. Both breeds have respectable life expectancies for a domestic dog.

English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Health Problems

English Shepherds have a higher incidence of health problems than other breeds. English shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, luxating patella, hypothyroidism, and retinal atrophy.

One in every fifteen Australian Shepherds is born deaf, and one in every thirty is born with congenital cataracts. Although Australian Shepherds as a breed are healthy, they are known to suffer from Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological illness that affects one in every five to twelve dogs.

Wrapping up English Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd

With these factors in mind, there are numerous parallels between the two breeds. Their coats appear identical, yet the texture is distinct. The size difference between the two is minor, but there are notable distinctions in temperament, health issues, trainability, and life expectancy, to name a few.

It takes more patience to teach the English Shepherd any tricks or commands, but the effort is well worth it. The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, is a highly intelligent dog. The English Shepherd is known for its affinity for structure and ability to lead other dogs, but the Australian Shepherd is famed for its intelligence and ease of training. Hopefully, after comparing the English Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd in detail, you gained some insight into each of these magnificent breeds.

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