Why you Should Get the Australian Shepherd Instead of the Lancashire Heeler.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

• Australian Shepherd Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction
• Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview
• Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table
• The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler
• The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler
• Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler
• Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler
• Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler
• Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Lancashire Heeler
• Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Lancashire Heeler
• Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler
• Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler
• Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Lancashire Heelers?
• Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler?
• Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler?
• Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?
• Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?
• Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler
• How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Lancashire Heelers?
• Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?
• Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?
• Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?
• Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Lancashire Heeler
• Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?
• Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
• Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?

Australian Shepherd Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Shepherd and for the Lancashire Heeler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler.

Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler are Herding Dogs. This means both the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Lancashire Heeler based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lancashire Heeler. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Lancashire Heeler, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Lancashire Heeler.

This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.

Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler

Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler are most different:

The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler

The Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:

Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler.

The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler weighs 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. The Lancashire Heeler is 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler

Australian Shepherd Colors

The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

• Brown / Chocolate
• Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
• Black
• Merle (Red)
• Gray / Blue / Silver
• Red / Chestnut / Orange
• Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
• Harlequin
• Merle (Blue)
• White / Cream
• Apricot / Beige
• Bicolor
• Golden
• Brindle

The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

• White / Cream
• Brown / Chocolate
• Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
• Red / Chestnut / Orange
• Black
• Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
• Sable
• Gray / Blue / Silver
• Merle (Blue)

Lancashire Heeler Colors

The Lancashire Heeler comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

• White / Cream
• Black
• Apricot / Beige

The Lancashire Heeler comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

• Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
• Black
• White / Cream

Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler

The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.

The lifespan of the Lancashire Heeler is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Lancashire Heeler is 11.5 years.

The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Lancashire Heeler.

Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $420. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $500. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 8 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Lancashire Heeler puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Lancashire Heeler

You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Lancashire Heelers are currently available for adoption.

These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

Below is an adorable Male Australian Shepherd named Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like Blue on pefinder.com.

Also, like Australian Shepherds, Lancashire Heelers are also available for adoption. For example, Bob is a Male Lancashire Heeler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lancashire Heelers like Bob that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

0149 Vern (Aka Walter) is the name of another Australian Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

You can find more Australian Shepherds and Lancashire Heelers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Australian Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Shepherd than for the Lancashire Heeler.

7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Lancashire Heelers.

Australian Shepherd Health Problems

Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

If you want a Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Shepherds for:

You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds here.

Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler

Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler?

Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler?

Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler

Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Lancashire Heelers?

Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Lancashire Heeler

Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Lancashire Heeler?

Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Lancashire Heeler. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo     Australian Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Dachshund     Australian Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Australian Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Frenchton     Australian Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Australian Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound     Australian Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Australian Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Chinese Crested     Australian Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Australian Shepherd versus Chinook     Australian Shepherd versus Great Dane     Australian Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel     

Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?

In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Shepherd and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.

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