Why you Should Get the Australian Shepherd Instead of the Morkie.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

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

Australian Shepherd Versus Morkie: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Morkie? 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 Morkie 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 Morkie.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Morkie 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 Morkie. 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 Morkie.

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 Morkie.

Australian Shepherd versus Morkie: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs 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.

On the other hand, the Morkie belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Australian Shepherd versus Morkie: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Morkie 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 Morkie

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 Morkie. 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 Morkie is 74 out of 125.

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

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 Morkie

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

The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Morkie

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

Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Morkie

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

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 Morkie weighs 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Morkie is 4 to 8 inches when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Morkie

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)

Morkie Colors

The Morkie comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

• Black
• White / Cream
• Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
• Apricot / Beige
• Gray / Blue / Silver

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

• Brown / Chocolate
• Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
• Golden
• Gray / Blue / Silver
• Black
• White / Cream

Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Morkie

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 Morkie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Morkie is 12.0 years.

The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Morkie.

Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Morkie

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 Morkie puppy is $1950. The price of the Morkie typically ranges from $1500 – $2381. However, the price of the Morkie can be as low as $500 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 388 Morkie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The Morkie is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Morkie. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Morkie 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 Morkies

Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Morkie 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 Morkie

You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Morkies 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 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) on pefinder.com.

Also, like Australian Shepherds, Morkies are also available for adoption. For example, Chewey 3Yr is a Male Morkie that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Morkies like Chewey 3Yr that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

Also, Max is an adorable Male Morkie on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Morkie

Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

Morkies do not like to be left alone.

Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Morkies?

Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

Morkies do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Morkie?

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

Morkies are moderately easy to groom.

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

Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

Morkies do not get along well with other dogs.

Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Morkies?

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

Morkies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Morkie?

Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

Morkies are fairly easy to train.

Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Morkie

Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

Morkies do have a very low tendency to drool.

How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Morkies?

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

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

Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Morkie?

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.

Morkies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Morkies?

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

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

Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Morkies Tolerate Cold Weather?

Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

Morkies cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Morkie

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

Morkies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Morkies Tolerate Hot Weather?

Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

Morkies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Morkie?

Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

Morkies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

Morkies 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 Morkie. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

Australian Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli     Australian Shepherd versus Italian Greyhound     Australian Shepherd versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Australian Shepherd versus Canaan Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Hovawart     Australian Shepherd versus Pekingese     Australian Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres     Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Akbash     Australian Shepherd versus Vizsla     Australian Shepherd versus Australian Kelpie     Australian Shepherd versus Morkie     Australian Shepherd versus Beagle     Australian Shepherd versus Australian Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Bolognese     Australian Shepherd versus Goldador     

Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Morkie. 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 Morkie better suits you and your family.

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