Which is Better between the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian?

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

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Australian Shepherd Versus Shiranian: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiranian.

Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian

Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Shiranian is a small-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 Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

FactorAustralian ShepherdShiranian
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Easy To Groom1/52/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 16 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder7 to 12 inches
Good For Novice Owners2/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
General Health2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/51/5
Kid-Friendly4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things2/55/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/53/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds4 to 16 pounds
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years14.0 years
Average Price$1180$1130
Price Range$800 – $1500$900 – $1200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

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

    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!

    Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian

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

  • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiranians adapt well to apartment living.
  • Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Australian Shepherds are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shiranians are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Australian Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Shiranians are not easy to train.
  • Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shiranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Australian Shepherds have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Shiranians have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Australian Shepherds require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shiranians have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Shiranian are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian

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

    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 Shiranian weighs 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. The Shiranian is 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Australian Shepherd versus Size of Shiranian

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian

    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 Shiranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Shiranian is 14.0 years.

    The Shiranian live longer than the Australian Shepherd.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Shiranian

    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 Shiranian puppy is $1130. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $900 – $1200. However, the price of the Shiranian can be as low as $250 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 62 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Shiranian.

    Australian Shepherd Shiranian
    Average Price $1180 $1130
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $900 to $1200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Shiranian 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 Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Shiranian

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Shiranians?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

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

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

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

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

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

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Shiranian

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Shiranians?

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

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

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

    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.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians?

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

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

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

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shiranians are very good 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 Shiranian. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

    Australian Shepherd versus Harrier     Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo     Australian Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Beaglier     Australian Shepherd versus Affenpinscher     Australian Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Australian Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     Australian Shepherd versus Manchester Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund     Australian Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Whoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog     

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

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