Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. American Pit Bull Terrier
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier? 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier.
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 American Pit Bull Terrier.
Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview
Both the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier are both medium-sized dogs.
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 American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | American Pit Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 30 to 85 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $400 – $1200 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 87.4 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
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 American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the American Pit Bull Terrier, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
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 American Pit Bull Terrier
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
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 American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The American Pit Bull Terrier is 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier
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)
American Pit Bull Terrier Colors
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Apricot / Beige
- Golden
- Merle (Red)
- Merle (Blue)
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Brindle
- Black
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier
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 American Pit Bull Terrier is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is 14.0 years.
The American Pit Bull Terrier live longer than the Australian Shepherd.
Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier
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 American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of the American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| Australian Shepherd | American Pit Bull Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $400 to $1200 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many American Pit Bull Terriers 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 Alonzo that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like Alonzo on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, American Pit Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Banjo is a Male American Pit Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers like Banjo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, King Kong is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and American Pit Bull Terriers?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
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.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. American Pit Bull Terrier
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Puli Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo Australian Shepherd versus Cavachon Australian Shepherd versus American Hairless Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Australian Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound Australian Shepherd versus Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle Australian Shepherd versus Field Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute Australian Shepherd versus Irish Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.