Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Cavapoo: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Cavapoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Cavapoos?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Cavapoos?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Cavapoo
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Cavapoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo? 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 Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo.
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 Cavapoo.
Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.
Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Cavapoo |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 14 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 9 to 25 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $2380 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1500 – $2895 |
| 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 Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo is 89 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Cavapoo, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Cavapoo.
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 Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo
The Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo.
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 Cavapoo weighs 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. The Cavapoo is 9 to 14 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Cavapoo
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)
Cavapoo Colors
The Cavapoo comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Golden
- Merle (Blue)
- Apricot / Beige
The Cavapoo comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Brown / Chocolate
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo
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 Cavapoo is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cavapoo is 13.5 years.
The Cavapoo live as long as the Australian Shepherd.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Cavapoo
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 Cavapoo puppy is $2380. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2895. However, the price of the Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $8775. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1589 Cavapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cavapoo is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Cavapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $2380 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1500 to $2895 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Cavapoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Cavapoo 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 Cavapoos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Cavapoo 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 Cavapoo
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Cavapoos?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Cavapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Cavapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Cavapoos are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Cavapoos?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Cavapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?
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.
Cavapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Cavapoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Cavapoo
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Cavapoos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Cavapoos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavapoo?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Cavapoo?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Cavapoos are OK 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 Cavapoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Schnoodle Australian Shepherd versus Morkie Australian Shepherd versus Brittany Australian Shepherd versus Great Dane Australian Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Weimaraner Australian Shepherd versus Cesky Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus French Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd versus Brussels Griffon Australian Shepherd versus Silky Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Golden Cocker Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Whippet Australian Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo. 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 Cavapoo better suits you and your family.