Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

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Australian Shepherd Versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog. 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large-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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog

FactorAustralian ShepherdCentral Asian Shepherd Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/51/5
Easy To Groom1/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder24 to 28 inches
Good For Novice Owners2/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
General Health2/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
Kid-Friendly4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things2/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/53/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds88 to 110 pounds
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/53/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/52/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1180$2280
Price Range$800 – $1500$2000 – $2650
Temperament Score82.2 percent91.7 percent
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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog. 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are most different:

  • Australian Shepherds do not have the tendency to drool. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
  • Australian Shepherds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Australian Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.
  • Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Australian Shepherds are very playful. However, Central Asian Shepherd Dogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

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

  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

    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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog weighs 88 to 110 pounds when fully grown. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 24 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Australian Shepherd versus Size of Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 13.5 years.

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog live as long as the Australian Shepherd.

    Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Temperament of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog Versus the Australian Shepherd

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Central Asian Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 24 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2280. The price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2650. However, the price of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 26 Central Asian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

    Australian Shepherd Central Asian Shepherd Dog
    Average Price $1180 $2280
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $2000 to $2650

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Central Asian Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Central Asian Shepherd Dog 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

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

    Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Central Asian Shepherd Dog

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    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.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Central Asian Shepherd Dog

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Central Asian Shepherd Dogs 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

    Australian Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd     Australian Shepherd versus Cane Corso     Australian Shepherd versus Bedlington Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Boxer     Australian Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Australian Shepherd versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois     Australian Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Australian Shepherd versus Catahoula Bulldog     Australian Shepherd versus Afador     Australian Shepherd versus Bullmastiff     Australian Shepherd versus Akbash     Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Brittany     Australian Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Australian Shepherd versus Australian Terrier     

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog. 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 Central Asian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.

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