Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd
- Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Dutch Shepherd
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Dutch Shepherd
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Dutch Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Dutch Shepherds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Dutch Shepherds?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Dutch Shepherd
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd? 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd.
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 Dutch Shepherd.
Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd are Herding Dogs. This means both the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd 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.
Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Dutch Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 21 to 25 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 50 to 70 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1450 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $800 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 96.2 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 Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Dutch Shepherd, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Dutch Shepherd.
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 Dutch Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd.
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 Dutch Shepherd weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Dutch Shepherd is 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd
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)
Dutch Shepherd Colors
The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brindle
- Black
- Brown / Chocolate
- White / Cream
The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Brindle
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- White / Cream
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd
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 Dutch Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Dutch Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The Dutch Shepherd live as long as the Australian Shepherd.
Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 26 Dutch Shepherds.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Dutch Shepherd
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 Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1450. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of the Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 164 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Dutch Shepherd is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Dutch Shepherd | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1450 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $800 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherds
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Dutch Shepherds 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 22-096 Rescue Only that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like 22-096 Rescue Only on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Ulter is a Male Dutch Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dutch Shepherds like Ulter that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Pepperjack is the name of another Australian Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Gunner is an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Dutch Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Dutch Shepherds?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Dutch Shepherds?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?
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.
Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Dutch Shepherd
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Dutch Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherd. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Maltipoo Australian Shepherd versus Spanish Mastiff Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Australian Shepherd versus Field Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Australian Shepherd versus Bichon Frise Australian Shepherd versus Papipoo Australian Shepherd versus Scottish Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Canaan Dog Australian Shepherd versus Goldador Australian Shepherd versus Japanese Chin Australian Shepherd versus Akbash Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Schnauzer Australian Shepherd versus Lhasa Apso Australian Shepherd versus Siberian Husky
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd. 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 Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.