Differences and Similarities between the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

• Australian Shepherd Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction
• Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview
• Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table
• The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro
• The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro
• Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro
• Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro
• Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro
• Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Fila Brasileiro
• Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Fila Brasileiro
• Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro
• Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Fila Brasileiros?
• Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Fila Brasileiro?
• Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Fila Brasileiro?
• Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?
• Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?
• Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Fila Brasileiro
• How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Fila Brasileiros?
• Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?
• Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?
• Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?
• Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Fila Brasileiro
• Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?
• Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
• Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro. Which One is a Better Pet?

Australian Shepherd Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

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

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

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 Fila Brasileiro.

Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro

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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get a Australian Shepherd!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro

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

The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro

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

Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro

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

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 Fila Brasileiro weighs 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. The Fila Brasileiro is 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro

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)

Fila Brasileiro Colors

The Fila Brasileiro comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

• Brown / Chocolate
• Brindle
• Red / Chestnut / Orange

The Fila Brasileiro comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro

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 Fila Brasileiro is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Fila Brasileiro is 10.5 years.

The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Fila Brasileiro.

Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Fila Brasileiro

The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

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 Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1330. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1575. However, the price of the Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

The Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Fila Brasileiro. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiros

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

Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Fila Brasileiro?

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

Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

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

Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Fila Brasileiro

Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Fila Brasileiros?

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

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

Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

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.

Fila Brasileiros 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.

Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?

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

Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Fila Brasileiro

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

Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

Australian Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd     Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog     Australian Shepherd versus Carolina Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Korean Jindo Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Greyhound     Australian Shepherd versus Lakeland Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear     Australian Shepherd versus Norfolk Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Australian Shepherd versus Harrier     Australian Shepherd versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Australian Cattle Dog     Australian Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Australian Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd     Australian Shepherd versus Whoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Australian Shepherd versus Puggle     Australian Shepherd versus Schnoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     

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

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