Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Goldendoodle: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Goldendoodle
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Goldendoodle
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Goldendoodles?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Goldendoodles?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Goldendoodle?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Goldendoodles?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Goldendoodle?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Goldendoodles?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Goldendoodle
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Goldendoodle: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle? 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle.
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 Goldendoodle.
Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.
Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Goldendoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 50 to 90 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $2160 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1500 – $2500 |
| 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 Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Goldendoodle, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Goldendoodle.
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 Goldendoodle
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle
The Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle.
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 Goldendoodle weighs 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The Goldendoodle is 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Goldendoodle
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)
Goldendoodle Colors
The Goldendoodle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Apricot / Beige
- Black
- White / Cream
- Golden
- Brown / Chocolate
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Merle (Blue)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
The Goldendoodle comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Apricot / Beige
- Brown / Chocolate
- Golden
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle
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 Goldendoodle is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Goldendoodle is 12.5 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Goldendoodle.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Goldendoodle
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 Goldendoodle puppy is $2160. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $16000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4237 Goldendoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Goldendoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $2160 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1500 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Goldendoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodles
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Goldendoodles 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 Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like Blue on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Goldendoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Simon-Tx is a Male Goldendoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Goldendoodles like Simon-Tx that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
0149 Vern (Aka Walter) is the name of another Australian Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Bradley is an adorable Male Goldendoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Goldendoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Goldendoodles?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Goldendoodles?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Goldendoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Goldendoodle?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Goldendoodles are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Goldendoodles?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Goldendoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Goldendoodle?
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.
Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Goldendoodle
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Goldendoodle?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Goldendoodle?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Goldendoodles are very good 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 Goldendoodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur Australian Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund Australian Shepherd versus Rottweiler Australian Shepherd versus Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd versus American Foxhound Australian Shepherd versus Chi-Poo Australian Shepherd versus Shetland Sheepdog Australian Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Australian Shepherd versus Leonberger Australian Shepherd versus Japanese Spitz Australian Shepherd versus Shihpoo Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund Australian Shepherd versus Shiba Inu Australian Shepherd versus Boston Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Briard Australian Shepherd versus Afador Australian Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Goldendoodle. 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 Goldendoodle better suits you and your family.