Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Miniature Poodle: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle
- Temperament of the Miniature Poodle Versus the Australian Shepherd
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Miniature Poodle
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Miniature Poodle
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Miniature Poodles?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Miniature Poodles?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Miniature Poodle?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Miniature Poodles?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Poodle?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Poodles?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Miniature Poodle
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Miniature Poodle: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle? 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 Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle.
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 Miniature Poodle.
Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle: Overview
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Miniature Poodle belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Miniature Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | From 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 12 to 20 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1500 – $3000 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 76.7 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 Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle is 88 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Miniature Poodle, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Miniature Poodle.
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 Miniature Poodle
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle
The Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle.
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 Miniature Poodle weighs 12 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Poodle is From 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle
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)
Miniature Poodle Colors
The Miniature Poodle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Bicolor
- Brown / Chocolate
The Miniature Poodle comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle
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 Miniature Poodle is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Poodle is 13.5 years.
The Miniature Poodle live as long as the Australian Shepherd.
Temperament of the Miniature Poodle Versus the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Miniature Poodle.
This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Poodle is 76.7 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 76.7 percent, the Miniature Poodle has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Poodle by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 73 Miniature Poodles.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Miniature Poodle
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 Miniature Poodle puppy is $2500. The price of the Miniature Poodle typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Miniature Poodle can be as low as $350 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1190 Miniature Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Miniature Poodle is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Miniature Poodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $2500 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1500 to $3000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Miniature Poodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodles
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Miniature Poodle 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 Miniature Poodle
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Miniature Poodles 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 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Miniature Poodles are also available for adoption. For example, Lensky is a Male Miniature Poodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Poodles like Lensky that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Coco is an adorable Male Miniature Poodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Miniature Poodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Miniature Poodles do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Miniature Poodles?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Miniature Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Miniature Poodles require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Miniature Poodles get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Miniature Poodles?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Miniature Poodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Miniature Poodle?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Miniature Poodles are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Miniature Poodles do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Miniature Poodles?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Miniature Poodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Poodle?
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.
Miniature Poodles 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 Miniature Poodles?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Miniature Poodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Miniature Poodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Miniature Poodle
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Miniature Poodles 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 Miniature Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Miniature Poodles can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Poodle?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Miniature Poodles adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Miniature Poodle?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Miniature Poodles 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 Miniature Poodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Boxerdoodle Australian Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Chi-Poo Australian Shepherd versus Bich Poo Australian Shepherd versus Komondor Australian Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Peek A Poo Australian Shepherd versus Akita Chow Australian Shepherd versus Shih Tzu Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog Australian Shepherd versus Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Basenji Australian Shepherd versus Bernese Mountain Dog Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound Australian Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo Australian Shepherd versus Cavachon
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle. 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 Miniature Poodle better suits you and your family.