Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier
- Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Australian Shepherd
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Patterdale Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Patterdale Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Patterdale Terriers?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Patterdale Terrier
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier? 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier.
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 Patterdale Terrier.
Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Patterdale Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 11 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 15 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 11 to 13 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $640 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $500 – $688 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Patterdale Terrier, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Patterdale Terrier.
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 Patterdale Terrier
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier
The Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier.
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 Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier
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 Patterdale Terrier is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Patterdale Terrier is 12.5 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Patterdale Terrier.
Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 5 Patterdale Terriers.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Patterdale Terrier
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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.
| Australian Shepherd | Patterdale Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $640 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $500 to $688 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Patterdale Terriers?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Patterdale Terriers?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?
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.
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Patterdale Terrier
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Patterdale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Patterdale Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Cockalier Australian Shepherd versus Ibizan Hound Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Mastiff Australian Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Australian Shepherd versus Pomchi Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli Australian Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Rottweiler Australian Shepherd versus Pekingese Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo Australian Shepherd versus Weimaraner
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.