Why you Should Get the Australian Shepherd Instead of the Pyredoodle.

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

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Australian Shepherd Versus Pyredoodle: Introduction

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

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

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 Pyredoodle.

Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle

Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Pyredoodle 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 Pyredoodle

FactorAustralian ShepherdPyredoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Easy To Groom1/53/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder15 to 32 inches
Good For Novice Owners2/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/53/5
General Health2/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things2/53/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/53/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds85 to 100 pounds
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1180$1490
Price Range$800 – $1500$1498 – $1600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Pyredoodle. 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 Pyredoodle is 85 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Pyredoodle, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Pyredoodle.

    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 Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle

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

  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Pyredoodle are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle

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

    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 Pyredoodle weighs 85 to 100 pounds when fully grown. The Pyredoodle is 15 to 32 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Australian Shepherd versus Size of Pyredoodle

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Pyredoodle

    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 Pyredoodle is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Pyredoodle is 11.0 years.

    The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Pyredoodle.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Pyredoodle

    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 Pyredoodle puppy is $1490. The price of the Pyredoodle typically ranges from $1498 – $1600. However, the price of the Pyredoodle can be as low as $400 and as high as $2100. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 40 Pyredoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pyredoodle is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

    Australian Shepherd Pyredoodle
    Average Price $1180 $1490
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $1498 to $1600

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Pyredoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Pyredoodle 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 Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pyredoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Pyredoodles

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

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Pyredoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Pyredoodles?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Pyredoodle?

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

    Pyredoodles are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Pyredoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Pyredoodles?

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

    Pyredoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Pyredoodle?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Pyredoodles are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Pyredoodle

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyredoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Pyredoodles?

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

    Pyredoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyredoodle?

    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.

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodles?

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

    Pyredoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyredoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyredoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Pyredoodle

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

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyredoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Pyredoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyredoodle?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyredoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pyredoodles 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 Pyredoodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

    Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois     Australian Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Australian Shepherd versus Pomeranian     Australian Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino     Australian Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Australian Shepherd versus Cavapoo     Australian Shepherd versus Biewer Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Pointer     Australian Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Dalmatian     Australian Shepherd versus Goldador     Australian Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     Australian Shepherd versus Samoyed     Australian Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Australian Shepherd versus Afghan Hound     

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

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