Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier
- Temperament of the Skye Terrier Versus the Australian Shepherd
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Skye Terrier
- The Popularity of Australian Shepherd versus Popularity of Skye Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Skye Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Skye Terriers?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye Terrier?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Skye Terriers?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Skye Terrier
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Skye 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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Skye 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 Skye 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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier.
Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Skye 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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Skye 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 Skye Terrier
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 25 to 40 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $2000 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $2000 – $2000 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 37.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 15 | 176 |
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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Skye Terrier, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Skye 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 Skye Terrier
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier
The Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Skye 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 Skye Terrier weighs 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. The Skye Terrier is 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier
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)
Skye Terrier Colors
The Skye Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
The Skye Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Skye 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 Skye Terrier is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Skye Terrier is 13.0 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Skye Terrier.
Temperament of the Skye Terrier Versus the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Skye Terrier.
This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Skye Terrier is 37.5 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 37.5 percent, the Skye Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 8 Skye Terriers.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Skye 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 Skye Terrier puppy is $2000. The price of the Skye Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of the Skye Terrier can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Skye Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Skye Terrier is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Skye Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $2000 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $2000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Skye Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Skye 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 Skye Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Skye 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.
The Popularity of Australian Shepherd versus Popularity of Skye Terrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Australian Shepherd and the Skye Terrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Australian Shepherd is more popular with dog owners than the Skye Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Australian Shepherd is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Skye Terrier is 176 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Australian Shepherd
Popularity of Skye Terrier
| Year | Australian Shepherd Popularity Rank | Skye Terrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | 161 |
| 2014 | 18 | 177 |
| 2015 | 17 | 175 |
| 2016 | 16 | 178 |
| 2017 | 17 | 172 |
| 2018 | 15 | 178 |
| 2019 | 13 | 187 |
| 2020 | 12 | 183 |
| 2021 | 12 | 181 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Skye Terrier
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Skye Terriers?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Skye Terriers shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Skye Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Skye Terriers are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Skye Terriers?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Skye Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye 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.
Skye 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 Skye Terriers?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Skye Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Skye Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Skye Terrier
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Skye Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Skye Terrier?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Skye Terrier?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Dogo Argentino Australian Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Beagle Australian Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Bordoodle Australian Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano Australian Shepherd versus Boxer Australian Shepherd versus Chinook Australian Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Australian Shepherd versus Afghan Hound Australian Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Lhasapoo Australian Shepherd versus Biewer Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Skye 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 Skye Terrier better suits you and your family.