Last Updated: Jun 16, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Toy Poodle: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle
- Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Toy Poodle
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Toy Poodle
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Toy Poodles?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Toy Poodle?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Toy Poodle?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Toy Poodles?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Toy Poodle?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Toy Poodle
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Toy Poodles?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Toy Poodle?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Toy Poodles?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Toy Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Toy Poodle
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Toy Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Toy Poodle: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Toy 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 Toy 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 Toy Poodle.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Toy 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 Toy 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 Toy 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 Toy Poodle.
Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Toy Poodle 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 Toy 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 Toy Poodle: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Toy 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 Toy Poodle
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Toy 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 6 to over 10 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 | 6 to 10 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 | $2760 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1894 – $3500 |
| Temperament Score | 82.2 percent | 78.9 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 Toy 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 Toy Poodle is 88 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Toy Poodle, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Toy 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 Toy Poodle
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle
The Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Toy 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 Toy Poodle weighs 6 to 10 pounds when fully grown. The Toy Poodle is From 6 to over 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Toy 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 Toy Poodle is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Toy Poodle is 13.5 years.
The Toy Poodle live as long as the Australian Shepherd.
Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Toy Poodle
The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Toy Poodle.
This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Toy Poodle is 78.9 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 78.9 percent, the Toy Poodle has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Toy Poodle by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 57 Toy Poodles.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Toy 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 Toy Poodle puppy is $2760. The price of the Toy Poodle typically ranges from $1894 – $3500. However, the price of the Toy Poodle can be as low as $450 and as high as $9835. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 872 Toy Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Toy Poodle is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Toy Poodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $2760 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1894 to $3500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Toy Poodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Toy 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 Toy Poodles
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Toy 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Toy Poodle
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Toy Poodles do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Toy Poodles?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Toy Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Toy Poodle?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Toy 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 Toy Poodle?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Toy Poodles get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Toy Poodles?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Toy Poodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Toy Poodle?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Toy Poodles are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Toy Poodle
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Toy Poodles do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Toy Poodles?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Toy Poodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Toy 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.
Toy 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 Toy Poodles?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Toy Poodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Toy Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Toy Poodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Toy Poodle
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Toy 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 Toy Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Toy Poodles can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Toy Poodle?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Toy Poodles adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Toy Poodle?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Toy 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 Toy Poodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Labradoodle Australian Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle Australian Shepherd versus Australian Terrier Australian Shepherd versus English Springer Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Clumber Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Cairn Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Australian Shepherd versus Portuguese Water Dog Australian Shepherd versus English Cocker Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Australian Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Akita Australian Shepherd versus Japanese Chin Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Toy 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 Toy Poodle better suits you and your family.