Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

German Shepherd

Herding · Large

Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd

Side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Australian Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Australian Shepherd

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

German Shepherd

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Australian Shepherd

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shepherd
Size	Medium	Large
Height	18–23″	22–26″
Weight	40–65 lbs	50–90 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	7–10 yrs
Group	Herding	Herding
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Dense double coat, medium length

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shepherd
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shepherd
Good with kids	High	High
Good with dogs	High	Moderate
Good with cats	Low	Low
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Low

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shepherd
Shedding	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	60–120 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	2.5–3.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$1 500–$2 600

Temperament