# English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd: An In\-Depth Guide - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/english-shepherd-vs-australian-shepherd-an-in-depth-guide/ - Published: 2024-02-12 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m fascinated by the diversity of our canine companions. Two breeds that I find particularly interesting to compare are the English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd. While these herding dogs share some similarities, they also have distinct traits that make them suited for different types of owners and homes. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a detailed look at the history, appearance, temperament, training, health, and care needs of English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. By the end, you‘ll have a clearer picture of which breed (if either) might be your ideal match. Let‘s dive in! ## Breed Origins and Purpose The English Shepherd‘s roots trace back to the pastoral dogs of the Roman empire. When the Romans invaded the British Isles around 55 B.C., they brought herding dogs that would become the foundation for many of today‘s shepherd breeds. English Shepherds served as all-around farm dogs for centuries, adept at herding sheep and cattle, guarding livestock and property, hunting vermin, and providing companionship. British colonists later brought these versatile working dogs to the United States, where they became popular with farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders. Meanwhile, the Australian Shepherd was developed more recently in the western U.S. during the 1800s. Despite its name, the breed did not originate in Australia. Basque shepherds emigrating from Australia brought some herding dogs with them that became key ancestors of the Aussie. These resilient, intelligent ranch dogs excelled at herding livestock and withstanding the heat and hardships of the American West. While they‘re still prized for their working ability, Australian Shepherds have also gained popularity as active companion dogs and competitors in agility, obedience, and other canine sports. ## Physical Characteristics The English Shepherd and Australian Shepherd fall into a similar size range, but they do have some physical differences. Here‘s a quick rundown of their attributes: ### English Shepherd - **Height:** 18-23 inches (45-58 cm) - **Weight:** 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg) - **Coat:** Medium length double coat, slightly wavy with feathering on legs and tail - **Colors:** Black & tan, black & white, sable & white, or tri-color - **Ears:** Folded or pricked - **Tail:** Long and slightly curved, may be docked in working lines ### Australian Shepherd - **Height:** 18-23 inches (45-58 cm) - **Weight:** 40-65 pounds (18-29 kg) - **Coat:** Medium length double coat, straight or slightly wavy - **Colors:** Blue merle, red merle, black, or red – all with white markings and sometimes tan points - **Ears:** Folded or semi-pricked - **Tail:** Naturally bobbed, may be surgically docked - **Eyes:** Blue, brown, amber, or any combination As you can see, Aussies tend to be a bit heavier and come in striking merle coat patterns. A unique feature of the breed is their bobbed tail, which can be naturally short or docked. Meanwhile, English Shepherds have a more classic shepherd dog appearance with solid or tri-color coats and longer tails. ## Temperament and Personality An old nickname for English Shepherds is the "shadow dog" because they form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and always want to be close by. They‘re known for being gentle, good-natured, and highly attuned to their person. While protective of their family, English Shepherds are usually accepting of strangers and recover quickly from startling noises or events. They tend to have a softer temperament than some other herding breeds, but still need a job to stay happy. Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, are more likely to be reserved or standoffish with people they don‘t know. They‘re intensely loyal to their family and often pick a "favorite" person to stick close to. Aussies are high energy, high drive dogs that seem to never run out of stamina. One key difference is that Australian Shepherds can be more prone to developing fear, anxiety, or even aggression without extensive socialization. They‘re also more sensitive and easily spooked by sudden noises or changes in their environment. Both breeds have strong herding instincts, but their style is a bit different. English Shepherds were often used for "boundary" work to keep livestock contained in an area. They tend to herd more with their body and bark rather than grip and are less forceful. Australian Shepherds are known for their "loose eye" herding style, meaning they control stock from a distance with an intense stare. They‘re more assertive herders that may use their teeth to grip and are faster to react. ## Exercise Needs As high energy working dogs, both English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds need at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity per day. This should be broken up into a few different sessions that engage their mind as well as their body. In addition to long walks or hikes, both breeds enjoy active play like fetching a ball or frisbee, swimming, and running alongside a bike. Herding breeds tend to have good stamina, so they make great companions for jogging, hiking, and other endurance activities. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for these intelligent dogs. Puzzle toys, scent work games, obedience drills, and learning new tricks are all ways to challenge their brain and prevent boredom. English Shepherds are a bit more adaptable to their owner‘s activity level and may be content with a long daily walk or hike plus some playtime. Aussies, on the other hand, seem to have endless energy and are always ready for action. Many need a more structured job or activity to stay balanced. ## Training Tips English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are both extremely smart, capable breeds that typically learn new commands quickly with reward-based training. They‘re problem solvers that get bored with too much repetition, so keep training sessions short and engaging. One difference is that English Shepherds are often more biddable and handler-focused than Aussies. They‘re highly attuned to their person and eager to please, so they tend to be a bit easier to train for novice owners. Australian Shepherds are very intelligent but can also be independent thinkers. They‘re easily distracted and need a confident handler to maintain their focus. Starting training early is key to channeling their energy and drive in a positive way. With both breeds, building a strong bond through positive reinforcement and play-based training will yield the best results. Harsh corrections or punishment can seriously damage their trust and lead to fear or shutting down. Clicker training and shaping games are great ways to teach them new behaviors. ## Socialization Needs English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds both require careful socialization from a young age to develop into confident, well-rounded dogs. Positive experiences with a variety of people, animals, places, and situations will help them learn to adapt to new environments. English Shepherds tend to recover more quickly from startling stimuli and are accepting of strangers if introduced properly. They‘re sensitive but resilient dogs that bounce back from stress fairly easily with their owner‘s support. Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, are more prone to developing fear and anxiety without extensive socialization. They can be easily spooked and may react defensively if pushed too far out of their comfort zone. Going at the dog‘s pace and using counter conditioning to build positive associations is important. With both breeds, interactions with children should be closely supervised. Even if well-meaning, their herding instincts can cause them to chase or nip at heels. Teaching kids to respect the dog‘s space and not make sudden movements can prevent mishaps. Puppy kindergarten and socialization classes are highly recommended for English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. These classes provide a safe, controlled environment for puppies to learn critical bite inhibition and social skills that will serve them well into adulthood. ## Health and Care English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are generally healthy, long-lived breeds with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, there are some inherited health conditions to be aware of. Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue seen in herding breeds. English Shepherds have a reported hip dysplasia rate of 8.2% according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Australian Shepherds have a higher rate of 17.2% affected. Other joint disorders like elbow dysplasia and luxating patellas can also occur in both breeds. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock to help reduce the incidence of these painful conditions. Eye problems are another concern, particularly in merle-coated Aussies. Collie eye anomaly, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy are some of the most common inherited eye diseases. Again, health testing of parents can lower the risk. Some Australian Shepherds and English Shepherds may also carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which makes them extremely sensitive to certain drugs. If this mutation is present, even normal doses of common medications like ivermectin or loperamide can cause severe neurological symptoms or even death. Epilepsy is another potential issue in Australian Shepherds, with an estimated prevalence of 2.4% in the breed according to one study. While it can often be managed with medication, epilepsy is a serious condition that requires lifelong treatment and monitoring. In terms of grooming, both breeds have a medium length double coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Weekly brushing will help remove loose fur and prevent matting, especially in Aussies with a longer, fuller coat. Nail trims every 3-4 weeks are also important for both breeds to prevent overgrowth and splitting. Dental care is another essential part of their routine, as herding breeds can be prone to periodontal disease. Daily tooth brushing is ideal, but giving appropriate chews and toys can also help minimize plaque buildup. ## Lifestyle Considerations So which breed might be a better fit for your lifestyle and home environment? Let‘s summarize some key points: English Shepherds tend to be a bit more forgiving of novice mistakes and adapt more readily to an active companion role. They‘re usually gentle, tolerant dogs that do well with children if socialized properly. While they still need daily exercise and mental stimulation, their stamina and drive is often a little lower than Aussies. Australian Shepherds are higher energy, more intense dogs that need a job to stay balanced. Their work ethic and athleticism makes them excel at herding, agility, obedience, and other high-octane activities. Aussies are best suited for experienced owners that are dedicated to training and staying active with their dog. Both breeds do best in homes with a securely fenced yard where they can run and play. If they don‘t have outdoor space, access to safe off-leash parks or hiking trails is important for meeting their exercise needs. English Shepherds and Aussies can adapt to apartment or city living if their owner is committed to plenty of walks and mental enrichment. Cost is another factor to consider, as herding breeds can be prone to some expensive health issues. According to a survey by the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, the average first year cost of owning an Australian Shepherd is $3,110. This factors in one-time expenses like supplies as well as recurring costs like food, vet care, grooming, and training. While specific data isn‘t available for English Shepherds, their ownership costs are likely very similar. Investing in pet health insurance from a young age can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected illnesses or injuries. ## Final Thoughts English Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are both intelligent, loyal, high energy herding breeds that require an active lifestyle and positive, consistent training. They can be a great fit for experienced owners or active families that want a dog to join in lots of outdoor adventures. In general, English Shepherds tend to be a little more forgiving and adaptable than Aussies. They usually have a softer temperament and are more accepting of strangers if socialized properly. Australian Shepherds are often more intense, independent-minded dogs that require more mental stimulation and a firmer hand in training. With both breeds, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization is key to starting off on the right foot. Look for a breeder that performs health testing on their stock and provides early socialization and enrichment for their pups. Spend time with adult dogs of each breed to get a feel for their energy level and personality. Whichever breed you choose, remember that an English Shepherd or Aussie is a long-term commitment. These active, intelligent dogs need an outlet for their physical and mental energy throughout their life. By providing them with plenty of exercise, training, and love, you‘ll be rewarded with a devoted companion for many years to come. --- Source: [English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd: An In\-Depth Guide](https://33rdsquare.com/english-shepherd-vs-australian-shepherd-an-in-depth-guide/)