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Golden Sheltie vs Australian Shepherd Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Golden Sheltie or Aussie?

Compare the Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Golden Sheltie or a Aussie? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Little Blue Dog, Aussie

Weight

What is the average weight of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?
15.0 pounds ( 7 kg )
62.5 pounds ( 28 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd
13.5 inches ( 34.3 cm )
21.5 inches ( 54.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither Golden Sheltie nor Australian Shepherd are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd dogs?
Playful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Reliable
Lively
Gentle
Kind
Trustworthy

Active
Friendly
Intelligent
Loving
Affectionate
Good-natured
Protective

Shedding Level

Do Golden Shelties shed more than Australian Shepherds, or which breed sheds more, Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds?

Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

Golden Shelties are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose an Australian Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd dog breeds?
United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds?
Golden Retriever and Sheltie

Basque Shepherd

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

Date of Birth

When were Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds first developed?
Unknown

1800s

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd dogs?
Brown

Blue
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?
Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds?
White
Sable
Black
Blue
Fawn

Black
Red
Blue

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds?

Golden Shelties have medium-length coats.

Australian Shepherds have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?
Wavy

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?

4-6 puppies per pregnancy

A Golden Sheltie can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

An Australian Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherds are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Golden Shelties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Australian Shepherd breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds?
Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
CEA
Von Willebrand's Disease

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?
None Known

Distichiasis
Deafness
OCD
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd breeds?
X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Blood
Hearing

Energy

How do the energy levels of Golden Shelties and Australian Shepherds compare?

Golden Shelties' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Australian Shepherds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Social Needs

Golden Sheltie vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison

Golden Sheltie has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Australian Shepherd has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Golden Sheltie vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison.

Golden Shelties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Australian Shepherds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

Golden Shelties sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Australian Shepherds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Tendency to Bark

Do Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds bark more/less frequently?

Golden Shelties bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Australian Shepherd dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Golden Sheltie vs Australian Shepherd?

Roaming urge

Golden Sheltie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd entertained?
Treat games

Go to Beach, Walk, Frisbee, Hike, Backpacking, High Five, Speak, Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Tug-of-war, Play, Run, Chase, Jogging, Being chased, Tug of war, Running, Walks, Fetch, Sticks, Toys, Fetching, Napping, Kissing, Jumping, Heel, Squirrel gazing, Stare, Greet humans

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds?

High

Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd are high-energy dogs that require a lot of mental and physical exercise. Without proper stimulation and attention, these breeds can become problematic. If you're considering these breeds, be prepared to invest time and effort in their exercise and training.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd walk each week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Golden Sheltie, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Australian Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds require more exercise?

90 minutes

Both Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd typically require a minimum of 90 minutes of exercise each day. The exercise can be spread throughout the day and may involve high-energy activities like walking, running, and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds?

Golden Shelties require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Australian Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd dogs?

Weekly

Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Golden Shelties and Australian Shepherds?
Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd in cups?

3 cups

For an average 50-60 pound (23 - 27 kg) Golden Sheltie feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

2.5 cups

For an average 55-70 pound (25 - 32 kg) Australian Shepherd feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

$1.50 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Golden Sheltie is somewhere $1.50 - $2.00 per day.

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an Australian Shepherd is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

$48 - $63 / month

When it comes to monthly expenses, both Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd have a similar average cost, ranging from $48 - $63. This results in an average yearly cost of around $576 - $756.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Golden Shelties vs Australian Shepherds

Golden Sheltie is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Sheltie vs Australian Shepherd?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

Golden Shelties can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Australian Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Golden Shelties or Australian Shepherds have a friendlier temperament towards children?

The typical characteristics of Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

Cat Friendly

Do Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Golden Shelties are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Australian Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

Golden Shelties are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Australian Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Golden Sheltie or Australian Shepherd?

Golden Shelties are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Australian Shepherds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Golden Sheltie and Australian Shepherd?

Golden Shelties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Australian Shepherds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Golden Shelties and Australian Shepherds compare?

Golden Shelties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Common match-ups