Comparison: Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd

Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Australian Cattle Dog
Photo: Eva holderegger walser, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Australian Shepherd
Photo: localpups, CC BY 2.0, source
Australian Cattle DogAustralian Shepherd
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originAustraliaUnited States
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers43–51 cm46–58 cm
Weight15–22 kg16–32 kg
Life span12–15 years12–15 years
Recognition features
  • Blue or red speckled coat with tan points
  • Compact, muscular body
  • Short dense double coat and erect ears
  • Frequent merle coat and odd-coloured eyes
  • Naturally bobbed or short tail
  • Medium-length coat and athletic build
CoatShort dense double coat, blue or red speckled.Medium-length coat with undercoat; blue/red merle, black or red, often with tan.
PurposeBred in Australia (partly with dingo blood) to drive cattle over long distances in the heat.Developed in the USA (not Australia) from herding dogs brought by Basque shepherds; a working dog of American ranches and rodeos.

Breed page: Australian Cattle Dog · Breed page: Australian Shepherd

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.