Comparing German & Australian Shepherd Dog Breeds

They may both be herding breeds, but the German Shepherd Dog and the Australian Shepherd dog are not directly related. While the German Shepherd Dog actually originated in Germany, the Australian Shepherd (or Aussie) was first bred on ranches in the Western United States. However, they are similar in that they are intelligent, working dogs that excel at learning, guarding, and playing. Let's compare and contrast both dog breeds:

History of the Australian and German Shepherd Dog Breeds

The Australian Shepherd was developed in Western North America in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. It is not clear where the name "Australian" comes from, but it is possible that many of the dogs from Australia were blue merle and "Australian" may have been associated with dogs that had the blue merle coat color.

German Shepherd Dogs (also known as Alsatians), on the other hand, did originate in Germany around the year of 1899. One of the most common household pets, the German Shepherd Dog is loyal and protective in nature. Max von Stephanitz, credited with being the creator of the German Shepherd Dog, originally bred them to be working dogs by preserving desirable canine traits.

Appearance of the Australian and German Shepherd Dog Breeds

The appearance of the Australian Shepherd depends on the particular line's emphasis. There are two distinct lines: working and show dogs. Working dogs tend to have shorter coats, while the show dogs have longer, fuller coats. In general, the Australian Shepherd has a medium size build and either black, red, blue merle, or red merle coats. Eye color may vary between brown and blue, including bi-color or "split" eyes. Even the tails vary on Australian Shepherds; some may be naturally short and bobbed, while others are longer and fuller.

The German Shepherd Dog, however, is a larger breed of dog. They have domed foreheads; long, square-cut muzzles; and black noses. Their ears stand erect (the Australian Shepherd's do not) and the tails are long and bushy. Coat colors may vary between tan/black and red/black, as well as the rarer sable, all-black, all-white, liver, and blue varieties.

Health and Mortality of the Australian and German Shepherd Dog Breeds

The Australian Shepherd may acquire health problems, such as back, hip, vision, and pancreatic troubles. Many are epileptic and thyroid problems are even starting to appear. On average, the Australian Shepherd dog lives 12.5 years, but that longevity may be declining.

German Shepherd Dogs may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which may later cause arthritis. They may also acquire spinal stenosis and ear infections (due to their large ears). Unlike the Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd Dogs only live about seven to ten years.

Which is better: the German Shepherd Dog or the Australian Shepherd?

Neither dog breed is better than the other; it all depends on what you are looking for in a pet. They are very similar in many ways: they are both intelligent, working dogs and loyal pets; they need to keep busy, or they may become destructive; and they are both herding dogs. However, the German Shepherd Dog is a larger breed than the Australian Shepherd; each breed varies in appearances; and they may suffer from various health problems. What are you looking for in a dog?

^{Source: Wikipedia.com}