Is the Aussiedoodle or the Australian Shepherd better for families with children?

Both the Aussiedoodle and the Australian Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Aussiedoodle or the Australian Shepherd?

The Australian Shepherd sheds more than the Aussiedoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Aussiedoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Aussiedoodle or the Australian Shepherd?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Aussiedoodle or Australian Shepherd bigger?

Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Aussiedoodle or Australian Shepherd?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Aussiedoodle or Australian Shepherd?

For apartment or apartment living, Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Aussiedoodle vs Australian Shepherd: Which Sheds Less?

Aussiedoodle vs Australian Shepherd: full comparison

Trait	Aussiedoodle	Australian Shepherd
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Australian Shepherd has noticeably higher shedding than the Aussiedoodle.

Size and living space

The Aussiedoodle is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Australian Shepherd is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Aussiedoodle requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Australian Shepherd requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Aussiedoodle needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds only lightly. The Australian Shepherd needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Aussiedoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Aussiedoodle is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Australian Shepherd is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Aussiedoodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Australian Shepherd announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Shepherd has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Aussiedoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Aussiedoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Australian Shepherd if you want a more adaptable dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Aussiedoodle or the Australian Shepherd better for families with children?: Both the Aussiedoodle and the Australian Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Aussiedoodle or the Australian Shepherd?: The Australian Shepherd sheds more than the Aussiedoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Aussiedoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Aussiedoodle or the Australian Shepherd?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Aussiedoodle or Australian Shepherd bigger?: Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Aussiedoodle or Australian Shepherd?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Aussiedoodle or Australian Shepherd?: For apartment or apartment living, Aussiedoodle and Australian Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Aussiedoodle vs Australian Shepherd