Aussiedoodle vs English Shepherd

Choosing between Aussiedoodle and English Shepherd? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Aussiedoodle vs English Shepherd: full comparison

TraitAussiedoodleEnglish Shepherd
SizeMediumMedium
Energy levelVery HighVery High
TrainabilityVery HighVery High
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsHighMedium
SheddingLowMedium
BarkingMediumMedium
ProtectivenessMediumHigh
AdaptabilityMediumMedium
Typical lifespan12 years13 years
HypoallergenicYesNo

Size and living space

The Aussiedoodle is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the English Shepherd is a medium-sized dog 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 is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The English Shepherd is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. 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 very little. The English Shepherd needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The English Shepherd is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Aussiedoodle will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas English Shepherd is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

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 English Shepherd if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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