Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Lacy better for families with children?

Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Blue Lacy are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Lacy?

The Australian Cattle Dog sheds more than the Blue Lacy. If shedding is a concern, the Blue Lacy is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Lacy?

The Blue Lacy is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Lacy bigger?

Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Lacy?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Lacy?

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Lacy: Which Sheds Less?

Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Lacy: full comparison

Trait	Australian Cattle Dog	Blue Lacy
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Australian Cattle Dog is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Blue Lacy is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 Australian Cattle Dog is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Blue Lacy is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Cattle Dog asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Blue Lacy asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds only lightly. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Cattle Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Blue Lacy is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Australian Cattle Dog keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Blue Lacy keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Blue Lacy has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Blue Lacy has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Cattle Dog if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Blue Lacy on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Blue Lacy if you want an easier dog to train or you want less shedding around the home.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Lacy better for families with children?: Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Blue Lacy are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Lacy?: The Australian Cattle Dog sheds more than the Blue Lacy. If shedding is a concern, the Blue Lacy is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Blue Lacy?: The Blue Lacy is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Lacy bigger?: Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Lacy?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Lacy?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog and Blue Lacy are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Blue Lacy