Is the Australian Kelpie or the Auvergne Pointer better for families with children?

Both the Australian Kelpie and the Auvergne Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Kelpie or the Auvergne Pointer?

The Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Australian Kelpie or the Auvergne Pointer?

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

Is Australian Kelpie or Auvergne Pointer bigger?

Auvergne Pointer is the larger breed; Australian Kelpie is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Australian Kelpie or Auvergne Pointer?

Australian Kelpie tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Auvergne Pointer is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Kelpie or Auvergne Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Kelpie vs Auvergne Pointer: Which Is Quieter?

Australian Kelpie vs Auvergne Pointer: full comparison

Trait	Australian Kelpie	Auvergne Pointer
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	14 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Auvergne Pointer is a larger dog than the Australian Kelpie, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Australian Kelpie is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Auvergne Pointer is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Australian Kelpie requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Auvergne Pointer 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 Australian Kelpie needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Auvergne Pointer needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Kelpie takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Auvergne Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Australian Kelpie will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Auvergne Pointer will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Australian Kelpie has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Kelpie if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Auvergne Pointer if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Kelpie or the Auvergne Pointer better for families with children?: Both the Australian Kelpie and the Auvergne Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Kelpie or the Auvergne Pointer?: The Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Kelpie or the Auvergne Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Australian Kelpie or Auvergne Pointer bigger?: Auvergne Pointer is the larger breed; Australian Kelpie is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Australian Kelpie or Auvergne Pointer?: Australian Kelpie tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Auvergne Pointer is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Kelpie or Auvergne Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Kelpie and Auvergne Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Kelpie vs Auvergne Pointer