Is the Australian Shepherd or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon better for families with children?

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Shepherd or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

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

Which is easier to train, the Australian Shepherd or the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

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

Is Australian Shepherd or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon bigger?

Australian Shepherd and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Australian Shepherd or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Shepherd or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?

For apartment or flat living, Australian Shepherd and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are an even match — either can work well.

Australian Shepherd vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Sheds Less?

Australian Shepherd vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Australian Shepherd has noticeably higher shedding than the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

Size and living space

The Australian Shepherd is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a moderately built dog 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 Shepherd is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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 Shepherd needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims 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 Shepherd learns at a pace few breeds can match, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Australian Shepherd will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Australian Shepherd and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Australian Shepherd and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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, Australian Shepherd and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Shepherd if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon if you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Australian Shepherd vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon