American vs Australian Shepherd: Size, Temperament, and More · Kinship

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American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd

The difference is mostly in size, but there are some other distinguishing factors, too.

by Marianne Eloise
December 23, 2025
American Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd dogs.
Didkovska Ilona / Shutterstock ; Sofiia / Adobe Stock

In This Article:

American Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd Comparison Summary Origin and History of the American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Physical Characteristics Temperament and Personalities Grooming Needs Exercise Needs and Activity Levels Training and Intelligence Health and Lifespan Cost Do American Shepherds and Australian Shepherds Make Good Family Pets? How to Choose Between an American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd

From their names alone, the American Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd might seem like the same dog. They do have similarities, such as their coloring, temperaments, jobs, and energy levels. However, they’re actually pretty different. For starters, the American Shepherd, often called the Miniature American Shepherd, is the smaller version of their Australian sibling.

There are some other key differences between the two Shepherd breeds. We’ll break it all down for you here, from their average height to their grooming needs and energy levels. 

Main takeaways

  • The American Shepherd and Australian Shepherd have similar temperaments and personalities.

  • Both the American and Australian Shepherd need a lot of exercise. 

  • The American Shepherd can be as little as half the size of the Australian Shepherd.

  • Both the American Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd can be easily trained.

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Marianne Eloise

Marianne Eloise’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Cut, Vulture, and more. She is also the author of an essay collection Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking. She has been going on adventures with her dog Bowie since she was 17.

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