Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Husky

Compare Australian Shepherds to Alaskan Huskies. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between these two breeds.

Australian Shepherd vs Alaskan Husky
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Breed Type
Purebred
Hybrid
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
23-26 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
35-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Origin Country
United States
United States
Origin Year
1840 AD
Unspecified
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
None
Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Above Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
0-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Energy Level
High to Very High
Very High
Exercise Required
High
Very High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
24 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Low
Shedding
Medium
Medium
Dander
Medium
Low
Drool
Low
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Below Average
Hunting
Below Average
Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
None
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Above Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hyperthyroidism
Laryngeal paresis
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Single
Smooth
Coat Texture
Wavy
Rough
Silky
Straight
Wooly
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Alaskan Husky
Breed Colors
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