Australian Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie

Compare the Australian Shepherd to the Australian Kelpie. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies.

Australian Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
18-22 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
30-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Origin Country
United States
Australia
Origin Year
1840 AD
1900 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Below Average
Pet Friendly
None
Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Energy Level
High to Very High
Very High
Exercise Required
High
Very High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
24 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium
Shedding
Medium
Medium
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
Low
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
Average
Guarding
Below Average
Average
Herding
Above Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Average
Protection
Below Average
Average
Remove Vermin
None
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
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
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Collie eye anomaly
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar abiotrophy
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Single
Smooth
Coat Texture
Wavy
Rough
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Breed Colors
Black
Blue Merle
Red
Red Merle
Black
Black and Tan
Blue
Chocolate
Fawn
Red
Red and tan
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