German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie

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

German Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
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General Details
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-15 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
18-22 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
30-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Origin Country
Germany
Australia
Origin Year
1899 AD
1900 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Overall Friendliness
Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Below Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Below Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Energy Level
High
Very High
Exercise Required
High
Very High
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
24 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium
Shedding
High
Medium
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Medium
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Aggression
Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Average
Guarding
Above Average
Average
Herding
Above Average
Above Average
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Above Average
Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy
Collie eye anomaly
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar abiotrophy
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Single
Smooth
Coat Texture
Straight
Rough
Straight
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Australian Kelpie
Breed Colors
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue
Gray
Liver
White
Black
Black and Tan
Blue
Chocolate
Fawn
Red
Red and tan
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