Australian Shepherd vs Scottish Deerhound
Complete side-by-side comparison of Australian Shepherd and Scottish Deerhound. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Australian Shepherd
Size
Medium (25-50 lbs)
Lifespan
12-15 years
Price
$800-$2,000
Scottish Deerhound
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
8-11 years
Price
$1,000-$2,500
Quick Verdict
Australian Shepherd wins this comparison!
Australian Shepherd edges out Scottish Deerhound in our comparison, scoring better in 3 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) | Giant (100+ lbs) |
| Height | 18-23" | 28-32" |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs | 75-110 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 8-11 years |
| Coat Type | Double | Wire |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Regular - 2-3x/week | Moderate - Weekly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 90 min | 60 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Australian Shepherd | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Australian Shepherd | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800-$2,000 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Annual Cost | $1,500/year | $1,800/year |
Health Considerations
Australian Shepherd
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Scottish Deerhound
Lifespan: 8-11 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Australian Shepherd or Scottish Deerhound better for families?
Australian Shepherd is generally better for families, scoring 5/5 for child-friendliness compared to 4/5 for Scottish Deerhound. However, both breeds can make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
Which costs more to own, a Australian Shepherd or Scottish Deerhound?
A Scottish Deerhound costs approximately $1800/year while a Australian Shepherd costs about $1500/year. Australian Shepherd is the more affordable option.
Which is easier to train, a Australian Shepherd or Scottish Deerhound?
Australian Shepherd is generally easier to train, scoring 5/5 for trainability compared to 3/5 for Scottish Deerhound.
Do Australian Shepherd or Scottish Deerhound live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
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