Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Bluetick Coonhound: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Shepherd and for the Bluetick Coonhound. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Bluetick Coonhound.

Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound: Overview

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Bluetick Coonhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Bluetick Coonhound based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound

Factor Australian Shepherd Bluetick Coonhound
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 45 to 100 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1210 $830
Price Range $800 – $1500 $465 – $1200
Temperament Score 82.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Bluetick Coonhound. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bluetick Coonhound is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bluetick Coonhound is a better pet than the Australian Shepherd. So, you should get the Bluetick Coonhound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Bluetick Coonhounds are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Bluetick Coonhounds are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound

    The Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Bluetick Coonhounds weigh 45 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Bluetick Coonhounds are 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Bluetick Coonhounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bluetick Coonhounds is 11.0 years.

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Bluetick Coonhounds.

    Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Versus the Bluetick Coonhound

    The Bluetick Coonhound has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bluetick Coonhound is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Bluetick Coonhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 2 Bluetick Coonhounds.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Bluetick Coonhound

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Bluetick Coonhound puppy is $830. The price of the Bluetick Coonhound typically ranges from $465 – $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 55 Bluetick Coonhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Bluetick Coonhound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Bluetick Coonhound. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Bluetick Coonhound puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bluetick Coonhounds

    A breakdown of the prices of Bluetick Coonhounds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Bluetick Coonhound puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Bluetick Coonhound

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Australian Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bluetick Coonhound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Shepherd than for the Bluetick Coonhound.

    7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 1 tests are recommended for the Bluetick Coonhound.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Bluetick Coonhounds.

    Australian Shepherd Health Problems

    Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Australian Shepherds for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds here.

    Bluetick Coonhound Health Problems

    Bluetick Coonhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bluetick Coonhound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bluetick Coonhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bluetick Coonhound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bluetick Coonhounds for:

  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bluetick Coonhounds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Bluetick Coonhounds?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Bluetick Coonhound

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bluetick Coonhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Bluetick Coonhound?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bluetick Coonhounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bluetick Coonhound?

    Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Bluetick Coonhounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Bluetick Coonhounds?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Bluetick Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bluetick Coonhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bluetick Coonhounds can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Bluetick Coonhound

    Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Bluetick Coonhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bluetick Coonhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Bluetick Coonhounds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Bluetick Coonhound?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Bluetick Coonhounds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Bluetick Coonhounds?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Bluetick Coonhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Bluetick Coonhounds?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Bluetick Coonhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Bluetick Coonhound?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Bluetick Coonhounds are not easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Bluetick Coonhound?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Bluetick Coonhound?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Bluetick Coonhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Shepherd and the Bluetick Coonhound better suits you and your family.