Breed Comparison: Australian Shepherd Versus Carolina Dog

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Australian Shepherd Versus Carolina Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog? 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog.

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 Carolina Dog.

Australian Shepherd versus Carolina Dog: Overview

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog

Factor Australian Shepherd Carolina Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 33 to 55 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1210 $500
Price Range $800 – $1500 $500 – $500
Temperament Score 82.2 percent 66.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
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  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
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    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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Carolina Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Australian Shepherds 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. However, Carolina Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
    • Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. However, Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
    • Australian Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Carolina Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog.

    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, Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Carolina Dog

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

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Australian Shepherd

    The Australian Shepherd has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Carolina Dog by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 3 Carolina Dogs.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Carolina Dog

    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 Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Carolina Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Carolina Dog 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Carolina Dog

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Carolina Dogs?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Carolina Dog

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Carolina Dog?

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

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Carolina Dog?

    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.

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Carolina Dog

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

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Carolina Dog?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Carolina Dog?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog better suits you and your family.