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

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Australian Shepherd Versus Cockalier: Introduction

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

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

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 Cockalier.

Australian Shepherd versus Cockalier: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Cockalier is a small-sized dog.

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 Cockalier belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Australian Shepherd versus Cockalier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Cockalier 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 Cockalier

Factor Australian Shepherd Cockalier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
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 12 to 15 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
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 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 10 to 28 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1210 $1600
Price Range $800 – $1500 $1200 – $1895
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    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 Cockalier. 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 Cockalier is 89 out of 125.

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

    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 Cockalier 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 Cockalier

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

    • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Cockaliers adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Cockaliers are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier 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 Cockalier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockalier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Cockalier

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

    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, Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Cockalier

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

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

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Cockalier

    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 Cockalier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $1200 – $1895. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Cockalier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockalier is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers

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

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Cockaliers?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockalier

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockalier?

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

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cockalier?

    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.

    Cockaliers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Cockaliers?

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

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Cockalier

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

    Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Cockaliers?

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

    Cockaliers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Cockaliers?

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

    Cockaliers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Cockalier?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Cockalier?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

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