Which is Better Between the Australian Shepherd and the Labradoodle?

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Australian Shepherd Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

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

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

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 Labradoodle.

Australian Shepherd versus Labradoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Labradoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Labradoodle is a large-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 Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Australian Shepherd versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

Factor Australian Shepherd Labradoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
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 13.0 years
Average Price $1210 $1640
Price Range $800 – $1500 $1000 – $2000
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 Labradoodle. 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 Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

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

    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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle

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

    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Labradoodles are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labradoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Labradoodle

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

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

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Labradoodle

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

    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, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Labradoodle

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

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Labradoodles.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Labradoodle

    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 Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labradoodle is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

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

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Labradoodles?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Labradoodle

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Labradoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?

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

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

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

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Labradoodle

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

    Labradoodles 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 Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Labradoodles?

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

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

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

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

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