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

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Australian Shepherd Versus Xoloitzcuintli: Introduction

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

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

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 Xoloitzcuintli.

Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli: Overview

Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli

Factor Australian Shepherd Xoloitzcuintli
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 14 to 20 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 10 to 50 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 17.0 years
Average Price $1210 $1640
Price Range $800 – $1500 $500 – $2000
Temperament Score 82.2 percent 87.5 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
    		•
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Opthalmologist
  • OFA Hip Evaluation
    		•

    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 Xoloitzcuintli. 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 Xoloitzcuintli is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli

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

    • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Xoloitzcuintlis adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Xoloitzcuintlis are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Xoloitzcuintlis are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Australian Shepherds get along well with other dogs. However, Xoloitzcuintlis do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli

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

    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, Xoloitzcuintlis weigh 10 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Xoloitzcuintlis are 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli

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

    The lifespan of Xoloitzcuintlis is between 14 to 20 years. The average lifespan of Xoloitzcuintlis is 17.0 years.

    Xoloitzcuintlis live longer than Australian Shepherds.

    Temperament of the Xoloitzcuintli Versus the Australian Shepherd

    The Xoloitzcuintli has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Xoloitzcuintli is 87.5 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 87.5 percent, the Xoloitzcuintli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Xoloitzcuintli by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 8 Xoloitzcuintlis.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Xoloitzcuintli

    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 Xoloitzcuintli puppy is $1640. The price of the Xoloitzcuintli typically ranges from $500 – $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 13 Xoloitzcuintli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Xoloitzcuintli is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Xoloitzcuintlis

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

    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 Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli.

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

    7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 4 tests are recommended for the Xoloitzcuintli.

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

    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.

    Xoloitzcuintli Health Problems

    Xoloitzcuintlis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Xoloitzcuintli 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 Xoloitzcuintlis for:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Opthalmologist
  • OFA Hip Evaluation

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Xoloitzcuintli

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Xoloitzcuintlis?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Xoloitzcuintli

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Xoloitzcuintlis 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 Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

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

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

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Xoloitzcuintlis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Xoloitzcuintli

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

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Xoloitzcuintlis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Xoloitzcuintlis 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 Xoloitzcuintli?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Xoloitzcuintlis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Xoloitzcuintlis?

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

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Xoloitzcuintli?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Xoloitzcuintlis are fairly easy to train.

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

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Xoloitzcuintlis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Xoloitzcuintlis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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