Which is Better Between the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

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Australian Terrier Versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier and for the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Australian Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Australian Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Terrier to the Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Factor Australian Terrier Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 34 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 14 to 16 pounds 80 to 220 pounds
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1250 $2110
Price Range $1050 – $1500 $1500 – $2500
Temperament Score 82.4 percent 85.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Terrier 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 Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 out of 125.

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

    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 Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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

    • Australian Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Australian Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Australian Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Australian Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Australian Terriers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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

    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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

    Australian Terriers weigh 14 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Australian Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is 11.0 years.

    Australian Terriers live longer than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Australian Terrier

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Australian Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Terrier is 82.4 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 82.4 percent, the Australian Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 17 Australian Terriers and 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Australian Terrier versus Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The average price of the Australian Terrier puppy is $1250. The price of the Australian Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 13 Australian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $2110. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Australian Terrier.

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

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

    Health Problems of Australian Terrier versus Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    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 Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog 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 Caucasian Shepherd Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Australian Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog than for the Australian Terrier.

    3 health tests are recommended for Australian Terrier while 7 tests are recommended for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Terriers and in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Australian Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Australian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Terriers shed more than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Terrier or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Australian Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Australian Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Australian Terriers 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.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Australian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Terrier vs. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

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

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

    Can Australian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Australian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Terriers good family dogs? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Terriers and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

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

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Terrier Easier to Train than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Australian Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Australian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Australian Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Australian Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd 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 Terrier and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.