Compare
Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.
Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.
Terrier
Medium
56–61 cm
18–29 kg
High
High. This is a sporting terrier: hikes, swimming, training, and retrieving all suit it.
High
A hard, dense, wiry saddle of black or grizzle over tan legs, head, and ears.
United Kingdom
Intelligent, loyal, and terrier-bold without the extreme fire of some smaller earth dogs. They can be clownish at home and reserved with strangers.
Herding
Medium
46–58 cm (AKC/FCI)
~18–29 kg (AKC profile)
High
High. The standards describe an active working dog with the stamina to work all day.
High
The coat is of medium texture and length, straight to wavy and weather resistant, with an undercoat that varies with the climate.
United States
Both standards describe an intelligent, active dog with strong herding and guarding instincts and an even disposition: good-natured, seldom quarrelsome, and a loyal companion, though it may be somewhat reserved when meeting people for the first time. The FCI adds that Australian Shepherds show an unsurpassed devotion to their families.