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Side by side
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.
- AKC group
Herding
- Size
Medium
- Height
55–65 cm (FCI)
- Weight
22–40 kg (FCI)
- Energy
High
- Energy notes
High. The AKC describes a very active and athletic breed that needs plenty of exercise for body and mind, and suggests agility, herding, tracking and dock diving as outlets.
- Trainability
Very high
- Coat
The coat is double, with a dense, straight, harsh outer coat lying close to the body over an undercoat.
- Origin
Germany
- Temperament
The AKC standard gives the German Shepherd a distinct personality: a direct and fearless but not hostile expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not make immediate or indiscriminate friends. It should be approachable, quietly standing its ground and meeting overtures without making them, and it treats timidity or nervousness as a very serious fault.
- AKC group
Herding
- Size
Medium
- Height
46–58 cm (AKC/FCI)
- Weight
~18–29 kg (AKC profile)
- Energy
High
- Energy notes
High. The standards describe an active working dog with the stamina to work all day.
- Trainability
High
- Coat
The coat is of medium texture and length, straight to wavy and weather resistant, with an undercoat that varies with the climate.
- Origin
United States
- Temperament
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.
