Australian Cattle Dog vs Miniature Poodle

Herding · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • Australian Cattle Dog is the larger breed at 35–50 lbs (males) vs 10–15 lbs for the Miniature Poodle.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Miniature Poodle sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Cattle DogMiniature Poodle
Group
HerdingNon-Sporting
Size
MediumSmall
Origin
AustraliaGermany
Height (male)
18–20"11–15"
Height (female)
17–19"11–15"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs10–15 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs10–15 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–16 years10–18 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.

About the Miniature Poodle

The Miniature Poodle is an active, proud, very smart smaller version of the Standard Poodle — circus star of yesteryear. Originally from Germany, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–15 lbs and lives 10–18 years. Breeders describe them as active, proud, very smart.

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Australian Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Miniature Poodle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes