Australian Shepherd vs Goldendoodle

Herding · Medium vs Miscellaneous · Large

Quick take
  • Goldendoodle is the larger breed at 50–90 lbs (males) vs 50–65 lbs for the Australian Shepherd.
  • The Australian Shepherd typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Australian Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Goldendoodle sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian ShepherdGoldendoodle
Group
HerdingMiscellaneous
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
USAUSA
Height (male)
20–23"20–24"
Height (female)
18–21"20–24"
Weight (male)
50–65 lbs50–90 lbs
Weight (female)
40–55 lbs50–90 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years10–15 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)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a smart, work-oriented, exuberant herding dog — actually American despite the name; needs a job. Originally from USA, this medium herding breed typically weighs 50–65 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as smart, work-oriented, exuberant.

About the Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a friendly, smart, family-oriented Golden Retriever × Poodle hybrid — top US designer dog of the 2020s. Originally from USA, this large miscellaneous breed typically weighs 50–90 lbs and lives 10–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, family-oriented.

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Australian Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye problems
  • MDR1 gene mutation

Goldendoodle health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart conditions
  • Eye disorders
  • Allergies