Australian Shepherd vs Italian Greyhound
Herding · Medium vs Toy · Small
Australian ShepherdMedium
A smart, work-oriented, exuberant herding dog — actually American despite the name; needs a job.
Weight: 50–65 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 years
Quick take
- • Australian Shepherd is the larger breed at 50–65 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
- • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Australian Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Italian Greyhound sheds less.
- • The Australian Shepherd is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Toy |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | USA | Italy |
Height (male) | 20–23" | 13–15" |
Height (female) | 18–21" | 13–15" |
Weight (male) | 50–65 lbs | 7–14 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–55 lbs | 7–14 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 14–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
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 | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | medium | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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 Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Australian Shepherd health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Epilepsy
- • Eye problems
- • MDR1 gene mutation
Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA