Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs German Shepherd

Herding · Medium vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • German Shepherd is the larger breed at 65–90 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.
  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog sheds less.
  • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogGerman Shepherd
Group
HerdingHerding
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
AustraliaGermany
Height (male)
18–20"24–26"
Height (female)
17–19"22–24"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs65–90 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs50–70 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years9–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)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)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
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)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is an alert, hardy, watchful Australian drover — cousin to the Cattle Dog with a naturally bobbed tail. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as alert, hardy, watchful.

About the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.

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Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Eye disorders

German Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Degenerative myelopathy