Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

Siberian Husky

Working · Medium

Australian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky

Side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Siberian Husky — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Australian Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

Australian Shepherd

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Australian Shepherd

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

Australian Shepherd

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Australian Shepherd

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Siberian Husky
Size	Medium	Medium
Height	18–23″	20–23.5″
Weight	40–65 lbs	35–60 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	12–14 yrs
Group	Herding	Working
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Thick double coat, medium length

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Siberian Husky
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Low
Barking level	Moderate	High

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Siberian Husky
Good with kids	High	High
Good with dogs	High	High
Good with cats	Low	Very Low
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Very Low

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Siberian Husky
Shedding	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Moderate	Moderate
Daily exercise	60–120 min	90–120 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	1.5–2.5 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$1 300–$2 200

Temperament