Australian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Compatibility
96% Compatible
Energy Level
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Yorkshire Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Yorkshire Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Yorkshire Terrier: Specialty/Professional1.0
Less Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Australian Shepherd5/5
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Australian Shepherd3/5
Yorkshire Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Australian Shepherd3/5
Yorkshire Terrier5/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Yorkshire Terrier
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
Portosystemic Shunt: Liver condition
Tracheal Collapse: Airway weakness
Dental Issues: Tooth decay risk
Retinal Dysplasia: Eye development
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar
Pros & Cons Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
Portable size
Minimal shedding
Adaptable to apartment living
Long lifespan
Affectionate with family
Cons
High grooming needs
Can be yappy
Delicate physique
Stubborn streak
Difficult to housebreak
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Yorkshire Terrier Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs to catch rats in textile mills!
Heritage & Purpose
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England
Developed in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s, these small terriers excelled at catching rats in textile mills. Working-class weavers bred them for their hunting prowess and portable size.
Special Considerations
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Yorkshire Terrier
Professional grooming needed for long coat maintenance. Daily brushing required. Small size makes them vulnerable to injury. Need protection from extreme temperatures.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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