Rat Terrier vs Australian Shepherd
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Australian Shepherd
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Australian Shepherd Overview
Australian Shepherds showcase a medium-sized, muscular build with distinctive merle coats and striking eye colors, often heterochromatic. Their agile frame supports remarkable herding abilities, while their alert expression and medium-length double coat reflect their working heritage. Athletic and well-proportioned, they move with fluid grace and purpose, demonstrating the perfect blend of strength and agility needed for their herding duties.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Rat Terriers are less energetic than Australian Shepherds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Rat Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Australian Shepherds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Rat Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Australian Shepherds.
- Trainability: Australian Shepherds may be slightly easier to train due to their Australian Shepherd's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rat Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm | 18-23 inches 46-58 cm |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable | Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Rat Terrier | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is known for being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Australian Shepherd Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is characterized by being smart, work-oriented, exuberant, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Rat Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Australian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- CEA
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
Pros & Cons
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Rat Terrier and Australian Shepherd, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.