Schipperke vs Australian Cattle Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Schipperke
Non-Sporting Group
Australian Cattle Dog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
Australian Cattle Dog Overview
Australian Cattle Dogs showcase a muscular, compact build with distinctive blue or red speckled coats. Their alert ears, broad skull, and powerful shoulders reflect their herding heritage. These medium-sized dogs possess remarkable agility and stamina, with a balanced, athletic frame designed for endurance work. Their intelligent expression and naturally protective stance embody their vigilant nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Schipperkes are less energetic than Australian Cattle Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Schipperkes require more grooming attention compared to Australian Cattle Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Schipperkes tend to be more reserved with strangers than Australian Cattle Dogs.
- Trainability: Schipperkes may be slightly easier to train due to their Schipperke's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schipperkes adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Cattle Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Schipperke and Australian Cattle Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Schipperke | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Schipperke | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 10-16 lbs 5-7 kg | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Schipperke | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Alert, Curious | Alert, Curious, Pleasant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Schipperke | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is known for being confident, alert, curious, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Australian Cattle Dog Temperament
The Australian Cattle Dog is characterized by being alert, curious, pleasant, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Schipperke and Australian Cattle Dog, 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
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Schipperkes require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Cattle Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Cattle Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Australian Cattle Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Deafness
- OCD
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
Australian Cattle Dog
Pros
- Extremely loyal and protective
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Great endurance
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Can be stubborn
- May nip at heels
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Schipperke and Australian Cattle Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.