Playful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Reliable
Lively
Gentle
Kind
Trustworthy

Active
Friendly
Intelligent
Loving
Affectionate
Good-natured
Protective

Golden Shelties are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose an Australian Shepherd if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

United States

United States

Golden Retriever and Sheltie

Basque Shepherd

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America

Unknown

1800s

Brown

Blue
Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

White
Sable
Black
Blue
Fawn

Black
Red
Blue

Golden Shelties have medium-length coats.

Australian Shepherds have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Wavy

Straight

A Golden Sheltie can have a litter of 4-6 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

An Australian Shepherd can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Golden Shelties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Australian Shepherd breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
CEA
Von Willebrand's Disease

None Known

Distichiasis
Deafness
OCD
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Patent Ductus Arteriosus

X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Blood
Hearing

Golden Shelties' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Australian Shepherds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Golden Sheltie has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Australian Shepherd has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Golden Shelties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Australian Shepherds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Golden Shelties sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Australian Shepherds are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Golden Shelties bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Australian Shepherd dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Treat games

Go to Beach, Walk, Frisbee, Hike, Backpacking, High Five, Speak, Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Tug-of-war, Play, Run, Chase, Jogging, Being chased, Tug of war, Running, Walks, Fetch, Sticks, Toys, Fetching, Napping, Kissing, Jumping, Heel, Squirrel gazing, Stare, Greet humans

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Golden Sheltie, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Australian Shepherd, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Golden Shelties require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Australian Shepherd requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 50-60 pound (23 - 27 kg) Golden Sheltie feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 55-70 pound (25 - 32 kg) Australian Shepherd feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Golden Sheltie is somewhere $1.50 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of an Australian Shepherd is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Golden Sheltie is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Golden Shelties can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Australian Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Golden Shelties are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Australian Shepherds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Golden Shelties are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Australian Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Golden Shelties are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Australian Shepherds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Golden Shelties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Australian Shepherds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Golden Shelties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.