Australian Shepherd vs Brittany

Where Australian Shepherd and Brittany differ most

• Adult weight: Australian Shepherd 40–65 lbs · Brittany 30–40 lbsAustralian Shepherd heavier
• Grooming needs: Australian Shepherd 3/5 · Brittany 2/5Australian Shepherd more upkeep
• Shedding: Australian Shepherd 4/5 · Brittany 3/5Australian Shepherd sheds more
• Trainability: Australian Shepherd 5/5 · Brittany 4/5Australian Shepherd easier to train
• Vocalization: Australian Shepherd 3/5 · Brittany 2/5Australian Shepherd more vocal

Full trait-by-trait breakdown

Which one should you choose?

Both are mid-sized, high-energy dogs from working backgrounds, but they were built for different jobs. The Aussie herds and reads movement instinctively, which can surface as nipping at heels or fixating on kids and other pets if untrained; the Brittany was bred to hold point on birds and flush them for a hunter, so its drive channels more naturally into running and retrieving rather than controlling other animals.

Trainability runs high for both, making them rewarding for owners who enjoy consistent structured work, though the Brittany is generally considered the more universally easygoing of the two around new people and situations. Its coat is also noticeably lighter to maintain than the Aussie's denser double coat.

Lean Brittany if you want a highly active, affectionate sporting dog without herding-specific quirks to manage. Lean Aussie if you're drawn to that herding intelligence and don't mind redirecting instinctive nipping behavior, especially in homes with small children.