Australian Shepherd
Strikingly beautiful and incredibly smart, the Australian Shepherd is a high-energy herding dog that thrives with an active family. They excel in agility, flyball, and any task that challenges their minds.
VS
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
Quick Answer
Choose Australian Shepherd if you want easier to train and better health. Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Attribute
Bulldog
medium
Size
medium
18–29 kg (40–64 lbs)
Weight
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
46–58 cm (18–23 in)
Height
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Better13–15 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5Better
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
1/5
Apartment
5/5Better
Better4/5
Health
1/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Australian Shepherd tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Better13–15
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs1/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Australian Shepherds live 13–15 years on average, while Bulldogs live 8–10 years.
Exercise & Activity
Australian Shepherd needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Energy Level
5/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs5/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Australian Shepherd has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Temperament & Personality
Bulldog is calmer; Australian Shepherd is more energetic.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs2/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Australian Shepherd greets the world with a intelligent attitude, whereas a Bulldog leans more toward a docile approach.
Training & Intelligence
Australian Shepherd is generally easier to train.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Trainability
Better5/5
vs2/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs2/5
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Australian Shepherd (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Cost of Ownership
Australian Shepherd is less expensive to own annually.
Australian Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Australian Shepherd's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,350 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Grooming & Shedding
Australian Shepherd sheds more; Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Shedding
4/5
vs3/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
The Australian Shepherd sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Bulldog (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bulldog has a slight edge.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are similar in size.
Australian Shepherd
Bulldog
Weight (kg)
18–29
vs18–25
Height (cm)
46–58
vs31–40
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Australian Shepherd weighs 18–29 kg (40–64 lbs) and the Bulldog weighs 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Australian Shepherd if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5) and better health profile (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Australian Shepherd and Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Australian Shepherd needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, Australian Shepherd is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Australian Shepherd by roughly $400/year.
Choose Australian Shepherd if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Australian Shepherds will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Australian Shepherds are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Australian Shepherds cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Bulldogs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Australian Shepherd or Bulldog?
The Australian Shepherd scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Bulldog at 4/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Australian Shepherd or Bulldog easier to train?
The Australian Shepherd is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Bulldog's 2/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Australian Shepherd or Bulldog?
A Australian Shepherd puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,250 for the Australian Shepherd and $1,600 for the Bulldog. The Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Australian Shepherds or Bulldogs live longer?
The Australian Shepherd lives 13–15 years on average, while the Bulldog lives 8–10 years. The Australian Shepherd generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Australian Shepherd or Bulldog live in an apartment?
The Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Australian Shepherd (1/5). The Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.