Known for their striking appearance and energetic personality, Australian Shepherds dogs are a favorite among many. There are several breeds that share a resemblance to the Australian Shepherd in both looks and acts.

In this article, we will be going over just that, 15 dog breeds that look and act like the Australian Shepherd.

So let's dive in!

Characteristics Of a Australian Shepherd

Before we dive into the list of dog breeds that resemble the Australian Shepherd, let's first define the characteristics of this dog breed.

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that are well-balanced and slightly longer than they are tall. They have strong, muscular bodies and a distinctive thick double coat that can be black, blue merle, red merle, or red, all with or without white markings and/or tan points.

Their eyes are perhaps their most striking feature. They can be blue, brown, amber, or any combination of these colors, even within the same eye. Their ears are set high, are of medium size, and are triangular in shape. When it comes to temperament, Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active, and versatile.

Dogs That Resemble Australian Shepherd

1. Border Collie

First on the list, we have the famous Border Collie. This breed is said to be the smartest dog breed around.

Like the Australian Shepherd, they have a medium build, strong body, and a thick double coat. Their coat colors can include black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, or sable, with or without white markings. They also have a similar eye color variety as the Australian Shepherd.

2. Australian Cattle Dog

Second on the list, the Australian Cattle Dog shares a similar medium size and sturdy body structure with the Australian Shepherd. Their coat is short but dense, and they usually come in blue or red colors, often with mottled or speckled patterns. They are also known for their intelligence and high energy levels, making them excellent working dogs.

3. English Shepherd

The English Shepherd shares a high resemblance with the Australian Shepherd. From their muscular body, medium size, and double coat to their variety of coat colors, these two breeds could easily be mistaken for each other. English Shepherds are also known for their intelligence and versatility as working dogs.

4. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the "Sheltie," bears a strong resemblance to the Australian Shepherd, especially with its thick double coat and variety of coat colors. They are smaller in size but share the same intelligence and energy levels, making them excellent working dogs and companions.

5. Rough Collie

The Rough Collie is another breed that shares physical similarities with the Australian Shepherd. They have a larger frame but possess a similar thick double coat, often in sable and white or black, white, and tan colors. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and excellent herding abilities.

6. Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren is a breed that bears a striking resemblance to the Australian Shepherd, particularly with its medium size, muscular body, and thick double coat. They are typically fawn to russet mahogany in color with black overlay. They share the same intelligence and high energy levels as the Australian Shepherd, making them great working dogs.

7. Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd is, in fact, a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd.

They share the same physical traits, from their muscular body, double coat, variety of coat colors, to their striking eyes. They also share the same intelligence and versatility, making them excellent working dogs and companions.

8. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie shares a similar robust body structure and medium size with the Australian Shepherd. They have a long, thick double coat that comes in various colors. Known for their intelligence, agility, and herding abilities, they could easily be mistaken for an Australian Shepherd.

9. Welsh Corgi

Despite their smaller size, the Welsh Corgi bears a resemblance to the Australian Shepherd, especially with their double coat and variety of colors. They are intelligent, active, and known for their herding abilities.

10. Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a smaller breed but shares a similar sturdy body structure and a rough double coat with the Australian Shepherd. They are usually blue and tan or sandy and red in color, and are known for their intelligence and alertness.

11. Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund shares a similar size and body structure with the Australian Shepherd. They have a thick double coat that comes in various colors. They are intelligent, agile, and are known for their herding abilities.

12. Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund shares a similar sturdy body structure and medium size with the Australian Shepherd. They have a thick double coat, usually in wheaten or black. Like the Australian Shepherd, they are intelligent and active, making them excellent working dogs.

13. Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog bears a striking resemblance to the Australian Shepherd, especially with its medium size, sturdy body, and thick double coat. They are intelligent, lively, and are known for their herding abilities.

14. English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel shares some physical similarities with the Australian Shepherd, such as their medium size and sturdy body. They have a dense double coat, usually in black or liver with white markings. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and versatility as working dogs.

15. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog is larger in size but shares a similar thick, shaggy double coat with the Australian Shepherd. They are usually gray, grizzle, blue, or blue merle in color. Known for their intelligence and adaptability, they make excellent working dogs and family pets.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it. Whether it's their physical appearance or their intelligence and energy levels, these breeds could easily be mistaken for an Australian Shepherd at first glance.

If you're considering adopting one of these breeds, make sure to learn as much as you can about the breed to ensure that it's the right fit for you and your family.

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