Large13.7 yr avg
Australian Shepherd
AKC · Herding
View breedComparison
Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund
Side-by-side comparison from peer-reviewed sources. Lifespan and health figures draw on Royal Veterinary College VetCompass and AKC breed data.
At a glance
Side-by-side
The numbers that most change day-to-day care. A citrus border marks a meaningful advantage.
Large
Australian Shepherd
Lifespan13.7 yrrange 12–15
SizeLarge
Weight40–65 lb18.1–29.5 kg
Height18–23 in45.7–58.4 cm
Senior at6 yrgeriatric at 10
AKC groupHerding
Energy5/590 min/day
Trainability5/5
Shedding3/5
With kids5/5
With other dogs3/5
Medium
Dachshund
Lifespan13.2 yrrange 13–14
SizeMedium
Weight11–32 lb5–14.5 kg
Height5–9 in12.7–22.9 cm
Senior at7 yrgeriatric at 11
AKC groupHound
Energy3/545 min/day
Trainability4/5
Shedding2/5
With kids3/5
With other dogs4/5
Health
Common health issues
Top 3 prevalence-ranked conditions for each breed. See each breed's full health profile for screening schedules and source data.
Australian Shepherd
- Moderatetypical onset ~8 yr
Degenerative Myelopathy
Description and veterinary guidance for Degenerative Myelopathy land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~6 yr
Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram)
Description and veterinary guidance for Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram) land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Dachshund
- High prevalencetypical onset ~5 yr
Intervertebral Disc Disease
Description and veterinary guidance for Intervertebral Disc Disease land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Moderatetypical onset ~6 yr
Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram)
Description and veterinary guidance for Adult-Onset Cardiac Disease (Echocardiogram) land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
- Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr
Cataracts
Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.
Synthesis
Which is right for you?
Australian Shepherd and Dachshund have similar median lifespans, around 13.5 years.
The Australian Shepherd is large while the Dachshund is medium-sized — a modest difference in day-to-day care.
Energy levels differ significantly. Australian Shepherds need substantially more daily exercise than Dachshunds — plan for 90+ active minutes per day with the Australian Shepherd.
Australian Shepherds rate higher for household-with-kids compatibility (5/5).
Dachshunds carry a heavier breed-specific health burden (1 high-prevalence conditions vs 0 for the Australian Shepherd). Budget for screening accordingly.