Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Australian Shepherd
Herding Group
Border Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Australian Shepherd Overview
Australian Shepherds showcase a medium-sized, muscular build with distinctive merle coats and striking eye colors, often heterochromatic. Their agile frame supports remarkable herding abilities, while their alert expression and medium-length double coat reflect their working heritage. Athletic and well-proportioned, they move with fluid grace and purpose, demonstrating the perfect blend of strength and agility needed for their herding duties.
Border Collie Overview
Border Collies showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive black and white coat patterns, though other colors exist. Their almond-shaped eyes possess an intense, intelligent gaze that reflects their keen herding instinct. A graceful, agile frame supports their remarkable working ability, complemented by a deep chest and strong legs built for endurance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Australian Shepherds are less energetic than Border Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Australian Shepherds require less grooming attention compared to Border Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Australian Shepherds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Border Collies.
- Trainability: Border Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Border Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Border Collies adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Australian Shepherd | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Australian Shepherd | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-23 inches 46-58 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Australian Shepherd | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Australian Shepherd | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Australian Shepherd Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is known for being smart, work-oriented, exuberant, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 4/5
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Australian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Australian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Border Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Australian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- MDR1 Gene
- CEA
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Pros & Cons
Australian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Versatile abilities
- Strong protective instincts
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intense herding instinct
- Heavy shedding
- Can be too energetic
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Border Collie
Pros
- Extremely intelligent
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent working dog
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be too intense for novice owners
- Strong herding instinct
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be overly sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.