Border Collie vs Rat Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Border Collie
Herding Group
Rat Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Rat Terrier Overview
Rat Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a smooth, short coat and distinctive erect ears. Their athletic build reflects their heritage as skilled hunters, combining speed with agility. These versatile terriers showcase a balanced blend of strength and refinement, featuring a wedge-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a naturally graceful gait that speaks to their sporting background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Border Collies are more energetic than Rat Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Border Collies require more grooming attention compared to Rat Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Border Collies tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rat Terriers.
- Trainability: Rat Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rat Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rat Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Border Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Border Collie and Rat Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Border Collie | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Border Collie | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm | 10-18 inches 25-46 cm |
| Weight | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg | 10-25 lbs 5-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Border Collie | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic | Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Border Collie | Rat Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is known for being affectionate, smart, energetic, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Rat Terrier Temperament
The Rat Terrier is characterized by being friendly, inquisitive, lovable, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Border Collie and Rat Terrier, 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
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Rat Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies 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, Border Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Rat Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rat Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Rat Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Rat Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Pros & Cons
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
Rat Terrier
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good with children
- Highly trainable
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Can be vocal
- High prey drive
- May be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Border Collie and Rat Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.