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Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Australischer Kelpie or Alsatian wolf dog or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie" Compare Australian Kelpie and German Shepherd. Which is better: Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Australian Kelpie German Shepherd Border Collie
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Germany flagGermany England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank523238
Reviews42113
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie breeds.
Australischer Kelpie
Barb
Kelpie
Australian Sheepdog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.
25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
35 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie height comparison:
17-20 inches (43-51 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$700 $800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Kelpie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Robust
Eager
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Average: Australian Kelpie dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Kelpie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Kelpie is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Kelpie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Kelpie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has fewer health issues?
Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Australian Kelpie should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which breed is most active?
Australian Kelpie dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Kelpie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Australian Kelpie dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which drools least?
The Australian Kelpie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Kelpie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Double Fuzzy Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is best with kids?
Australian Kelpie dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Kelpie dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Kelpie dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Kelpie or German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Yes
Australian Kelpie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Kelpie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Kelpies are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Kelpie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has most puppies?
4-7 puppies 6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Kelpie vs German Shepherd vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Kelpie, German Shepherd, and Border Collie. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

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