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Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Australian Cattle Dog or Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie" Compare Australian Shepherd and Blue Heeler. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Border Collie
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Australia flagAustralia England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1751838
Reviews7213
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie breeds.
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 30-62 pounds (13-28 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?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $400-$800 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
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 Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
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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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Blue Heeler 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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie? Compare temperaments.
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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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?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
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 Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
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.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Blue Heelers 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?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Blue Heeler 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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, 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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which drools least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Blue Heeler 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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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 Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie? Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which is best with kids?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Blue Heeler or Border Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Blue Heeler 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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Blue Heeler 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 Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Blue Heeler 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 Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, 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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, 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.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

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

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, 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.
See more.

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.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies, average 7 1-7 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, 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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, 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 Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. 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 Shepherd, Blue Heeler, and Border Collie. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
No data available 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

Rate This Comparsion - Australian Shepherd vs Blue Heeler vs Border Collie

Reviews

  • Bob R

    Apr 26, 2024, 5:59:36 AM:

    Excellent information