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Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Toto Dog or English Collie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie" Compare Australian Shepherd and Cairn Terrier. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Cairn Terrier Rough Collie
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank176940
Reviews736
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Toto Dog
Cairn
English Collie
Lassie Dog
Long-Haired Collie
Scottish Collie
Collie
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Which is the smallest dog, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Large Small Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Cairn Terrier? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie weight comparison:
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 14-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 13-17 pounds (6-8 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 16 pounds (7 kg), Female: 15 pounds (7 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm), Female: 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 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: 11.5 inches (29 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $700-$1000 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Cairn Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie intelligence:
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Cairn Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie trainability comparison.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
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Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Cairn Terrier dogs are average defenders.
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Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Fearless
Assertive
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
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.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Rough 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 Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Cairn Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie social needs comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Cairn Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Rough 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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Cairn Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie playfulness comparison:
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Cairn Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Cairn Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
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.
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 Cairn Terrier indoors.
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 Rough Collie indoors.

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Cairn Terrier dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Rough Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough 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.
Cairn Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Rough 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 Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cairn Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cairn Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie mouthiness comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Cairn Terrier dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie health comparison. Which is the healthier: Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Cairn Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough 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
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Luxating Patella
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cryptorchidism
Glaucoma
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Microvascular Dysplasia
Portosystemic Vascular Anomaly (PSVA)
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Frequent
The Cairn Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie lifespan comparison. How long do Australian Shepherd, Cairn Terrier and Rough Collie breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cairn Terrier: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?
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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Cairn Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Rough Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie energy level comparison:
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Rough Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Cairn Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Rough Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Cairn Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Rough Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie coat comparison:
Feathered Waterproof Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Colors
What are the original Australian Shepherd, Cairn Terrier and Rough Collie color?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Silver
Brindle
Wheaten
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie grooming comparison:
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Cairn Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Cairn Terrier dogs shed moderately.
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Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cairn Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Cairn Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Cairn Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Cairn Terrier dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cairn Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rough 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.
Yes
Cairn Terrier is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Rough 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.
Cairn Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Australian Shepherd or Cairn Terrier or Rough Collie? Which is better for autism?

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.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie?

Not really

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

Cairn Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Rough Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Australian Shepherd and Cairn Terrier and Rough Collie have?
6-9 puppies, average 7 2-10 puppies 4-8 puppies

Australian Shepherd vs Cairn Terrier vs Rough Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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
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
Club Espanol De Terriers
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

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