Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Sheepdog or Little Blue Dog?
"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd"
Compare Border Collie and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd?
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| Name | Border Collie | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Origins |  England Scotland Wales |  United States |
| Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Pastoral / Herding Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 38 | 17 |
| Reviews | 13 | 7 |
| User Ratings |
| Other Names
What other names do they have? |
Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog |
Little Blue Dog Aussie |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison
| Size
Which dog is bigger, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd?
Is the Border Collie bigger than the Australian Shepherd breed?
Is a Border Collie smaller than an Australian Shepherd? | Large | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison: | Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) | Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) |
| Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) | Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) |
| Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Is a Border Collie taller than an Australian Shepherd? | Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) | Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) |
| Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) | Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison
| Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Border Collie and Australian Shepherd? | $600-$800 | $600-$800 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get. | Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison
| Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd intelligence: | Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | Border Collie dogs are easy to train. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. |
| Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Australian Shepherd?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison
| Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison: |
Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious |
Active Loving Protective Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Good-natured |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
| Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison: | Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. | Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. |
| Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting? | 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. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison
| Playfulness
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison: | The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. | The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. |
|---|---|---|
| Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. | Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. |
| Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie 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 Australian Shepherd indoors. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison
| Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | 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 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. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison
| Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. |
|---|---|---|
| Biting Potential
Is a Border Collie more dangerous than an Australian Shepherd? | Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. |
| Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison: | Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison
| Health Issues
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | The Australian Shepherd 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: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison: | Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans |
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 |
| Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? |
Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
Average The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. |
| Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd? |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years |
11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years |
| Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | 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. | 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. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison
| Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd energy level comparison: | Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? | Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises. | Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. |
| Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep. | Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison
| Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Does the Border Collie breed eat more than the Australian Shepherd breed? | 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. | 1.5 to 2.5 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? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison: | Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison
| Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison: |
Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long | Feathered |
|---|---|---|
| Colors
What are the original Border Collie and Australian Shepherd color? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd color comparison: |
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 |
Black Red Blue Merle |
| Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison: | Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. |
| Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Do Border Collie dogs shed more than Australian Shepherd dogs? | Border Collie dogs shed moderately. | Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. |
| Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. |
| Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. |
| Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. |
| Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison
| Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets. | Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets. |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
| Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
| Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Can a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd be friends? Do Border Collie dogs get along with Australian Shepherd dogs? | Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? |
Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Yes Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office? |
No Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people? | Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people. | Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison
| Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog? | Yes This breed would make an excellent 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: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd? | Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
| 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. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
| 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. |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
|---|---|---|
| Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size
How many puppies can Border Collie and Australian Shepherd have? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd litter size comparison: | 4-8 puppies | 6-9 puppies, average 7 |
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison
| AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 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 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. 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 |
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 |
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Rate This Comparsion - Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd
Reviews
- CL
May 27, 2019, 4:50:10 PM:
- ILUVPUPPIES
May 19, 2020, 12:38:24 PM:
- Joel B
Jan 21, 2021, 2:45:35 AM:
Comparison is great! I guess the only thing we are missing is the comparison as working dogs, like herding, etc.
- Mazz
Aug 21, 2023, 5:46:34 AM:
They are so similar! But the Border Collie is definitely the most flexible.