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

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd" Compare Border Collie and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Australian Shepherd Miniature Australian Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales United States flagUnited States United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank3817381
Reviews1372
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Mini Aussie
Mini Aussie Shepherd
Mini Australian Shepherd
Miniature Aussie Shepherd
North American Shepherd
North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Large Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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) 20–40 pounds (9-18 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) 30 pounds (13.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd height comparison:
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) 13–18 inches (33-46 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) 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $600-$800 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd intelligence:
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature 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.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Miniature Australian Shepherd 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: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd 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?
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 Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature 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.
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 Miniature Australian Shepherd indoors.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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.
Miniature 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 or Miniature 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.
Miniature 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 vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Miniature Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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.
The Miniature 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 vs Miniature Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Retinal Dysplasia
Glaucoma
Juvenile Cataracts
Iris Coloboma
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
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.
Average
The Miniature Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Miniature Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Australian Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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.
See more.
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 Miniature Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd energy level comparison:
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
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. 1 to 2 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 vs Miniature Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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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 Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Feathered Feathered
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Miniature Australian Shepherd color?
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
Red
Red Merle
White & Black & Tan
Blue Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Miniature Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
6-8 weeks
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.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Australian Shepherd is an average drooler.
See more.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Miniature Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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.
Yes
Miniature 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.
No
Miniature 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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.
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Not really

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Australian Shepherd or Miniature Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

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.
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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.

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.

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 vs Miniature Australian Shepherd?

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

Not really

Miniature Australian Shepherd 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.
See more.

Not really

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

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd 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 Border Collie and Australian Shepherd and Miniature Australian Shepherd have?
4-8 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 2-6 puppies

Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Miniature 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. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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. Not recognized by FCI.
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
America's Pet Registry
American Canine Association, Inc.

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