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Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or Apollo of Dogs or Little Blue Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Border Collie and Great Dane. Which is better: Border Collie or Great Dane or Australian Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Great Dane Australian Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Germany flagGermany United States flagUnited States
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank381417
Reviews13147
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd breeds.
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Apollo of Dogs
Deutsche Dogge
Gentle Giant
German Mastiff
Dane
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 120-200 pounds (54-90 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 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: 160 pounds (72 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Great Dane or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 30-34 inches (76-86 cm), Female: 28-32 inches (71-81 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: 32 inches (81 cm), Female: 30 inches (76 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $800-$1200 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Great Dane or Australian Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Great Dane is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Great Dane dogs have great intelligence.
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Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Great Dane dogs are quite easy to train.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Great Dane dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Great Dane dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Loving
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
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: Great Dane 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.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Great Dane dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Great Dane dogs are a social breed.
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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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Great Dane dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Great Dane 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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Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Great Danes are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Great Dane breed.
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 Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Great Dane dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Great Dane 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.
Great Dane 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.
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 Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Great Dane has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Great Dane bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Great Dane: 9 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
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.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Great Danes are commonly healthy dogs.
The Australian Shepherd 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 Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Great Dane should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hip Dysplasia
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Cancer
Bloat
Mitral Valve Disease
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Persistent Right Aortic Arch
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
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

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Great Dane has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 8 to 10 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.

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. What colors are available?
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
Blue
White
Fawn
Brindle
Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Great Dane requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Great Dane drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Great Dane has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. 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 Border Collie or Great Dane or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie or Great Dane or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Great Dane dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Great Dane dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Great Dane 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 Great Dane or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Great Dane or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Great Dane 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 Great Dane or Australian Shepherd?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Great Dane dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
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 Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd?
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Great Dane 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
Great Dane 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.
Great Danes are usually recommended for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

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

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

Not really

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

Great Dane breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Yes

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 Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Not really

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

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 10-15 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. 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.

Border Collie vs Great Dane vs Australian Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
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
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
Canadian Canine Registry
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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