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

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler" Compare Border Collie and Miniature American Shepherd. Which is better: Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Border Collie	Miniature American Shepherd	Blue Heeler
Origins	England Scotland Wales	United States	Australia
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	38	35	518
Reviews	13	1	2
User Ratings

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

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Small Medium	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)	15-35 pounds (6-16 kg)	30-62 pounds (13-28 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)	25 pounds (11 kg)	46 pounds (20.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler height comparison:	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)	Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm)	Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 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: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm)	Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Find price differences between these breeds.	$600-$800	$900-$1000	$400-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler?	Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is easiest to train?	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most alert?	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most protective?	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average defenders. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler? Compare temperaments.	Energetic Protective Alert Intelligent Responsive Loyal Tenacious	Energetic Intelligent Loyal Devoted	Active Protective Alert Intelligent Hard working Resourceful
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. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler?	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler social needs comparison:	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
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. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most playful?	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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 Miniature American Shepherd indoors.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed is most flexible?	Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler?	Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Miniature American Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which uses mouth most during play?	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	13-15 years The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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.	Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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.	Frequent The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans	No data available	No data available

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Miniature American Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which needs most food?	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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 Merle	Blue Red speckled Blue speckled Blue Mottled Red Mottled
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Easy to groom: The Miniature American Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which drools least?	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Miniature American Shepherd is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Miniature American Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Smooth	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.	Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best with kids?	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Miniature American Shepherd or Blue Heeler?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler?	Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	Yes Blue Heeler 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 Miniature American Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Blue Heeler 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.	Miniature American Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.	Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which excels in therapy work?	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. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Miniature American Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Border Collie vs Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. Which has most puppies?	4-8 puppies	2-6 puppies	1-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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 Miniature American Shepherd vs Blue Heeler Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd, and Blue Heeler. 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	No data available	No data available

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