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

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd" Compare Border Collie and Rough Collie. Which is better: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?

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	Rough Collie	Australian Shepherd
Origins	England Scotland Wales	Scotland	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	38	40	17
Reviews	13	6	7
User Ratings

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

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

Size Which is bigger, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Rough Collie? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd weight comparison:	Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)	Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)	Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)	Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)	Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

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

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

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

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd intelligence:	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd trainability comparison.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Rough 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. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Playfulness Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd playfulness comparison:	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Rough Collie is a playful breed. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd?	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Rough 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 Rough Collie 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Border Collie vs Rough 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.	Rough Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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 Rough 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.	Rough Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Australian Shepherd 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 Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
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 Rough 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 Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

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

Health Issues Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Rough 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 Rough 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Collie Eye Anomaly Osteochondrosis Dissecans	Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Drug Sensitivity Collie Eye Anomaly Gray Collie Syndrome	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?	Average The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Rough 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Rough Collie and Australian Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Rough 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. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Rough Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	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.

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

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

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.	2 to 3 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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Rough Collie has an 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. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

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

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd coat comparison:	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Rough Soft Thick Straight Harsh Furry	Feathered
Colors What are the original Border Collie, Rough Collie and 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	White Sable Merle Black & White & Tan Blue & Merle Blue & Merle & White Sable & White White & Merle	Black Red Blue Merle
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd grooming comparison:	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd? Border Collie or Rough Collie or {name3 shedding:	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd?	Medium ⏺ The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rough 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?	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Border Collie vs Rough 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.	Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd?	Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly 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 Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd?	Yes Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Rough Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	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 Rough 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.	Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Rough 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. See more.	Yes This breed makes good 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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
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.	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.	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 Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd?	Not really Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Rough Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really 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 Rough Collie vs 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 Rough Collie and Australian Shepherd have?	4-8 puppies	4-8 puppies	6-9 puppies, average 7
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Border Collie vs Rough 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 1885 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.	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 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	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

Popular Dog Compares

Despite the best intentions, there may be errors. If you find one, please let us know and we will fix it as soon as possible. Contact us here.

Rate This Comparsion - Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd

Reviews