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Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Sheepdog or English Collie or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Border Collie and Rough Collie. Which is better: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Border Collie Rough Collie Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank384024
Reviews1366
User Ratings

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

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is the smallest dog, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Large Large Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Rough Collie? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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) 14-27 pounds (6-12 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) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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) 13-16 inches (33-41 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) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $400-$600 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog intelligence:
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog trainability comparison.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
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Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? 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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Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog behavior/temperament comparison:
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
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: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Rough Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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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Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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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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Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog playfulness comparison:
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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 recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?

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

Shetland Sheepdog 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 Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis
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 Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog lifespan comparison. How long do Border Collie, Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog 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
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
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. 2 to 3 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 Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog coat comparison:
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Dense
Colors
What are the original Border Collie, Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog 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
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog grooming comparison:
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Border Collie or Rough Collie or {name3 shedding:
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Rough Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Collie or Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog?
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog?
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
Shetland Sheepdog 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
Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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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Yes

This breed makes good 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 Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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.

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 Shetland Sheepdog?

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

Shetland Sheepdog 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.
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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.
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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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog have?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 4-6 puppies

Border Collie vs Rough Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog 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 1911 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
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

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