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Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Borders or Sheepdog or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd" Compare Border Terrier and Border Collie. Which is better: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Border Terrier Border Collie German Shepherd
OriginsEngland flagEngland Scotland flagScotland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank92382
Reviews11321
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd breeds.
Borders Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?
Small Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.
Males 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg), Female: 11-14 pounds (5-6 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Males 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg), Female: 12.5 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd height comparison:
Male: 13-16 inches (33-41 cm), Female: 11-14 inches (28-36 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14.5 inches (37 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1400 $600-$800 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Border Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Obedient
Outright
Tempered
Fearless
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Border Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: German 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 Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?
High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Border Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German 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 Terrier dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
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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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Border Terrier breed.
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 German Shepherd indoors.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?
Border Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
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.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Border Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?
Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Border Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Terrier: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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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.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
The Border Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Border Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Cryptorchidism
Seizures
Malocclusions
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?
Border Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Border Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
Border Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Tan
Red
Blue
Grizzle
Wheaten
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
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Border Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier or Border Collie or {name3 shedding:
Border Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?
Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Border Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?
Border Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Border Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Border Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Border Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?

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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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

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

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
2-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German 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 Terrier, Border Collie, and German 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 Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Border Terrier, Border Collie, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?
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
Border Terrier Club Of America, Inc.
Club Espanol De Terriers
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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