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?

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 Terrier	Border Collie	German Shepherd
Origins	England Scotland	England Scotland Wales	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	92	38	2
Reviews	1	13	19
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Borders	Sheepdog Scotch Sheep Dog	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

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

Size Which is bigger, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which is the smallest dog, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	Small	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, Border Terrier or Border Collie or Border Collie? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd weight comparison:	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 Which is cheaper, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive?	$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

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd intelligence:	Smart: The Border Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd trainability comparison.	Border Terrier dogs are easy to train. See more.	Border Collie dogs are easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	Border Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Border Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:	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. See more.	Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: German 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 Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?	High: Border Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Border Terrier dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
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. See more.
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. See more.	German 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 Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:	Average: Border Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Border Collie is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?	Average to High: The Border Terrier is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German 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 Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone 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 Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	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.
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 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.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:	Border Terrier dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.

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

Health Issues Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?	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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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
Veterinarian Visits 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).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Border Terrier, Border Collie and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	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
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?	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. See more.	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.

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

Energy Level Who has more energy a Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:	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.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:	High: The Border Terrier breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	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. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

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

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd coat comparison:	Rough	Dense Feathered Straight Short Moderately Long	Fuzzy
Colors What are the original Border Terrier, Border Collie and German Shepherd color?	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 Which dog is easy to maintain, Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:	Average: The Border Terrier requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
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. See more.	Border Collie dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Hypoallergenic Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	Yes 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 Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?	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.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Border Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd?	Border Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
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 Breeds That Get Along Well With 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 Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Border Terrier or Border Collie or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?	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.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	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.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd?	Not really Border Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	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.
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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German 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 Terrier and Border Collie and German Shepherd have?	2-8 puppies	4-8 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Border Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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

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 Terrier vs Border Collie vs German Shepherd

Reviews