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German Shepherd vs Border Collie Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Sheepdog?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Border Collie" Compare German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which is better: German Shepherd or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Border Collie
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank238
Reviews2113
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Border Collie. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Border Collie? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Border Collie?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Border Collie 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: German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
High: German Shepherd 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.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Border Collie? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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 vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare living space needs.
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Border Collie?
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.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Border Collie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Border Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Border Collie dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Border Collie?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Border Collie dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 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.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Border Collie? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
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
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Border Collie? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Border Collie dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Border Collie?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Border Collie? Can a German Shepherd and a Border Collie be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Border Collie dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Border Collie?
Yes
German Shepherd 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Border Collie? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Border Collie breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Border Collie. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - German Shepherd vs Border Collie

Reviews

  • Border collie

    Dec 20, 2019, 7:59:59 PM:

    Bella is extremely friendly with kids of all ages and loves to play!

  • Michael

    Apr 29, 2020, 1:47:50 AM:

    Having both in the household, my opinion is the GSD is more inclined to do as its told, he is younger still in the puppy phase, still suffers from losing concentration and focus, but still more likely to do as he is told

  • German Shepard

    Apr 17, 2021, 10:17:12 PM: