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Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Comparison – Which dog is better Decker Giant or Sheepdog?

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Border Collie" Compare Rat Terrier and Border Collie. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Rat Terrier Border Collie
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank9738
Reviews213
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rat Terrier and Border Collie. What other names are these breeds known by?
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rat Terrier and a Border Collie. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rat Terrier and a Border Collie. Which breed is heavier?
Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 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?
Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Is a Rat Terrier taller than a Border Collie?
Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 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?
Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rat Terrier and a Border Collie. Which breed costs more?
$300-$500 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rat Terrier and a Border Collie. How do their temperaments differ?
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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: Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
High: Rat 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.
Social Needs
Rat Terrier vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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 Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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 Rat Terrier vs Border Collie? Which can be better for hunting?
Rat Terrier 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.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Rat Terriers, 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 Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare adaptability levels.
Rat 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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 Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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 Rat Terrier and a Border Collie. Which breed is healthier?
The Rat 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
Average
The Rat 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare daily food needs.
No data available 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rat Terrier and Border Collie? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
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 Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare drooling amounts.
The Rat 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier and a Border Collie? Compare fur types.
Dense
Shiny
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Do Rat Terrier dogs shed more than Border Collie dogs?
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare kid-friendliness.
Rat Terrier 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?
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Border Collie?
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Border Collie? Can a Rat Terrier and a Border Collie be friends? Do Rat Terrier dogs get along with Border Collie dogs?
Rat Terrier dogs are 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: Rat Terrier vs Border Collie?
Yes
Rat 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Rat Terrier 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?
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

This breed generally not used 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 Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

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

Yes

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

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier or a Border Collie? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Rat 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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier and Border Collie. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rat Terrier and Border Collie. Which has larger litters?
5-7 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rat Terrier and Border Collie breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rat Terrier 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.

Rat Terrier vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rat Terrier and Border Collie. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rat Terrier and Border Collie. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Rat Terrier and Border Collie. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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

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