• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: English Collie or Little Blue Dog or Short-Haired Collie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie" Compare Rough Collie and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie?
 
 
 
Name Rough Collie Australian Shepherd Smooth Collie
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4017354
Reviews672
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie breeds.
English Collie
Lassie Dog
Long-Haired Collie
Scottish Collie
Collie
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Short-Haired Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie? Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie height comparison:
Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $600-$800 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie?
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Smooth Collie is a commonly available dog breed.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Rough Collie is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Very smart: Smooth Collie is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which is easiest to train?
Rough Collie dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is most alert?
Rough Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is most protective?
Rough Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie? Compare temperaments.
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Smooth 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: Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie?
High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Smooth Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie social needs comparison:
Rough Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Average to High: The Smooth Collie is a vocal breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is most playful?
The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Smooth Collie is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 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 Australian Shepherd indoors.
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 Smooth Collie indoors.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is most flexible?
Rough Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Smooth Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie?
Rough Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Australian Shepherd 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.
Smooth Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Smooth Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which uses mouth most during play?
Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Smooth Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Smooth Collie: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which handles climate changes best?
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 Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Smooth 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?
Average
The Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Smooth Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which breed is most active?
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.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Smooth Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rough Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Smooth Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie?
Rough Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Smooth Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Smooth Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which needs most food?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 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.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. What colors are available?
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which drools least?
The Rough Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Smooth Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Smooth Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Feathered Dense
Thick
Flat
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
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 Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or Smooth Collie? Rough Collie or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Smooth Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Good With Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

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

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
Compare therapy dog potential between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

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
Compare detection capabilities between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which has best nose work ability?

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.

Yes

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

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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. 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.

Not really

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

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. 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.

Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. How are they classified internationally?
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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Rough Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Smooth Collie. 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
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
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

Rate This Comparsion - Rough Collie vs Australian Shepherd vs Smooth Collie

Reviews