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Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better English Collie or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Rough Collie vs German Shepherd" Compare Rough Collie and German Shepherd. Which is better: Rough Collie or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Rough Collie German Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank402
Reviews621
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rough Collie and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
English Collie
Lassie Dog
Long-Haired Collie
Scottish Collie
Collie
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 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?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rough Collie or German Shepherd? Is a Rough Collie taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 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: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$400-$600 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rough Collie or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Rough Collie vs German Shepherd?
Sensitive: Rough 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.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rough Collie vs German Shepherd?
High: Rough 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.
Social Needs
Rough Collie vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Rough 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? What's the difference between Rough Collie vs German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Rough Collie vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? 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 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 German Shepherd indoors.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Rough Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different 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: Rough Collie or German Shepherd?
Rough 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.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
The Rough 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: Rough Collie vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Rough 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: Rough Collie vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rough Collie vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
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

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
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.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rough Collie vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rough Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rough Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rough Collie or German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Rough 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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rough Collie and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
White
Sable
Merle
Black & White & Tan
Blue & Merle
Blue & Merle & White
Sable & White
White & Merle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Rough 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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 Rough Collie or German Shepherd? Do Rough Collie dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Rough 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?
Rough Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rough Collie or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Rough Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rough Collie or German Shepherd?
Rough Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rough Collie or German Shepherd? Can a Rough Collie and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Rough Collie dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Rough Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Rough Collie vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Rough 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
Rough 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?
Rough Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? 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 Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? 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 Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? 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 Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Rough 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
Which is better at pulling: a Rough Collie or a German Shepherd? 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 Rough Collie and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Yes

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

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rough Collie and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rough Collie and German Shepherd. 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 Rough Collie and German Shepherd. 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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Rough Collie vs German Shepherd

Reviews

  • Karin

    Dec 12, 2019, 5:56:09 PM:

    The health section is poor.

  • Anon

    Sep 15, 2020, 3:56:18 PM:

    Pit boxers are very stinky, and good with other pets