If you’re on the hunt for a brainy breed, you may find yourself looking at the Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd.
But how do you decide? Keep reading!
Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd History
The Border Collie is an ancient dog descending from Roman and Viking herding breeds.
Hailing from Britain, the Border Collie has been described by experts as the world’s most efficient herding canine.
The incredible intelligence, tenacious work ethic, and stunning look of this breed have captivated the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world.
Today, the Border Collie continues to melt hearts both in the home and on the hillside.
But what about the Australian Shepherd?
Although the name might suggest otherwise, the Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, as they are sometimes called, hails from the American West.
While this dog does have some Australian roots, most experts accept that the Aussie is an all-American breed who was in fact once considered a cowboy’s best friend!
Modern-day Aussies enjoy a wide array of positions, including working as therapy dogs, herding on the ranch, performing in the rodeo, and as beloved family companions.
Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd Appearance
The Border Collie is the smaller of the two breeds, but not by much—, they stand between 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh approximately 30 to 55 lbs.
They have short, floppy ears and a long, plumed tail, and a coat that comes in both smooth and rough varieties.
The Border Collie coat comes in a variety of combinations including
- black
- white
- blue
- red merle
- lilac
- brindle
- chocolate
- blue merle
- gold
- red sable
- liver
How Do The Aussie’s Looks Compare?
The Aussie can grow to be 18 to 23 inches tall and weigh 40 to 65 lbs.
Their coats are typically long and dense, with a double layer to protect them from the elements. This coat requires regular grooming.
They also have has short, folded ears just like the Border Collie and usually, a long tail.
Although some can be born with a naturally bobbed tail.
Many Aussie owners or breeders choose to dock their dogs tail for cleanliness or safety reasons.
The Australian Shepherd may also have blue eyes, brown eyes, or one eye of each color, and the Aussie coat comes in a wide range of colors, including
- merle
- red merle
- red tricolor
- black
- black tricolor
- blue merle
- red
Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd Temperament
Both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are intelligent breeds with loads of energy and may not be the best choice for novice dog owners or those with busy schedules.
These breeds need tons of exercise and training to ensure their energy and mind-power are harnessed in positive ways.
But which breed makes the better pet for families?
According to the American Kennel Club, (AKC), both breeds can do well with families as long as they are properly socialized and trained at a very early age.
However, a prospective owner should keep in mind that, in particular, the Border Collie prone to natural herding instincts.
Therefore, they may be tempted to herd smaller children or other household pets about your home.
The Right Kind of Home
For this reason, the Border Collie is better suited calm households and families with older children.
Border Collie can also become very attached to their families, but they may be aloof with some strangers.
Thus, it is very important to socialize this breed from as early as seven months to ensure they are used to different people and environments.
On the other hand, Australian Shepherds bond closely with their families and are eager, outgoing, and in most cases, get along well with everyone.
However, they can sometimes become territorial and overprotective of their domain and family.
The Aussie will need lots of socialization and obedience training just like the Border Collie, and an owner who understands how to deal with breeds that have high levels of intelligence and attachment tendencies.
Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd Training Requirements
Due to their high levels of intelligence, the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are delightful to train and will amaze their owners with their ability to learn.
In fact, Border Collies are famously intelligent, with many studies continuing to wow scientists.
However, with intelligence comes independent thinking, and both of these breeds can be a bit much for the novice owner.
If you underestimate these dogs, you could end up being outsmarted by them.
Consistent training, exercise, doggy jobs, and toys that challenge your dog’s mind, like doggy puzzle toys, are a great way to keep these dogs busy and happy.
Training guides for Aussies and Border Collies
Training should always be firm but loving, and experts stress the importance of positive reinforcement training methods.
This includes treats and lots of praise instead of punishments and scolding.
It’s also important to remember, the Australian Shepherd is especially prone to separation anxiety when left alone for several hours at a time.
Bored or anxious dogs can become destructive, so if you’re considering an Aussie or Border Collie for a pet, you may want to consider crate training.
For those bringing home a puppy, here is a guide on potty training too.
Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd Exercise Requirements
Both the Aussie and the Border Collie will require plenty of exercise—both of these dogs are herding breeds and need plenty of outdoor time.
The Border Collie will need more rigorous exercise than the Australian Shepherd, as they were bred as working dogs and without jobs, can get quite bored.
This means your dog will need space to run freely as well as two or more hours devoted to exercising every day.
The Australian Shepherd will also need plenty of exercising, although they should be alright with doggy jobs and an hour or so of exercise
As long as you provide a space or yard where your dog can often run and play.
Both of these breeds need space to run and do best in homes with large, fenced-in yards and families who are active.
So, make sure you can provide your dog with the unique amount of exercise it takes to keep these breeds happy and healthy.
Border Collie Vs Australian Shepherd Health
All dogs are susceptible to genetic health issues. It’s important to be aware of potential health issues specific to the breed you are considering.
Both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd have a lifespan of 13 to 15 years but can both suffer from hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
However, they can also be prone to a few different health issues.
Border Collie Health
For example, the Border Collie can be prone to
- deafness
- progressive renal atrophy
- Collie eye anomaly,
- trapped neutrophil syndrome
- and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
The National Breed Club suggests a hip and ophthalmological evaluation for your Border Collie.
Aussie Health
But what about the Aussie?
Along with hip dysplasia and epilepsy, Aussies are prone to cancers and cataracts.
Recommended health tests for an Australian Shepherd include elbow, hip, and ophthalmological evaluations.
Keep in mind that a healthy lifestyle, including a diet of high-quality dog food specific to your particular breed’s weight, activity level, and age, will help maintain their overall health.
Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie grooming
Proper grooming will also help to keep your Border Collie or Australian Shepherd in peak condition.
The Border Collie requires a bit more brushing, regardless of whether your dog has a rough or smooth coat.
In addition, this breed will need brushing at least twice a week and occasional bathing with a high-quality dog shampoo.
The Australian Shepherd will require occasional brushing once or twice a week and bathing only as needed.
Both breeds will need a thorough brushing more often during shedding season, which happens twice a year.
They will need their nails trimmed regularly and their ears cleaned often to keep them clear of infection.
Which Breed Makes a Better Pet?
Both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd make loving pets for the right owners.
Remember, both of these breeds are highly intelligent and active, which means they can be high maintenance all around and may not be suitable pets for the newer dog owner.
Furthermore, keep in mind that if you have very young children, the Border Collie could be prone to herding them about the house.
For this reason, Border Collies are better suited to households with older children.
The Australian Shepherd does well with kids of all ages.
Although, if not socialized and trained properly he can be prone to territorial behavior and overprotective of his family.
If you can’t decide between the two and dealing with a puppy concerns you, you could opt to rescue an adult Border Collie or Aussie from a shelter.
Rescuing an older dog means you can learn much more about their temperament before it’s time to come home.
Do you know of any great shelters in your area? Please post their information in the comments section!
Which dog did you choose?
Have you already made the choice between a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd dog?
Which did you bring home, and what clinched it for you?
Let us know in the comments box!
References and Further Reading
Pilley JW and Reid AK.2011. Border Collie Comprehends Object Names as Verbal Referents. Behavioral Processes.
Diederich C and Giffroy J-M. 2006. Behavioral Testing in Dogs: A Review of Methodology in Search for Standardization. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
Howell TJ, King T, and Bennett PC. 2015. Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
Irion DN et al. 2003. Analysis of Genetic Variation in 28 Dog Breed Populations With 100 Microsatellite Markers. Journal of Heredity.
Acumen L. 2011. The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs. Second Edition.
Coren S. 2006. The Intelligence of Dogs. Free Press
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Hi there…love the concept of this article, but have you ever owned an Aussie? They’re crazy herders and have plenty of studies done on their intelligence and vocabulary retention. Temperaments of Aussies are not as warm and friendly as portrayed here – they are often highly neurotic dogs and need work (same as Border Collies) to keep them out of trouble. They are not always friendly with other dogs and can have trouble with children. This is one of the reasons so many Aussies are ending up in shelters right now – they are, like Border Collies, hit or miss family pets. Anyway, thanks for writing the article in the first place. Please be thoughtful in your portrayal of all dog breeds; this article is more than a little biased in its research and portrayal of Collies and may give the wrong impression of Aussies “gentleness” in comparison.
I agree. Having had a Border Collie and currently 2 senior Aussies and a junior, I love both breeds, however, this young Aussie is far more neurotic than my Border ever was. All 4 dogs have had the same early socialization and training and yet this 1-1/2 year old Aussie is aggressive and hyper and not friendly at all to other humans or dogs. The Border and the 2 older Aussies were super social with everyone. So…from y experience, you just never know what you are going to get! I just work around it and love him to death anyway!
i agree with this comment. our aussie has bitten several children due to us not socializing her at a young age and our dog was apprehensive of these kids. also the owner(my brother) was never present during these as he is who our aussie listens to all the time. they have a weird soul connection thing
I think that’s pretty much what the article said!
Hi,
Just found this article on Aussies v Border Collies and I am quite dumbfounded on the comment above.
I have owned three Aussies over the last 25 years, having them with my 4 young boys growing up was fantastic. I am so thrilled with this breed, I will continue to have them in my home now with grandkids.
All three were and are females, their temperament was and is very loving, very loyal, very clever, and as for destructivenes, that depends on the owners upbringing of the dog. Each and every dog have some sort of issue, whether it be chewing or digging or barking, but once again it’s on the owner to nip this in the bud early. Yes they are strong willed but with gentle direct persuasion can be turned around.
We adore our Aussies, we love being woken at 6:45am every morning, having her lay with us and gently licking our hands, playing endless games, but especially love being greeted at the door with licks and huge smiles.
As a child I had a male Border Collie, and even he was a great family dog.
Have you ever owned an Aussie??????
I have an aussie/chow male mix..He is extremely polite and gentle and at 9 yrs old is happy to get his 2hours of walking each day,he feels more secure on a leash ,likes to meet other dogs and people ,but just for a few minutes ,and then is remote..Twice now ,he has picked up baby wild birds ,then puts them down,undamaged … he is complemented regularly as he is so handsome ,,ruddy red and white.. Obviously I love to brag him up,,,Beau is my best friend.. regards to ALL dog lovers… Bill Sheridan..
I am getting a border/aussie puppy this weekend. Wish me luck!! 😉
I have had an aussie before but am not as used to the collie breed. I am excited to see what he is like!
I have had Aussies since the 70s and have always been very satisfied with the breed. My dogs have been smart, affectionate and good with people and other animals. Having become much more popular than they once were, they are being affected by irresponsible breeding. I love the breed, but, as with any breed, they are all individuals. Careful selection and research and meeting the parents and breeders of your dog should help make a good choice.
We have two Aussies and I agree that they are nuts… but lovable nuts! One does not do well with our other dogs, but we work around it. He is certainly my “Velcro dog” and would do well as the only dog in a family. My other Aussie is super submissive. She is less warm, but she is still a sweet dog. No one mentioned that Aussies are LICKERS!
My border collie is a licker, too!
I’m not sure why people get the Border Collie confused with the Australian Shepherd. They look totally different and the Border Collie is on average 25-30 pounds lighter and is fast, can jump very high and actually has a personality. I love Border Collies, but personally cannot stand Australian Shepherds. They are just very weird and Zombie like. I’ve also read reports they can be unpredictably mean at times to those they know. Their purpose is to herd animals, not live in someone’s urban home.
Robbie, sounding somewhat harsh here! I’d say some people might say border collies purpose is to herd and don’t belong in urban homes as well. Personally, I’m familiar with both breeds and each have their own personalities. I strongly believe you need to socialize both breeds at a young age and give them obedience training. Plus check out their parents temperament before purchasing. Neither are considered couch potatoes they both do better with some type of job. Don’t get me wrong they will lie on the couch just don’t expect it all the time, they desire exercise as well. Also Robbie you haven’t met the right aussie, they can be sweethearts!
You are of course entitled to your opinion. But clearly you need to experience an Aussie. They are very similar to collies in ability to jump! Several have won agility competitions!
https://youtu.be/ND2wihZiR_Q
And just like with any breed, it does sometimes depend on the dog. Our Aussies have been amazing family additions and my neighbor has a Collie even she doesn’t trust with kids!
I can also imagine working lines Border Collies are much more high drive than show line Border Collies. I don’t know if there are still working lines Aussies around, well definitely not in Europe
I think my Aussie/Border mix inherited the best of both breeds. I adopted her when she was 13 months old so knew her temperament. She is wonderful with people of all ages, other dogs, and cats. She gets along very well with my geriatric cat. My dog looks predominantly Aussie, and I may have a DNA test done to see if she indeed has Border Collie in her. Some animal rescues are reluctant to indicate a purebred without any documentation. I am guessing that her description as an Aussie/Border mix comes from her face, but I’ve seen tricolor Aussies with similarities to her face. Her body and movement are distinctly Aussie rather than Border Collie. Either way, I love both breeds and their mix.
I have a 3 years old female Aussie and she is nice with everybody, people and dogs, never had problems. She likes going around, agility, the snow etc. but she is happy to stay home if required. I met several border collie who are much more “difficult” to manage
I have a border collie and an aussie. My border collie is considered the perfect dog by everyone who meets her. My aussie is also wonderful, except she can be overly protective of me, sometimes trying to keep the border collie away from me- unsuccessfully. Both are well trained and socialized. The border collie was easier to train, seeming to be almost intuitive in figuring out what I want. I love them both, but they are quite different.
I have had two Aussies. The first a pure Aussie male. Loving, smart and loyal. Although as stated a bit nippy with other dogs, and even aggressive to larger dogs. My second Aussie, is actually an Aussie/Brittany mix. He is the best dog I have ever owned. All the above traits without the aggressiveness. This dog is friendly to everything and everyone. We live on a lake with two swans that mate every year in our yard, plus two Canadian geese. The swans and geese both love this dog so much, they prefer to lie down next to him, even with their signets. When as many as 30 other geese come to join the party, my Aussie/Brittany mix will chase the foreigners away, while “our” two geese help. The dog is not in your face. but loves to be with you, especially for car rides. And is a looker. Can’t stop at a traffic light without the occupants of the adjoining car ooing and awing. At a dog park, this guy will attract most other dogs, and lead them on a fun exploration until everyone poops out. And at 55 pounds, won’t fit under the seat on the airplane, but can easily go almost anywhere else.
I have what I was told at the time a Male border collie named Jackson. He is three yrs old and weighs around 67 pounds. He was his moms first litter so I’m wondering if she had Aussie in her since he is so large. I just can’t believe he’s a full border collie no other ones I’ve seen are his size. I am thinking of doing a dna history test on him but not sure how accurate it is..
I had a border collie and he was almost big as our shepherd he was 79 pounds and loved kids and women but did not like makes unless they came around a lot for him to get to know
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I have a male Aussie/Border Collie mix. Super sweet, affectionate, and lovey. A little stubborn sometimes, but comes around with gentle persistence and treats.