Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie – 6 Important Facts

Last Updated on July 4, 2023

Have you ever compared Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie? Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are the two most energetic dog breeds that are top choices for active people. Originating from different countries, the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie have a similar appearances and are used initially for herding farm animals.

Both dog breeds have great energy, are easy to train, and are intelligent, social, and playful. Do you have any confusion between Australian Shepherd vs Border Collies?

We will help you with the difference between these two dog breeds by looking at their personality, skills, herding styles, and other essential aspects.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie

Australian Shepherds are very intelligent and witty dog breeds. Their energy levels and muscular agility in sports are fascinating and delightful.

Australian Shepherd can be your best companion in your house and on your herding. Australian Shepherds are good working dogs who can finish all their assigned tasks without much effort.

Border Collie is a medium-sized dog breed that can be highly hard-working and loyal for a lifetime. Border Collie is knowledgeable with great sense and energy with an athletically appealing body.

Border Collie dogs are highly enthusiastic while performing their work duties or playing on the field, and they remain rested or remain idle only when their duty is done or when it’s time for cuddling.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie
Features	Australian Shepherd	Border Collie
Height	18-21 inches tall	18-21 inches tall
Weight	40-65 pounds	30-55 pounds
Coat Colours	Only four colours	Many colours
	Commonly blue merle	Commonly black and white
Energy	High-energy levels	High-energy levels
Lifespan	12-15 years	12-15 years
Price	$700 and up	$700 and up

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie History

Having a name Australian Shepherd doesn’t originate from Australia; they are purebred from the United States and primarily bred for herding livestock and animals in the western united states.

Some theories claim that Australian shepherds can be descended from the Collie or other shepherd-like dogs who immigrated to the United States from Australia.

Originating from the sheepdogs in Britain, The Border Collie dog breed is named as they were developed on the border of Scotland and England.

During Queen Victoria in 1800, the Border Collie dog breed became famous and later served as the predominant sheep herding breed around the globe.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie personality

Australian Shepherd dogs are known for their extraordinary personality. They are very good-natured and active dogs. The Australian Shepherd dog breed is famous for its love and affection towards its owners. Australian Shepherds always being around their loved ones.

Australian Shepherds have high intelligence levels that are undoubtedly good enough to guard the entire family.

Border Collie dogs have great personalities and are highly energetic dogs that are easier to teach and train. They are always on high alert and smartly tackle challenging situations with ease.

Border Collies always like to be busy, take all activities with pleasure and complete any given task on time without any error; if you expect them to be idle, their energetic nature makes them feel bored.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Appearance

The coats and colours of Australian Shepherds and Border Collies can be very similar. Border collies have a thinner and more lightweight coat compared to Australian Shepherds. However, Border Collies have more coat colour types compared to Australian Shepherds.

Both the Australian Shepherd vs border collie comes in multi colours, brown and blue eyes. At the same time, Australian shepherds can also be seen with bi-coloured and marbled eyes.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie size

Australian Shepherds have solid muscles and are very tall looking. Australian Shepherd males can be around 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder level, and Australian Shepherd females can be around 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder level.

The male Australian Shepherd dog can weigh between 50 to 65 pounds, and the female Australian Shepherd can weigh around 40 to 55 pounds. Check this article to learn.

Check this article to learn How Big Does an Australian Shepherd Grow Too?

Whereas Border Collie is a fair and fit-looking medium size dog breed. Border Collie males can be around 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder level, and Border Collie females can be around 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder level.

The Border Collie male and female dogs can weigh between 30 to 40 pounds and are suitable in any place, irrespective of the room size.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie General Care

Australian Shepherd dogs need high exercise; make sure to take them outside with you for a walk and play with them as much as you can so that they can stretch their muscles and keep their body in control. If needed, take your Australian Shepherd to the behaviour classes at an earlier stage so that they can learn to understand your commands clearly.

Border Collies are very playful dogs who love to spend their time outside. So, take your Border Collie to the parks and enjoy the bliss moments by playing with them.

Border Collie loves to have adventures filled around them. Their high temperament can go into danger, so fencing is compulsory to prevent them from any accidental damage.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie Health

Compared to any other Dog breed Australian Shepherd has proper health condition, and they don’t get sick more often. But in most cases, the chances of inheriting the diseases from their parents. So, it is essential to check with the breeders about the parent Australian Shepherd’s health condition while buying or adopting a puppy.

Australian Shepherds are known for some diseases if you don’t properly care for them, like Hip & Elbow dysplasia, Epilepsy, Deafness, Osteochondritis, Dissecans, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cataracts and Hypothyroidism.

Border Collie dogs generally maintain their health very well. You need to give them proper food and exercise to keep them away from stress and aggressive behaviour. Border Collies can also inherit diseases from their parents. So, make sure to examine the puppy as well as his parent’s health condition.

Diseases like Hip Dysplasia, Osteochondrosis, Epilepsy, and Collie Eye Anomaly might make your Border Collie dog worse.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie, both dog breeds, can bring endless hours of entertainment to your lives. Both are intelligent and have the tireless energy of working dog breeds.

Both dog breeds can be decent family pets and get well with young kids. You can make both breeds an excellent addition to your family with proper socialisation and training.