Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie – 6 Important Facts

Last Updated on May 20, 2022

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

Both of these dog breeds have outstanding energy, easy to train, very intelligent, social, and playful. Do you have any confusion between Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie?

Well here we will help you with the difference between these two dog breeds by looking at their personality, skills, herding style, and some of their other important aspects.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie

Australian Shepherds are very intelligent and smart dog breeds. Their energy levels and strong agility at sports are quite fascinating and delightful to be around with them.

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 taking much effort.

Border Collie is a medium sized dog breed that can be extremely hard working and loyal for their lifetime. Border Collie is highly intelligent 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 rest 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 where primarily bred for herding the livestock and animals in the western united states.

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

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

During the period of Queen Victoria in 1800, Border Collie dog breed started to become famous and later it served as the predominant sheep herding breed around the globe.

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie personality

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

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

Whereas, Border Collie dogs have a great personality and highly energetic dogs that are easier to teach and train. They are always on high alert and smartly tackle tough situations with ease.

Border Collies always like to be busy, always like to take all the 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 Shepherd and Border Collie can be very similar. However, the Border Collies have more coat colour types compared to Australia Shepherd. Border collies have a thinner and more lightweight coat compared to Australian Shepherd.

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

Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie size

Australian Shepherds have strong muscles and are very tall looking. Australian Shepherd male can be around 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder level and the 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

How Big Does an Australian Shepherd Grow To.

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

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

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 behavior classes at an earlier stage so that they can learn to understand your commands clearly.

Border Collies are very playful dogs who live to spend their time outside. So, make sure to 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 very important 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 behavior. Border Collies can also inherit the diseases from the parents. So, make sure to examine the puppy and as well as his parent’s health condition.

Diseases like Hip Dysplasia, Osteochondrosis, Epilepsy, Collie Eye Anomaly might upset your Border Collie dog for the 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. With proper socialization and training you can make both breeds an excellent addition for your family.