The coats and colors of these breeds can be very similar. However, the Border Collie has more coat color types. It is thinner and more lightweight than the Australian Shepherd, which is heavier by about 15 lbs and has a wider face.
Introduction. To someone unfamiliar with the two breeds of dogs they might look nearly identical, distinguished only by Aussies having a docked tail and Border Collies having a long natural tail. However, the breeds come with different origin, temperament, talents, training challenges and characteristics.
Both breeds are approximately the same size, varying between 17 and 22 inches. The Border Collie weighs around 15 pounds less than the Australian Cattle Dog. The Border Collie has longer and thicker hair. It can be smooth, rough, or sometimes curled.
There are many key differences between border terriers and border collies. The border terrier is much smaller in both height and weight compared to the medium sized border collie. In addition, the border collie has long and silky fur compared to the coarse and short coat of the border terrier.
Both the American Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd are herding breeds that have large followings of admirers. For example, the American Shepherd is far smaller than the Australian Shepherd. An Australian Shepherd also has a longer lifespan on average when compared to an American Shepherd.
Australian Shepherd History
Their Pyrenean Shepherds crossbred with other working dogs, including Collies and Border Collies, creating the modern version of the Australian Shepherd.
According to Coren's standards, the Australian Shepherd ranked (drumroll, please) 42nd among 138 breeds. This ranking may feel lower than expected if you know Australian Shepherds well. However, their intelligence remains above average for dog breeds as a whole.
There's really not much difference between the border collie vs. Australian shepherd personality. "Both of these dogs have a hard time sitting still, and need a lot of mental and physical stimulation consistently—or they'll get into trouble," Kilcommons says.
No one who ever saw Lassie doubted that border collies were loyal. And that assumption rings true in real-life scenarios. Border Collies are sheepdogs, and they'll follow you like a sheep – if you're their master.
As one of the dog world's most intelligent breeds, Border Collies are quick learners. Combined with their eager-to-please nature, training a Border Collie is fairly easy but their high energy and intelligence means they're not the best choice for first time owners.
History. The Border Collie originated in Scotland and can be traced back for 350 years. The name is derived from the area of its origin – the border of Scotland and England.
Origin. The Australian Cattle Dog is the outcome of a deliberate breeding programme. Various dogs with specific abilities were crossbred over a period of 60 years. During the 1830's a collie type dog was crossed with the native wild Dingo.
Also called as Border Aussies or Aussie Collies, this crossbreed is quite the package. This designer dog is a mix of two purebred dogs that are known as great herders – the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd. They are both energetic, intelligent, and affectionate canines.
The dog breed with the highest IQ is the Border Collie, followed by other smart pups like the Belgian Malinois, Poodle, and German Shepherd. Dogs showcase several types of intelligence including instinctual intelligence, obedience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to problem-solve.
Border Collies are definitely big barkers. So if you're still looking into different dog breeds, please keep that in mind. While they are super loveable, intelligent, and trainable… They also have a high barking level, high energy level, and need a lot of mental stimulation.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.
It tells the true story of Hachiko, the faithful dog that continued to wait for its master at a train station in Japan long after his death.
If you don't have time to interact with a Border Collie and provide it with companionship, do not get one. Border Collies usually prefer to bond to one person. They have an inherited instinct to do so because they are designed to work with one person as a team.
Australian Shepherd
Despite their high energy, Aussies are usually quiet. They may bark to alert their owners of a stranger or an unfamiliar situation but other than that, you won't hear much from them. This fits the self-controlled personality that Aussies possess.
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don't know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Australian shepherds are prone to worry, but only under certain conditions. The majority of Australian shepherds who have a regular schedule and live in a serene environment do not exhibit signs of anxiousness. However, this breed does not do well without a schedule or frequent attention from their owners.
They're a very devoted breed and highly intelligent. Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.
Although Aussies are super outdoorsy, they are best suited to indoor living, like most companion pets. Many working Aussies even live indoors, these days. That said, as long as the conditions are safe, Australian Shepherds can sleep outside.
Attention Seekers
Aussies can be very clingy.