Australian Shepherd
Clever, playful and tireless, the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog, often with odd-coloured eyes, ideal for very active families.
Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie
Side by side
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sheepdogs and cattle dogs | Sheepdogs and cattle dogs |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 16–32 kg | 14–22 kg |
| Height at withers | 46–58 cm | 46–56 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Heavier: Australian Shepherd (about 24 kg vs 18 kg on average)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Both are similarBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Border Collie
Often considered the most trainable dog of all, the Border Collie is a tireless herding dog that needs a real job.