Dog breed comparison
Australian Cattle Dog vs Border Collie
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Australian Cattle Dog | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 30 to 50 pounds | 30 to 45 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Border Collie is friendlier with strangers than the Australian Cattle Dog.
General health
The Australian Cattle Dog tends to have fewer health problems than the Border Collie.
Copes alone
The Australian Cattle Dog copes better when left alone than the Border Collie.
Good with children
The Border Collie is better with children than the Australian Cattle Dog.
Good with other dogs
The Australian Cattle Dog gets on better with other dogs than the Border Collie.
Easy to groom
The Australian Cattle Dog is easier to groom than the Border Collie.
Which to choose
Australian Cattle Dog or Border Collie?
Choose the Australian Cattle Dog if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Choose the Border Collie if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Border Collie?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Border Collie?
The Border Collie is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Australian Cattle Dog can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
