Dog breed comparison
Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Australian Shepherd is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Border Collie | Australian Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 30 to 45 pounds | 40 to 65 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.
Good with other dogs
The Australian Shepherd gets on better with other dogs than the Border Collie.
Friendly with strangers
The Border Collie is friendlier with strangers than the Australian Shepherd.
Easy to groom
The Border Collie is easier to groom than the Australian Shepherd.
Barking
The Australian Shepherd barks more than the Border Collie.
Apartment living
The Border Collie copes better in an apartment than the Australian Shepherd.
Copes alone
The Australian Shepherd copes better when left alone than the Border Collie.
Which to choose
Border Collie or Australian Shepherd?
Choose the Border Collie if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Choose the Australian Shepherd if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Questions.
Is the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd bigger, and which lives longer?
The Australian Shepherd is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. 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.
