Dog breed comparison
Shetland Sheepdog vs Border Collie
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Border Collie is the bigger breed, about 8 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Shetland Sheepdog | Border Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding Dogs | Herding Dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | 13 to 16 inches | 18 to 22 inches |
| Weight | Starts at 20 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.
Background
Where they come from.
The Shetland Sheepdog
A small herding dog from the Shetland Islands, where it herded sheep, ponies and poultry. It is related to the Rough Collie.
It is sensitive and very vocal, often barking at movement.
Health to watch
- Collie eye anomaly
- MDR1 drug sensitivity
- Dermatomyositis
- Hypothyroidism
- Gallbladder mucocele
The Border Collie
Developed in the border country between Scotland and England to herd sheep. It works by "eye", controlling sheep with an intense stare. Old Hemp, born in 1893, is regarded as the founder of the modern breed.
A Border Collie named Chaser learned the names of more than 1,000 toys.
Health to watch
- Collie eye anomaly
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Trapped neutrophil syndrome
- MDR1 drug sensitivity in some lines
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Shetland Sheepdog sheds more than the Border Collie.
Barking
The Shetland Sheepdog barks more than the Border Collie.
General health
The Shetland Sheepdog tends to have fewer health problems than the Border Collie.
Energy
The Border Collie has more energy than the Shetland Sheepdog.
Exercise needs
The Border Collie needs more exercise than the Shetland Sheepdog.
Good with children
The Shetland Sheepdog is better with children than the Border Collie.
Which to choose
Shetland Sheepdog or Border Collie?
Choose the Shetland Sheepdog if…
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
Choose the Border Collie if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Shetland Sheepdog or the Border Collie bigger, and which lives longer?
The Border Collie is the bigger breed, about 8 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog or the Border Collie?
The Shetland Sheepdog is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Border Collie can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Border Collie sheds less than the Shetland Sheepdog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Shetland Sheepdog and Border Collie have?
The Shetland Sheepdog is prone to collie eye anomaly, MDR1 drug sensitivity, dermatomyositis. The Border Collie is prone to collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia, epilepsy. Both share a risk of collie eye anomaly. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
