Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie
Australian Shepherd or Border Collie? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Australian Shepherd | Border Collie | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Herding | Herding |
| Size | Medium · 40–65 lb | Medium · 30–55 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Medium double coat, sheds | Rough or smooth, sheds |
| Temperament | Smart, energetic, loyal | Intense, brilliant, driven |
| Best fit | Active homes, dog sports | Farms, dog sports, runners |
| Energy | ●●●●● 1–2 hrs work daily | ●●●●● 2 hrs work daily |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Very quick learner | ●●●●● Top of the class |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Weekly brush, seasonal shed | ●●●●● Weekly brush, sheds |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Needs a busy owner | ●●●●● Too much dog for most |
| Observed price | $800 median (291 prices) | $750 median (337 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Trainability: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the Australian Shepherd rates higher than the Border Collie (3 of 5 vs 2).
The Australian Shepherd
Despite the name, the Aussie was developed on American ranches to move livestock all day, so it is smart, quick and happiest with a job. Loyal to its family and often reserved with strangers, it suits owners who want an active partner.
An under-worked Aussie invents jobs, such as herding children, barking at movement or chewing. They need daily exercise and training, and some can be wary of strangers without steady socialization.
Australian Shepherd breed profileAustralian Shepherd for sale
The Border Collie
Bred on the Scottish border to gather sheep with an intense stare and tireless work ethic, the Border Collie is widely considered the most trainable dog there is. That brilliance comes with a need for real daily work, not just walks.
Without a job, a Border Collie turns its drive on cars, shadows, children or your furniture. It needs hours of physical and mental work every day, and it can be sound-sensitive and obsessive.
Questions
Is an Australian Shepherd or a Border Collie better for a beginner?
The Australian Shepherd rates higher for beginners (3 of 5 vs 2). Australian Shepherd: Needs a busy owner. Border Collie: Too much dog for most.
What is the main difference between an Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie?
An under-worked Aussie invents jobs, such as herding children, barking at movement or chewing. They need daily exercise and training, and some can be wary of strangers without steady socialization. By contrast, without a job, a Border Collie turns its drive on cars, shadows, children or your furniture. It needs hours of physical and mental work every day, and it can be sound-sensitive and obsessive.
Which costs more, an Australian Shepherd or a Border Collie?
On the prices we observed, the Australian Shepherd median is $800 (291 prices) and the Border Collie median is $750 (337 prices).