I have two border collies and they’re as much a part of my family as the two-legged beings. I’m a true collie mom and I can now easily differentiate between them and Australian shepherds. I’m not bragging, I just want to help you master this skill too. Let’s go!
Overview of The Border Collie and Australian Shepherd
Origin: Border collies, who were bred in the borderlands between England and Scotland, came long before Australian shepherds, who were bred in the US. They were bred way back in the 1700s, while Aussies only came along in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Name origin: ‘Border collie’ comes from their place of origin (the border between England and Scotland) and the old Gaelic rural term for ‘useful’, which is ‘collie’. The Australian shepherd’s name is a bit more complicated as it’s a misnomer. The exact origin of the name is unclear, but they’re definitely not from Australia. As a matter of fact, they’re one of the most popular American dog breeds. For now, we can believe that it came from the Basque sheepherders who came to America from the land down under in the 19th century.
Purpose: Both are herding dog breeds that were bred to herd sheep. Border collies have a very unique and very intense stare that they use to intimidate them.
Size
Build: Border collies have a slimmer build and they’re smaller overall. Australian shepherds are definitely the more muscular of the two breeds.
Height: Australian shepherds aren’t much taller at 18 to 23 inches than border collies at 18 to 22 inches.
Weight: Aussies can weigh up to 15 lbs. more than their herding cousins. They typically weigh between 35 and 70 lbs., while border collies weigh between 30 and 55 lbs. on average.
Physical Appearance
Coats: Border collies are almost always black and white, but they can also be brown and white, even though it’s very rare. And not all collie breeds look the same! Their coats can also be either smooth or rough, just as those of Australian shepherds. They both have thick double coats and Aussies can be many different colors, from black and tan to blue merle.
Eyes: I can get lost in my border collies’ eyes, even though they’re ordinarily brown. The breed can have blue eyes, especially when their coats are merle, but brown and hazel are the most common. Australian shepherds can also have blue or hazel eyes but some of them have one of each.
Ears: Both species can have pricked or droopy ears with feathering but for some reason it’s border collies that get their ears taped by their owners. Apparently, it strengthens their muscles and prevents the cartilage from stiffening.
Temperament and Personality
Energy: Border collies have high energy levels. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation because they’re so, so energetic. Seriously, get one of these babies if you’re an active person because they’re one of the best breeds for runners. Aussies are better suited for mountain hiking because they need tons of stimulation, but just a teeny tiny bit less than border collies. They also have pretty high prey drives.
Human interaction: Both breeds are wary of strangers, but Australian shepherds take longer to get comfortable with new people. Border collies don’t do well with small children because they’re so energetic that they play rough, and their herding instincts can’t help but kick in. But overall, border collies are good family dogs. Aussies are very good at playing with small children and they can develop separation anxiety if you don’t work on their socialization.
Health Issues
Hip dysplasia: Border collies may be one of the healthiest dog breeds, but they and Aussies are prone to this joint problem. It happens when their hip bones don’t fit together perfectly.
Eye problems: Unfortunately, both breeds can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and border collies are prone to collie eye anomaly (CEA).
Autoimmune diseases: Australian shepherds are susceptible to a couple of these. They include Autoimmune thyroiditis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Pemphigus foliaceus, Uveodermatologic syndrome, and Myasthenia gravis.
Epilepsy: It’s a common thing in border collies and you’ll notice it when your dog is between 1 and 4 years old. However, you don’t always notice it immediately if you’re not there when the episodes happen. Sadly, I’m speaking from experience.
Deafness: Australian shepherds can be born deaf, but pups with two merle parents are the most at risk.
Allergies: Aussies can be allergic to anything from food to flea saliva.
Care
Living space: With the massive bouts of energy that border collies have comes a need for a large yard. Australian shepherds don’t need as much space, and you could easily raise them in an apartment if you take regular walks to the doggy park.
Exercise: A daily walk or a stroll around the house won’t cut it if you’re a border collie mom. Australian shepherds don’t need much more than a walk or a quick jog.
Grooming: You need to brush your border collie at least 3 times per week because their coats form clots or lumps. Australian shepherds only need a weekly brush, except for shedding season, which is when both breeds need more brushing.
Bathing: You don’t have to bathe either of the breeds on a daily, or even a weekly, basis. Unless they get very dirty or muddy, you can get away with occasional baths. However, you need to make time for regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.
Similarities
Life expectancy: Both breeds can live between 12 and 15 years.
Personality traits: They’re highly intelligent, eager to please, and they make good watchdogs. We’ve already established that they’re very energetic, which is one of the reasons why they’re also both competent dog sports competitors. Think of Susan Garrett’s border collies, some of the world’s greatest canine athletes!
Human relationships: You can bet on it that both breeds make great pets. Border collies are actually one of the friendliest dog breeds, and both breeds will protect their protectors at all costs.
Barking: Love it or hate it, but both herding dog breeds are avid barkers. They’re good at it and they won’t refrain from alerting you the second they spot a threat. They also use their barking abilities to herd.
