Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd

Side-by-side comparison of temperament, health, size, and care needs.

Border CollieAustralian Shepherd

Traits Overview

Border Collie

Australian Shepherd

Energy Level

Border Collie

5/5

Australian Shepherd

5/5

Trainability

Border Collie

5/5

Australian Shepherd

5/5

Good with Kids

Border Collie

4/5

Australian Shepherd

4/5

Good with Pets

Border Collie

3/5

Australian Shepherd

4/5

Grooming Needs

Border Collie

3/5

Australian Shepherd

3/5

All breeds share similar energy level (5/5).
All breeds share similar trainability (5/5).
All breeds share similar kid-friendliness (4/5).
Australian Shepherd scores highest in pet-friendliness (4/5 vs 3/5).
All breeds share similar grooming needs (3/5).
Both breeds are prone to Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy.

Attribute	Border Collie The Einstein of dogs — remarkably intelligent and athletic. The world's premier herding breed.	Australian Shepherd Energetic, intelligent herding breed with striking merle coat. Thrives with active families and loves having a job.
Size	medium	medium
Weight	30-55 lbs	40-65 lbs
Height	18-22 in	18-23 in
Life Span	12-15 years	12-15 years
Origin	Scotland	United States
Group	Herding	Herding
Energy Level
Trainability
Good with Kids
Good with Pets
Grooming Needs
Temperament	IntelligentEnergeticTenaciousResponsive	SmartWork-OrientedExuberantLoyal
Common Health Issues	Hip dysplasia Epilepsy Collie eye anomaly Progressive retinal atrophy	Hip dysplasia Epilepsy Cataracts MDR1 gene mutation
Exercise	90+ min daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation	90+ min daily vigorous exercise
Grooming	Brush 2-3 times weekly	Brush 2-3 times weekly
Diet	High-energy working-dog formula	High-energy active-dog formula