When we think of sheepdogs the image of a border collie herding a flock of sheep automatically comes to mind, or the of an Australian shepherd controlling a whole cattle herd. However, knowing how to identify these breeds can sometimes be a complicated task, due to their many similarities. Likewise, if you are considering adopting one of these two dogs and you are still not sure which one to opt for, in this article on our site we show you the differences between the border collie and the Australian shepherd Read on and choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle!
History of the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd
The origin of the border collie dates back to the V and I centuries BC, when the Celtic tribes brought to the British Isles the dogs that acted as ancestors of this breed. Even then, he was employed as a herding dog, a job that he continues to do due to his intelligence and incredible working abilities. Over the years, the breed adapted and standardized until it reached the current border collie, which was officially recognized by canine organizations in the 20th century.
The origin of the Australian Shepherd, meanwhile, is uncertain and there are several theories that collect it. However, and despite its name, what they all agree on is that it was in the United States where it developed, in the 19th century, when a group of Basque emigrants they went to America intending to try their hand at raising their herds of sheep, and brought their sheepdogs with them, having previously spent some time in Australia.
The Australian Shepherd is believed to be the result of a cross between the Border Collie and other herding-type dogs, this being one of the main differences between the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd, whichone descends from the other.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Physical Characteristics
Although both dogs have very similar physical traits, such as long fur, they also have different characteristics that allow us to differentiate the border collie from the Australian shepherd. A clear example of this is the range of colors accepted for each of the breeds, with the border collie having a greater range of combinations than the Australian shepherd. Next, we detail the colors of each race:
Accepted border collie colors
- Black
- Blackbird Blue
- Gray
- Mottled
- Blue
- Blackbird Red
- Tricolor Blackbird
- Brown
- Australian Red
- Saber
Although these are the most common colors of the border collie, the truth is that all shades are admitted, as long as white does not prevail.
Australian Shepherd Accepted Colors
- Blackbird Blue
- Blackbird Red
- Red
- Tricolor red
- Tricolor blackbird
- Black
- Copper
As with the previous race, white should not predominate.
In addition to hair color, in terms of physical appearance, another difference between the border collie and the Australian shepherd is the type of coats that both breeds have. The coat of the border collie is much denser and harder than that of the Australian shepherd, the latter being softer. Likewise, the Australian Shepherd has slightly shorter head hair than the Border Collie. On the other hand, the ears of the border collie can be erect or semi-erect, while in the Australian shepherd is considered a serious faultears up.
In general, the Australian shepherd tends to be prone to heterochromia, that is, to be born with different colored eyes or to show two different colors in the same eye, while the border collie rarely this feature is observed.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Size
Although both dogs are medium in size, the Australian Shepherd is slightly heavier and taller than the Border Collie.
An average adult border collie weighs around 20kg and measures between 46 and 53cm at the withers, while an Australian Shepherd can weigh between 25 and 30kg and measure between 46 and 58cm. In both breeds, the female is usually smaller than the male.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd character
If you want to train your dog to protect your home and alert you to any intruder, The Australian Shepherd is perfect for guardingDue to his innate abilities, he will not hesitate to protect his human family, as well as to watch over the home in his absence. The border collie, on the other hand, is a less vigilant dog, which, if well educated, can also learn to alert its humans, but it does not tend to do so naturally as the Australian shepherd can.
On the other hand, although both breeds of dogs are considered herding dogs, they have been developed to fulfill different purposes within the field of livestock, a fact that is also reflected in their temperaments and characters. Thus, while the border collie is a shy and energetic dog, ideal for leading the sheepfrom a distance, the Australian Shepherd is as well equipped to control sheep as it is to lead cows, buffalo, geese and any kind of livestock
Despite the above, not all are differences between the border collie and the Australian shepherd, since both dogs are affectionate, faithful, loyal, attentive and active. This means that both breeds need to get a good dose of daily exercise, as well as activities that keep their minds engaged. In general, they do not usually adapt to flats or small apartments precisely because of their active nature.
If we respect the character of each dog and cover all its needs, the border collie can live up to 17 years, while hope of life of the Australian shepherd is over 15 years old, this being another of the differences Between both.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Care
The basic care of food, exercise, hygiene, vaccination and deworming are the same for both dogs, here the difference between the border collie and the Australian shepherd lies in the care of the coat While the Australian Shepherd maintains himself with two weekly brushings and baths when really necessary, the Border Collie requires a more intense routine, ideally brushing his coat every day or every two days to make it look shiny and silky. This is so due to the difference in the layers that we mentioned earlier. As the coat of the border collie is rougher, it needs more care than the Australian shepherd to prevent it from becoming even more harsh.
On the other hand, although both dogs need daily exercise and play games and varied activities to stay well mentally stimulated, this fact is even more accentuated in the border collie and we will see why next.
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Training
Being considered the border collie as the smartest dog in the worldaccording to Stanley Coren, training it is relatively easy with the right techniques. In this way, many repetitions are not necessary to make this dog internalize an order or learn to carry out herding tasks. The Australian Shepherd, for its part, requires a little more time, although it does not usually present difficulties during its education.
In both cases, the most recommended dog training techniques are those that are carried out through positive reinforcement, since they manage to keep dogs motivated and obtain better results. Especially in the border collie, due to its active nature and great intelligence, opting for punishment (whether we are talking about positive punishment or negative reinforcement) generates behavioral problems and he alth consequences, such as stress, anxiety, disobedience, destruction or aggressiveness in the most serious cases. Likewise, and as we pointed out in the previous section, it is necessary to constantly teach the border collie new tricks and commands to prevent it from getting bored and keep its mind always active.
