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Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie

Both herding dogs need hours of activity and work; the Border Collie is the more intense, the Australian Shepherd somewhat more relaxed and a heavier shedder.

Australian Shepherd profileBorder Collie profile

Verdict

The Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie are intelligent, energetic herding dogs that top the scale for both energy and trainability. Neither belongs in a small apartment or a sedentary home, and both are best with active owners who want a partner for sport, hiking or farm work and who can supply real mental work every day.

The Border Collie is the more intense and driven, asks for two hours or more, and its profile calls it a poor match for casual owners and homes with toddlers. The Australian Shepherd is somewhat more relaxed and a little heavier, shadows its people closely and sheds more. Both list MDR1 drug sensitivity, so owners of either should discuss it with a vet.

Choose the Australian Shepherd if

  • You want a loyal, protective partner for hiking, sport or ranch work
  • You prefer a slightly more relaxed dog
  • You can give 90 minutes or more of exercise with a job to do
  • You do not mind a dog that follows you everywhere

Choose the Border Collie if

  • You compete in dog sports or run a farm
  • You want a responsive, driven performance partner
  • You can supply two hours or more of daily exercise and mental work
  • You would like somewhat less shedding

Side by side

Australian Shepherd Border Collie
AKC group Herding Group Herding Group
Size class Medium Medium
Typical weight 40 to 65 lb 30 to 55 lb
Height 18 to 23 in at the shoulder 18 to 22 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 14 of 202 26 of 202
Shedding Heavy Moderate
Grooming needs Moderate Moderate
Energy Very high Very high
Trainability Very easy Very easy
Barking Barks sometimes Barks sometimes
With children Good with supervision Good with supervision
Apartment living Poor Poor
First-time owners Challenging Challenging
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Good Good
Temperament
  • intelligent
  • loyal
  • energetic
  • protective
  • intense
  • intelligent
  • driven
  • responsive
Health concerns to know about
  • hip dysplasia
  • MDR1 drug sensitivity
  • epilepsy
  • cataracts and other eye disease
  • merle-related deafness and blindness
  • hip dysplasia
  • collie eye anomaly
  • epilepsy
  • trapped neutrophil syndrome
  • MDR1 drug sensitivity
  • ceroid lipofuscinosis
Suits
  • active owners
  • rural or suburban homes
  • people who do dog sports or ranch work
  • dog sport competitors
  • farm and ranch owners
  • experienced and very active people

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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