Breed comparison
Australian Shepherd or Border Collie: Which breed should you choose?
Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are two dog breeds often compared by prospective owners. Here’s a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.
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Key takeaways
- Australian Shepherd is larger: 19–34 kg compared with 18–28 kg for Border Collie.
- Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: €700 – €1,800.
- The monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about €119 per month.
- Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (5/5).
- For “Families and children,” both breeds are tied (5/5).
- For “Apartment living,” both breeds are tied (1/5).
- For “First-time owners,” both breeds are tied (2/5).
- Both breeds have a similar life expectancy: 12–15 years.
Our verdict
Choose Australian Shepherd if you’re looking for…
- Active households: it is well suited to people who are available to walk, play and work with it every day.
- Dog sports enthusiasts: its speed, concentration and desire to cooperate make it an excellent partner.
- Families often at home: it thrives better when it truly shares the daily life of its loved ones.
Choose Border Collie if you’re looking for…
- People with plenty of time: they can offer him companionship, outings and regular activities
- Sporty households: this dog appreciates owners capable of sharing a dynamic lifestyle
- Dog training enthusiasts: his responsiveness allows for refined and motivating work when he is well understood
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| FCI group | 1 | 1 |
| Build | Medium | Medium |
| Height at the withers | 46–58 cm | 48–55 cm |
| Weight | 19–34 kg | 18–28 kg |
| Coat | Medium-long, straight to wavy | Medium-long, dense |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Average price | €700 – €1,800 | €800 – €1,500 |
| Monthly budget | ≈ €119 | ≈ €119 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Families and children | Excellent | Excellent |
| Daily exercise needs | Very high | Very high |
| Apartment living | Limited | Limited |
| First-time owners | Fair | Fair |
| Other pets | Very good | Excellent |
| Tolerance of being alone | Fair | Fair |
| Guarding instinct | Good | Good |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
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