Comparator
Australian Shepherd or Border Collie: which breed to choose?
Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is 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 vs 18–28 kg for Border Collie.
- Both breeds fall within the same purchase price range: 700–1,800 €.
- Monthly budget is similar for both breeds: about 119 € per month.
- Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (5/5).
- For “Family & children”, both breeds are tied (5/5).
- For “Apartment living”, both breeds are tied (1/5).
- For “First-time owner”, 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 him every day.
- Dog sports enthusiasts : his speed, his focus and his desire to cooperate make him an excellent partner.
- Present families : he thrives best when he truly shares the daily life of those close to him.
Choose Border Collie if you’re looking for…
- Very available people : they can offer him presence, outings and regular activities
- Sporty households : this dog appreciates owners capable of sharing a dynamic lifestyle
- Dog training enthusiasts : his receptiveness allows for refined and motivating work when he is well understood
Detailed comparison
| General information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
| FCI group | 1 | 1 |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Height at 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 ans | 12–15 ans |
| Average price | 700–1,800 € | 800–1,500 € |
| Monthly budget | ≈ 119 € | ≈ 119 € |
| Compatibility | ||
| Family & children | Excellent | Excellent |
| Daily activity required | Very high | Very high |
| Apartment living | Limited | Limited |
| First-time owner | Fairly good | Fairly good |
| Other pets | Very good | Excellent |
| Tolerance for being alone | Fairly good | Fairly good |
| Guarding instinct | Good | Good |
| Pros & Cons | ||
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