Do you have a border collie and they mistake it for an Australian shepherd? Is it difficult for you to differentiate between the two races? Do not worry. There are breeds of dogs that are very similar to each other and difficult to distinguish. It is the case of these two, but if you know the characteristics of both races, it will not be difficult for you to recognize them.
By knowing the main physical characteristics of the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd, you will be able to establish the differences that separate them and, at the same time, those traits that unite them. In the same way, you should also delve into the character of the two races to have more information and tools that help you distinguish them.
If you want to discover the differences between border collie and australian shepherd, at UNCOMO we recommend that you continue reading this article.
What a border collie looks like
Due to their similar stature, elongated muzzle and similar coat colors, the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are often confused. To know in depth what makes a border collie a dog of this breed, you have to focus on two aspects: its physical characteristics and its character.
Origin and physical characteristics of the border collie
According to the FCI(1), the border collie origin it is situated in Great Britain. It reaches a maximum height of 53 cm and a weight of 20 kilos. It is a very agile dog, with a long body and ready to run and jump in training sessions.
The nose is black and, in some cases, brown. The ears are usually erect, although there are also cases with semi-drooping ears. The standard color of the eyes is brown with few exceptions of blue.
As for the coat, there are two types of border collie: those with short hair and those with long hair. The range of colors that the hair presents is very varied: from shades black to brown and white, although the latter is not the one that prevails.
In our article How to tell if a border collie is pure, we tell you more about the characteristics that cannot be missing in this breed.
Border collie character
The temperament of the border collie stands out for its huge energy. You need a daily routine to walk and exercise, thus channeling all the physical activity that you are capable of doing. Sport is one of its great stimuli.
Providing sites and exercises to unleash all the energy it has, you will get an obedient and indefatigable dog. Have a great sense of loyalty and is smart, but you need to have your physical and exercise needs covered; otherwise, it will lead to destructive behaviors.
His intelligence and order allow him to be a disciplined dog, so you should not have problems when training a border collie. He is a bit shy around strangers, but very tender with his family members.
Border Collies have great intelligence, so they are a great dog to train. Discover in our article How to educate a Border Collie the best tips to achieve it.
What an australian shepherd looks like
As with the Border Collie, it is necessary that you know the physical characteristics and character of the Australian Shepherd to know everything about this breed and to be able to establish the differences between Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.
Origin and physical characteristics of the Australian Shepherd
According to the FCI(2), the australian shepherd origin is located in the United States, a country in which it developed after arriving from Australia around the year 1800. Its maximum height is 58 cm and the weight ranges from 25 and 30 kilos.
It has a strong head and proportionate to the size of its medium body. The eyes take an almond shape and they can be of different colors: blue, brown and of other combinations. About his ears are triangular and drooping.
As for the coat, its length is medium with a wavy or straight shape. The most topical shades of Australian Shepherd hair are the black, red, blue blackbird and red blackbird.
Australian Shepherd Character
As with the border collie, the character of the Australian Shepherd stands out for its enormous energy. Have a guardian instinct very pronounced and great intelligence.
Despite the guardian instinct, it is a dog very sociable and with a great sense of loyalty. To promote this characteristic, it is necessary to work on the socialization of the Australian Shepherd from the puppy stage. Thus, they will not have fearful or aggressive attitudes with other dogs.
Due to its intelligence, it is a race easy to train, since it easily assumes the orders it receives. Even so, keep in mind that they will obey them quickly if they have their physical needs covered: it is necessary that they channel their energy with walks and exercise so that they do not fall into destructive and indomitable behaviors.
Learn more about other breeds of sheepdogs in our article Differences between German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd.
Main differences between border collie and Australian shepherd
Now that you know the main characteristics of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, it will be easier to identify the differences that distinguish them. Keep the following aspects in mind so that you better know the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie breeds.
- Height: the border collie is a little smaller and weighs less than the Australian shepherd. There is about 5 cm in height and about 5 kilos of approximate difference between one breed and another.
- Ears: the border collie usually has them erect, while in the Australian shepherd they are down.
- Eyes: The Australian Shepherd is prone to heterochromia (eyes of different colors or two different shades in the same eye). Border collies do not usually have this characteristic.
- Fur: The Border Collie has a wider range of colors than the Australian Shepherd, especially when it comes to the combination of shades in their hair.
- Character: The Australian Shepherd is a breed chosen to act as a guard dog, while the Border Collie is a dog without a great sense of vigilance.
If you pay attention to these key aspects, it will be easy for you to recognize between a border collie puppy and a australian shepherd puppy. These differences are important when deciding whether one breed is better suited to your lifestyle than another, but regardless of breed, any dog will give you their loyalty and friendship.
If you want to read more articles similar to Differences between border collie and Australian shepherd, we recommend that you enter our category of Pets.
References
- FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE. (FCI). Border collie: http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/297g01-es.pdf
- FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE. (FCI). Australian Shepherd: http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/342g01-es.pdf