Both of these energetic and affectionate breeds lie with a lot of body of work in their sport
There is a quite a little to love about these two herding marvel , the border collieand theAustralian shepherd ( Aussie).They both have brilliant - eyed charisma , outstanding free energy , and an eager work ethic that ’s unsurpassed .
Plus , they can point a mitt next to the Christian Bible ' intelligence ' in the lexicon . Brian Kilcommons is the laminitis ofGreat Pets Resort , a dress shop training facility in Connecticut . " hold up with a border collie or Australian shepherd is like be with a Mensa bookman , " he says . " They are two weenie who can trainyouif you ’re not experienced with herding breed . "
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For an participating preferred parent who wants a devoted after part - wagger that ’s easygoing to train and excite for any activity , mental or strong-arm , it might be challenging at first to decide between the border collie and the Australian shepherd ’s best quality . So , we ’ll outline their similarities and differences .
Border Collie and Australian Shepherd Origins
Hailing from the Scottish upland , a perimeter collie ’s filiation include Viking and Roman ancestor stock . In plus to herding , they ’re also celebrated for their ability to performtricksand awe-inspiring feats ofagility — so much so , theBorder Collie Society of America(BCSA ) has a versatility prize program . And you love small fry ’s movies , you may be familiar with two of the most famous silver screen weenie of all time : Rex and Fly , the border collie who teach their porcine barnyard admirer to crowd sheep in " Babe . " That ’ll do , Pig !
You might anticipate a friendly woof equivalent of " G’day , fellow ! " from the Aussie , but he ’s not really from Down Under — his native land is in the slew of Europe . So why was he dubbed an Australian shepherd ? TheUnited States Australian Shepherd Association(USASA ) put forward this breed was a democratic choice among Southern European Basque sheepherders who practice their trade in Australia but then immigrate to America , bringing their trusty furred companions with them . The Aussie became a favoredcowboy domestic dog , brawl massive farm animal ruck across the westerly plain stitch . Because Aussies respond so well totraining , they were also frequent Canis familiaris doer in film of the twenties and 1930s .
Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd: Size and Appearance
Zip ! Whiz ! Both dogs daunt so fast , it ’s sometimes difficult to severalize them apart — they’re just a fuzz flying by . In fact , the colliecan runup to 30 mph . But here are a few key characteristics to help you spot the remainder between a border collie and an Australian shepherd in damage of appearing and care .
When comparing border collie vs. Australian shepherd sizes , there are only slight variances .
Which has the floofier tail ? It ’s really a toss - up ! But both pawl have luxurious coats that requireregular brushing . It ’s deserving the time toteach a delimitation collie to stayput , at least for a few minute , so you’re able to give her a right go with the burhs 2–3 times weekly . The Aussie can get by with once - a - week spiffing . Since both dog have duple pelage to hold up the element , therewillbeshedding — and beware ofblowing coat seasonwhen their fur really fly !
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Border collie vs. Australian sheepherder coat coloration are essentially a lively milk shake of a Magic 8 - musket ball — who knows what genetics will supply ? While most of us are used to visit the commonblack and whiteborder collie , they can also be dual - toned in other colors , such as clean and red or whitened and sable ( very dark brown ) , or have a flecked merle pattern . Often a delicious tricolour of brown , blank , and dim , Aussie are most famed for their multi - toned and merle variations , especially with confidential information of blue .
One other easy - to - point difference between border collies and Australian shepherds is their eyes . Although both pups recognise you with laser - sharp gaze , a border collie ’s eyes are mostly a deep cocoa color ( rarely light blue ) , while Aussies ' eyes alternate between blue , brown , one of each , or even marbled .
Border Collies vs. Australian Shepherd: Health
Active dog breedslike collie and shepherd are relatively tidy . Both have a life of 12–15 years , and with proper care todiet , day-by-day exercise — Kilcommons recommendsat least60 moment of mental and physical activity each daylight — andregular preparation , these thoughtful puppy will be great family members .
However , the BCSA and the USASA monish prospective favored parents to do extensive research into stock breeder , and talk about primal health element for both the border collie and the Australian sheepman , include :
Australian shepherds also have the possible action of developingcancer , but less so if breeder take the necessary precautions not to mate Canis familiaris with this genetical sensitivity .
Australian Shepherd vs. Border Collie: Intelligence and Temperament
If there were a quiz show where humans and wienerwurst could vie together , you ’d by all odds want a border collie or Australian sheepherder on your squad ! It might seem like overkill to sing about howsmartthese dogs are , but herding breeds were bred to have unique skills . They also have a 2nd level of power called adaptative intelligence operation , which is how they use their minds for problem - clear and adjusting to their environment .
to boot , border collie and Aussies a in high spirits point of working intelligence , as research by professor and source Stanley Coren . In an article for " psychological science Today , " Coren says this third level of intelligence operation " is the closest to what we might call schoolhouse - learning power and is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans . "
Now , we ’re not saying other click are n’t bright — just that moulding collies and Aussies are often overachiever . So you could teach them totalk , practice yoga , and numerous extra activities . As main as they are , they ’re also eager to be involved in whatever their humans enjoy , whether it’spaddle boardingandcampingordog sportsand advanced skill training .
There ’s really not much difference between the border collie vs. the Australian shepherd ’s personality . " Both of these dogs have a hard time sit down still , and postulate a lot of mental and physical input consistently — or they ’ll get into trouble , " Kilcommons says .
Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd: Herding Style
If you truly postulate a four - legged farm and ranch help , these pooches are ready ! Here ’s what you might remark .
Border Collie.orgindicates this breed :
TheAustralian Shepherd Club of Americastates this breed :
Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd: Which Dog Is Right for You?
These courageous and outgoing doggos fit well into a lifestyle where they can do what come by nature to them and have you marvel at their abilities ! However , Kilcommons says neither are good choices for novice or inactive pet parents . He offers a few other stage for determining thebest preferred compatibility .
A border collie will be your true frankfurter best friend if :
An Australian shepherd is the correct adept dog if you ’re :
