Border Collies vs. Australian Shepherd

Border Collies vs. Australian Shepherds: Intelligence, Lifespan, Kid-Friendliness, and More

Last updated Sep. 19, 2024 – Written by Asad Ali Hashmi

Are Australian Sheperd And Border Collies Equally Smart?

The Australian Shepherds & Border Collies are among the sharpest breeds. Still, for obedience and solving problems, most dog trainers would say that average, Border Collies rank first.

Border Collies:

As the smartest dog breed, often considered, these working wonders learn on a steep curve of comprehension for even complex commands. They are independent in operation, often alone and with the flock, particularly when herding sheep. Border Collies need to be challenged mentally and physically. If you do not provide proper stimulation for this breed, a bored Border Collie will get into trouble.

Australian Shepherds:

They are also great herders tad behind the workability and problem-solving of Border Collies. They are less intense in work ethic compared to Border Collies. Australian Shepherds are versatile, performing great in agility, obedience, and herding, just needing a little more encouragement to complete the tasks as fast as Border Collies.

Both are very intelligent, but the Border Collie is generally considered by many to be the apotheosis of canine intelligence in many areas that demand independence of thought and rapid learning. Australian Shepherds are extremely intelligent, but they are usually considered less intense than Border Collies with regard to problem-solving and work drive.

How Long Do Border Collies Live?

The average lifespan is 12–15 years, however, it’s not uncommon for a Border Collie to live even longer if they are well cared for. A soft but a little manipulative pet owner may determine how long his Border Collie will live through things like genetics, diet, and exercise.

Tips on How to Increase a Border Collie’s Lifespan:

 A Border Collie requires physical and mental exercise to remain healthy.

 High-quality nourishing food helps them maintain their energy level and all-around health.

Routine vet check-ups: These are needed to identify any health issues that can be diagnosed early on.

Their minds have to be challenged with tasks and activities.

Weight can become a problem that can contribute to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.

In all, many Border Collies live long and happy lives if care is done correctly.

Are Border Collies Good With Kids?

Generally speaking, Border Collies are a great breed to have around kids; however, there are those situations in which compatibility can depend on the individual dog’s temperament and how the children behave.

Here is an overview of the key factors:

Positive Traits with Kids

High Energy and Playful:

Among dog breeds, Border Collies are certainly one of the most energetic and will get along great with active kids. They do enjoy games like fetch and energetic play.

Clever and Biddable:

With a high degree of intelligence besides the motivation to please their master, they are easily trainable. Proper training would ensure they learn how to handle children and respond to commands.

Loyal and Loving:

Most of them can be very attached to their families, which include the children. They are loving but protective. Points to Keep in Mind Regarding Compatibility.

High Energy Levels:

Border Collies are dogs that require a great amount of exercise. If children cannot provide them with adequate play and activity, the dogs might get bored or frustrated because of this and behave in a way unwanted.

Herding Instinct:

By the strong herding instinct, the breed may become an eager dog to herd children by nipping at heels and chasing them. Training and socialization may help in discouraging this behavior.

Size and Strength:

Medium-sized, they can easily be overwhelming to a very young child. Supervise them so it can be safe and fun for both dog and kids.

Socialization and Training:

They need early socialization and training in being gentle. This will make them know how to behave when they are around children.

Summary:

Border Collies can be excellent family dogs if they are trained and socialized properly. They’re extremely playful and loving playmates in active families, but a big part of meeting their needs and supervising interactions prevents them from developing poor behaviors around children.

Do Border Collies Have 'Cat Feet'?

Border Collies are sometimes said to have “cat feet.” This refers to their small, rounded, and well-arched toes.

Benefits of Cat Feet in Border Collies:

Efficiency in Movement:

Compact, round paws make the movements more articulated and less energy-consuming, something really important for herding dogs where agility is crucial.

Endurance:

The cat feet spread the weight and reduce joint stress, meaning a dog will be able to keep stamina for hours, especially in bumpy or uneven ground.

Many working herding-type dogs, like the Border Collie, have cat feet, for agility, speed, and endurance.

Do Border Collies Malt?

While Border Collies do shed, and indeed molt quite a lot throughout the year, their thick undercoat and long overcoat of fur are indicators that the breed will shed. Here’s what to expect:

Shedding Patterns

Border Collies Shedding Heavily Twice a Year (Seasonal Shedding/Blowing Coat):

This is called “blowing coat” and occurs as they trade from their summer to their winter coats.

In spring, they shed that heavy winter coat to make way for warmer weather.

In fall, they shed lighter summer fur making room for their heavier winter coat.

Questionable Shedder:

While the bulk of shedding may occur more during seasonal changes, it is moderate year-round due to their heavy coat.

Managing Shedding:

Brush regularly — a couple of times a week, or daily during shedding season, to keep household hair under control.

Grooming:

Infirm bathing is helpful to loosen dead hair; frequent bathing should not be done in order not to remove natural oils from the coat.

Good diet:

A nutritionally correct food with Omega-3 fats helps in improving hair health and reduces excessive shedding.

That means Border Collies can shed a lot of hair but with regular grooming, shedding fur will not be much of an issue.

Shedding in Border Collies

Double-Coated Long Hair:

Border Collies have a double coat: one is a thick undercoat, and the other is a longer top coat. The coats were developed to shield them from the elements and to insulate them.

Shedding Pattern:

Seasonal Shedding: The two main shedding times are during Spring and Autumn.

Spring:

They have a heavy winter coat that they shed to lighten up for the warmer summer temperatures to help cool them off.

Autumn:

They shed off their lighter summer coat to grow a denser winter layer for colder months.

Purpose of Shedding:

Renewal of Coat: Shedding helps Borders change the old, worn-out hair with fresh fur to keep proper insulation during the season.

Temperature Regulation:

Their double coat helps them acclimate to seasonal temperatures, as it gets thinner in summer to keep them warm and thicker in winter to add warmth. Grooming Needs

Brush regularly:

It is very important to brush the Border Collie at least 2-3 times a week during shedding seasons. This will take off the loose fur, prevent matting, and keep the coat healthy.

Prevent Matting:

Negligence in regular brushing results in the hair that has shed getting knotted into mats; more frequent grooming keeps the coat in top condition.

Grooming Effort

Grooming:

Although it can be a real task to do, especially during heavy shedding, constant grooming helps in controlling it and keeping it healthy.

Through these, the grooming routine will keep your Border Collie comfortable without leaving hair all over the house.

Do Border Collies Shed?

The Border Collie does shed. They have a double-layered coat: an undercoat, which is soft, and an outer layer, which can be much more coarse. With seasonal moulting to accommodate temperature changes, the highest levels of shedding take place in spring and fall. They do remain a moderate shedder for the rest of the year. Be prepared for a few times of brushing per week as regular grooming will help control the amount they shed and keep their coat healthy.

Border Collies shed, and that shedding has to be dealt with. First off, they have a double coat, with the first being a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and the second a bit coarser, which protects them from the elements. They have a tendency to blow their coat twice annually: in the spring, they shed their winter undercoat, and in autumn, they shed the summer coat for a thicker winter coat. However, year-round shedding happens moderately simply through natural shedding.

The best option is to brush regularly to minimize shedding. Most often, regular brushing at least a few times in a week will take off most the loose hairs before they can fall out. Border Collies are best groomed using a slicker brush or an undercoat rake. Occasional bathing may remove the dead hair and clean the coat, but frequent bathing causes the removal of natural oils from the coat. A well-balanced diet with proper nutrition will ensure a healthy, shiny coat. The shedding may sometimes become less. Regular vacuuming in your home and car can keep the hair at bay.

This could be caused by stress, allergies, and poor food diet, apart from the more regular seasonal shedding, and other health concerns such as skin conditions and parasites. Bad patchy spots or a highly noticeable thinning of hair may indicate that your dog has some hidden health disorder and needs a checkup with a veterinarian.

In a nutshell, although it is quite normal for a Border Collie to shed, it can be brought into control with proper grooming and care to maintain your dog in the best condition possible.

How Big Do Border Collies Get?

Border Collies: Males normally are 19–22 inches, while females are 18–21 inches. The general description of their size is given below.

Summary of Size

Height:

Males: Typically 45–56 cm (18 to 22 inches).

Females: Typically stand 18 to 21 inches (46–53 cm) at the withers.

Weight:

Males: Typically 30 to 45 pounds (14–20 kg).

Females: Typically weigh 27 to 42 pounds (12–19 kg).

Body Type Features:

Physical Description: Border Collies have an athletic body that is well-proportioned with muscles and strength to undertake the herding duties yet still gentle in nature.

Coat: The double coat, long or short, does not affect their size much.

Durable and well-proportioned, the Border Collies are agile and quick. While not being large, they are robust and suitable for herding purposes.