Originally bred as herding dogs, both Australian Shepherds and Border Collies have a lot of physical and behavioral similarities. Thanks to their historical backgrounds, the two breeds are immensely intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable.
Both active breeds are full of energy and require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Aussies and Border Collies happily compete in agility courses and herding trials. These outdoorsy pups are often seen hanging out hiking and camping with their owners.
When it comes to canine intelligence, the two brainiacs outshine many other breeds in the dog world. Thanks to their unwavering loyalty, adaptability, instincts, and ability to understand human emotions, they are among the smartest dog breeds.
Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd: Which is smarter? Let’s find out.
Border Collie vs. Australian Shepherd: Which Is Smarter?
Breed Origins & Functional Background
Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs from working Collies, but their name is a bit of a misnomer. Aussies did not come from Australia. Britannica explains that they were developed in the western United States in the 1800s.
Some ancestors of the Australian Shepherds came to the American West via the East and Midwest, while others came from the Basque region of Spain. Aussies were frequently used as versatile farm dogs as well as for herding sheep and other cattle.
Border Collies were also bred as herding dogs. They originated along the border between England and Scotland. Border Collies were bred to work closely with farmers and have gained a reputation as the smartest dogs with herding prowess.
Physical Characteristics & Body Structure
Both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are muscular and athletic, medium-sized dogs. However, there are some key differences between their physical traits.
Slightly longer than tall, Australian Shepherds are robust and sturdy dogs who look like they are bred to work. Eyes can be black or brown in color, explains PetMD, with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eyes, triangular ears, and a feathered tail.
Some of them are born with a bobtail. Tail docking is a common practice, but some kennel clubs do not recognize Aussies with docked tails. Their moderately deep chests and a straight back enable them to perform their tasks with great agility.
Border Collies tend to be slightly slimmer than the Australian Shepherds. Although there is no big difference between the two breeds at first glance, Border Collies have deeper and longer chests compared to Aussies.
This body shape gives Border Collies an unmatched endurance for herding tasks. Border Collies have an intense gaze and alert, upright ears with a slight fold at the tips. Their long tails hang low on the body.
Temperament & Behavioral Profile
Since both are bred for a similar purpose, the two herding dogs share a lot of behavioral characteristics. However, there are some distinguishing characteristics of both.
Australian Shepherds are smart dogs with an upbeat and sociable personality. These fun-loving dogs thrive in family settings and make incredibly loyal companions. Many Aussies are quite friendly, but some are reserved towards new people.
Properly trained and well-socialized Australian Shepherds are good with cats and other dogs. Aussies are affectionate dogs who follow their humans from room to room. This attachment can sometimes result in separation anxiety.
Border Collies typically have a friendly demeanor. They are immensely loyal and affectionate to their people, but can be aloof towards strangers. Border Collies thrive on human companionship and love having a task to do.
They bond deeply with their people but are not as outgoing or cuddly as Australian Shepherds. Border Collies have a stubborn streak, but Aussies tend to be more independent. Both breeds are emotionally sensitive and can understand their owner’s moods and emotions.
The two dog breeds get along nicely with children, but their strong herding instincts may lead them to nip at the heels of smaller kids. Both Border Collies and Australian Shepherds make wonderful and loving family dogs.
Activity Requirements & Energy Levels
Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are active, agile, and athletic dogs packed with energy. Aussies are playful and adventurous dogs who require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content.
The American Kennel Club recommends at least an hour or two of daily exercise to keep up with their high energy levels. They excel at a variety of dog sports, including herding, obedience, agility trials, and dock diving. Aussies also enjoy long walks and hikes with their owners.
They are a bit adaptable and settle down at the end of the day if they have received adequate stimulation.
Border Collies are known for their boundless energy levels, due to which they can work tirelessly throughout the day. They must be provided with vigorous exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Two to three hours of daily activity is a must for these pups.
Lack of adequate exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing and excessive barking. Like Aussies, they also enjoy taking part in various dog sports like obedience, herding, tracking, and rally. Border Collies are the agility superstars. They love hiking, running, and biking with their humans.
Trainability, Intelligence & Learning Ability
Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are both highly intelligent and trainable dogs who learn new commands easily. However, their intelligence comes out in a different way, especially when it comes to training.
Australian Shepherds bring enthusiasm and playfulness to the learning process. They excel in agility and trick training, but can be less intense than Border Collies while performing tasks.
Border Collies rank first on the American Kennel Club’s list of the smartest dog breeds. They can learn new tricks and commands in less than five repetitions and outshine other breeds in trainability.
Do You Know? Border Collies have a generally higher IQ score than other breeds. Their intelligence equals to that of a four-year-old human child.
Coat Maintenance & Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherds and Border Collies both possess thick double coats, but their coat type and grooming requirements vary. The waterproof coats not only give them a striking appearance, but also protect them against harsh elements.
Australian Shepherds have a medium-length rough coat with feathering around the chest and legs. Coat color may vary from black or red to blue merle or red merle. Aussies shed moderately throughout the year and blow their coats seasonally.
It is recommended to brush your Aussie’s coat twice a week to keep it free from mats and tangles. Bathing the dog every four weeks helps keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Border Collies can have a rough or smooth coat. Smooth coat is shorter and coarser, while rough coat is medium length and feathered. Both coat types are dense and weather-resistant.
Grooming is the same for both, i.e., brushing your dog with a pin brush once or twice a week. Coat colors in Border Collies may vary from merle, sable, tri-colored, or black and white.
Average Lifespan & Longevity
Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, the two breeds are long-lived and healthy dogs, but they can develop certain health issues in life. Both breeds have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Australian Shepherds are vulnerable to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, deafness, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphosarcoma. They may also develop certain eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly, hereditary cataracts, and Iris coloboma.
Border Collies are also healthy dogs, but can suffer from certain health issues like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, trapped neutrophil syndrome, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Potential pet parents would consider investing in pet insurance.
Suitability for Family Life vs. Guard Duties
Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are both better suited for active families who can keep up with their exercise requirements. They depend on an owner who can give them direction and guidance. Otherwise, they will become self-employed.
In terms of family life, Australian Shepherds are more adaptable and can adjust better in homes with children, making them better herding dogs. Aussies also integrate better in multi-pet households. However, their intense herding drive may lead them to nip at kids and chase smaller animals.
Both breeds are protective of their people and tend to be a bit reserved towards strangers. They make good watchdogs, but lack the traits of a typical guard dog.
Conclusion
The two herding breeds, Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, hold many similarities with each other. Both have colorful, furry coats, keen eyes, and muscular bodies, but Border Collies are slightly slimmer and have a wider variety of coat colors.
In terms of intelligence, both Aussies and Border Collies are very smart. However, Border Collies surpass all other dog breeds in brain power. They are active, agile, and athletic, blessed with exceptional endurance. Aussies, on the other hand, are more friendly and sociable.
