Border Collie vs Australian Shepherd
Both are geniuses who'll unionize if you bore them. The Border Collie is the intense specialist; the Aussie is the flashier, fluffier, slightly louder all-rounder.
Side by side
| Border Collie | Australian Shepherd | Verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 3/5 | 3/5 | Tie |
| Energy | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 4/5 | The Australian Shepherd sheds more |
| Barking | 3/5 | 4/5 | The Australian Shepherd barks more |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 | Tie |
| Kid-friendliness | 4/5 | 4/5 | Tie |
| Drooling | 2/5 | 2/5 | Tie |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–15 years | Tie |
Vet costs
Age 1, U.S.-average prices, $2,000 emergency savings.
Border Collie
- First-year expected vet cost: $853
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $60/mo
- Top cost drivers: Heart murmur / MVD · Seizures
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $19,416
Australian Shepherd
- First-year expected vet cost: $776
- Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: $52/mo
- Top cost drivers: Seizures · Underactive thyroid
- Expected lifetime vet cost: $17,112
Lifetime totals include lifespan: the Border Collie is expected to live 12–15 years, the Australian Shepherd 12–15 years.
In year one, the Australian Shepherd is expected to cost about $78 less.
Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Choose the Border Collie if…
- You want the most focused working partner for dog sports
- You want somewhat less brushing
- You can provide a real job every single day
Choose the Australian Shepherd if…
- You want a more social, outgoing herder
- You don't mind more coat and more shedding
- You're fine with a dog that comments on everything
FAQ
Which is cheaper to insure?
In year one, the Australian Shepherd is expected to cost about $78 less. Fair monthly insurance price at age 1: Border Collie $60, Australian Shepherd $52. Statistical estimate, not a quote or insurance advice.
Which sheds more?
The Australian Shepherd sheds more. Shedding: Border Collie 3/5, Australian Shepherd 4/5.
Which lives longer?
It's a tie on lifespan. Border Collie: 12–15 years; Australian Shepherd: 12–15 years.
Which is better with kids?
It's a tie on kid-friendliness. Kid-friendliness: Border Collie 4/5, Australian Shepherd 4/5.
Test-drive the Border Collie · Test-drive the Australian Shepherd · Border Collie profile · Australian Shepherd profile