11/01/2026
Border Collies vs Australian Shepherds
Today is Australian Shepherd day and as recently my Border Collie Beau was told he was categorically not a Border Collie and was definitely an Aussie I thought I would share the differences between the breeds.๐พ
Both breeds are intelligent, athletic, strikingly beautiful, and often described as โa lot of dog.โ Theyโre frequently grouped together, recommended for similar homes, and admired for their working ability.
But while they share a herding background and many overlapping traits, living with a Border Collie can feel very different from living with an Australian Shepherd.
If youโre choosing between the two โ or already live with one and are curious about the differences โ this post will help you understand where they align, where they diverge, and why those differences matter in day-to-day life.
At first glance, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds seem almost interchangeable to those who don't know. Medium-sized, energetic, clever, and bred to work closely with humans.
Both are herding dogs, developed to move livestock efficiently and respond quickly to human direction. But their histories shaped them in slightly different ways.
Border Collies were developed along the border regions of Scotland and England, bred almost exclusively for working ability. For generations, form followed function. The dogs that could read livestock, respond instantly to a handlerโs cues, and work independently over large distances were the dogs bred forward.
Appearance mattered very little. What mattered was:
* Eye
* Stamina
* Trainability
* Problem-solving ability
* Responsiveness to pressure
This intense selection for work is still very evident in modern Border Collies, even those bred primarily as pets.
Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the United States, with ancestry linked to European herding dogs that worked alongside shepherds.
Aussies were bred to be versatile all-rounders:
* Herding livestock
* Guarding property
* Being adaptable farm companions
* Working in closer proximity to people
They needed to think independently but also remain socially flexible and resilient in busy environments.
Letโs talk about intelligence because both breeds are extremely smart, but not in the same way.
Border Collies are often described as the most intelligent dog breed but that intelligence can be intense.
They:
* Learn patterns extremely quickly
* Anticipate whatโs about to happen
* Notice tiny changes in body language or routine
* Can become mentally overstimulated just as easily as physically under-stimulated
Many Border Collies donโt just learn behaviours โ they analyse them. This is why they can appear almost psychicโฆ and also why they can become anxious, reactive, or frustrated if their environment feels unpredictable or overwhelming.
Australian Shepherds are also highly intelligent, but their intelligence is often more social, adaptable and less intense.
They:
* Learn quickly but are less likely to obsess over detail
* Tend to cope better with change and novelty
* Are often more forgiving of handler mistakes
* Enjoy problem-solving, but donโt usually fixate on it
This can make Aussies feel slightly easier for some households.
Both breeds are energetic. Neither is a couch potato. But thereโs a difference between high energy and relentless drive.
Border Collies are driven. Not just active - driven.
They donโt simply want to do somethingโฆ they want to do something meaningful. They have a need to do and if you don't give them something to do they will find their own jobs, which you may not approve of.
Without appropriate outlets, that drive often shows up as:
* Obsessive ball fixation
* Herding children, cars, or bikes
* Inability to settle indoors
* Reactivity on walks
* Constant scanning of the environment
Many owners assume the solution is more exercise, but physical activity alone rarely satisfies a Border Collie. They need clarity, predictability, and appropriate mental work.
Australian Shepherds are energetic and athletic, but often have a slightly better off-switch.
They:
* Enjoy long walks, hikes, and activities
* Tend to settle more easily once their needs are met
* Often cope better with rest days
* Are less likely to self-assign jobs out of frustration
That doesnโt mean Aussies are low maintenance โ far from it โ but their energy can feel more balanced for many homes.
Sensitivity and Emotional Processing is one of the biggest and most overlooked differences between the two breeds.
Border Collies are incredibly sensitive dogs.
They:
* Read human emotion exceptionally well
* Are deeply affected by tension, frustration, or inconsistency
* Often struggle with harsh training methods
* Can internalise pressure rather than bounce back from it
This sensitivity is part of what makes them such incredible working partners but it also means they require thoughtful, emotionally aware handling.
A stressed Border Collie doesnโt usually switch offโฆ they spiral.
Australian Shepherds are sensitive too, but often more emotionally resilient.
They:
* Tend to recover more quickly from mistakes
* Are usually more tolerant of environmental pressure
* Can cope better with busy households or social settings
* Often show clearer external stress signals rather than internalising
This doesnโt mean they donโt need kind, force-free training โ they absolutely do โ but they may cope better with the imperfections of everyday life.
Herding Style and Behaviour Challenges are probably where the biggest differences lie.
Because both are herding breeds, many owners experience similar challenges โ but the style of those challenges can differ.
Border Collies use 'eye' โ an intense, fixed stare to control movement.
In pet homes, this often translates to:
* Fixating on moving objects (cars, runners, bikes)
* Freezing or stalking behaviours
* Sudden lunging after periods of stillness
* Difficulty disengaging once focused
These behaviours arenโt โbad habitsโ โ theyโre expressions of deeply ingrained instinct.
Australian Shepherds tend to herd in a more upright, loose-eyed style.
This can show up as:
* Circling or chasing movement
* Barking while herding
* Body blocking rather than stalking
* Less intense fixation, more active control
Both breeds are highly trainable, but they thrive under different training approaches.
Border Collies need:
* Clear criteria
* Consistent handling
* Calm, precise communication
* Thoughtful progression
They can become stressed by:
* Repetition without purpose
* Over-arousal games
* Inconsistent rules
* High-pressure environments
They love clarity and patterns and are great at repeating.
Australian Shepherds often respond well to:
* Variety
* Play-based learning
* Short, engaging sessions
* A balance of structure and flexibility
They like to think the training is led by them so using shaping so they think it is all their idea can be useful. They are less likely to want to repeat behaviours.
Border Collies often:
* Bond very closely to one or two people
* Prefer familiar dogs and environments
* Are selective about social interaction
* Enjoy parallel play rather than chaotic group play
They donโt need lots of dog friends โ they need safe, predictable relationships.
Australian Shepherds are often:
* More socially confident
* More tolerant of novelty
* Happier greeting people and dogs
* Better suited to busy homes or social settings
Again, this varies by individual โ but the trend is common.
Choose a Border Collie if you:
* Enjoy structure and routine
* Love training and skill development
* Are happy to adapt your environment to your dog
* Appreciate sensitivity and depth
Choose an Australian Shepherd if you:
* Want a highly active but slightly more flexible companion
* Have a busy or social household
* Enjoy variety and play in training
* Need a dog who can roll with change
Final Thoughts
Border Collies and Australian Shepherds may look similar on paper, but living with them can feel very different.
Understanding those differences doesnโt just help you choose the right breed it helps you support the dog you already have in a way that truly meets their needs.
Because when a herding dog feels understood, supported, and guidedโฆ thatโs when they truly thrive ๐พ
Thank you The Dog Sports Performance Coach, Kat Farrants for your picture on the right of Meme the Aussie next to my Border Collie Beau on the left.
