Australian Cattle Dog vs Border Collie Breed Guide – What Is The Best Breed For You
The Australian Cattle Dog and the Border Collie are both working dogs.
The Australian Cattle Dog or “Heeler” (the nickname derives from them nipping at the heels of animals when herding them) is used on the large outback ranches in Australia, whereas the Border Collie originates in England and France where they are used to help farmers herd their flocks of sheep over the hilly terrain.
Key Similarities
Both are highly energetic and require a lot of activity to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
Given their backgrounds, it also makes sense that both have strong herding instincts and will try to round up children and other animals.
Key Differences
While they may have developed similar sets of skills and traits to better prepare them for the work they share, these breeds are nothing alike.
First, they differ in appearance, where Australian Cattle Dogs have blue or red undercoats and tan bodies with short hair, Border Collies are usually black and white with a bit longer hair.
They also have different personalities, an Aussie Cattle Dog will stick to your side like glue, while Border Collies can be more independent, as long as they are kept occupied.
Pros Over Each Other
Both are amazing breeds, what separates them will ultimately be your restrictions and preference.
The Australian Cattle Dog will always be by your side, while Border Collies are known to escape and explore.
Conversely, Border Collies tend to be less needy and less stubborn, they are highly trainable and enjoy getting commands.
Who Should Consider Owning Each One?
Both of these dogs are amazing, the deciding factor between them will probably come down to your preference.
They both require a lot of exercise, so if you have the space and time to give them what they need, it depends on whether you prefer a black and white dog with longer hair, that enjoys exploring but is also attentive to its owner, the border collie is for you. If you prefer the blue or red undercoat on a dog that will stick to your side 24/7, the Australian Cattle Dog is perfect.
Australian Cattle Dog
Though Australian Cattle Dogs are still renowned for the work they do as herding dogs, they have also been found to make loving and loyal family pets.
All About the Border Collie
Border Collies were originally bred to be used on sheep farms as herding dogs. Nowadays, they’re known to be loving and playful family pets.
First Impressions & History
Bred by settlers in Australia as early as 1940 to help herd cattle on the huge ranches, the Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog.
They are highly energetic dogs who will definitely not adjust well to living in an apartment. They are made to run around great fields, so your lifestyle will have to be able to match his exercise routine.
Size & Appearance
Australian Cattle Dogs are of a medium size build, yet very athletic. They usually range between 17 -20 inches tall and 30 – 50 pounds in weight.
They have a durable, short-haired coat which comes in black or tan colours, with either a blue or red undercoat, from where the nicknames “blue heelers” and “red heelers”.
Grooming & Shedding
They don’t need much grooming. Brushing their hair weekly should be fine most of the time, but when they shed they might require more attention.
They don’t shed all year round, instead, they shed quite heavily once a year.
Lifespan
13-15 Years
Quick Facts
- They are very active and robust. These are real, tough, farm dogs.
- They don’t like being separated from their owner at all and need to constantly be kept busy both physically and mentally.
- They tend to be jealous of other humans or animals around their owners.
First Impressions & History
Bred to herd sheep on the English and Scottish hillsides, the Border Collie has played an integral role in farming that it has been able to execute to perfection due to its high intelligence and boundless energy.
Size & Appearance
They are a medium-sized breed, growing to be between 18 and 22 inches tall and 30 to 45 pounds.
They are usually black and white with short to medium-length coats.
Grooming & Shedding
Accustomed to working in rough weather conditions and in the dirt, Border Collies don’t need a lot of grooming. Brushing and bathing them as needed will be enough to keep them looking good.
They don’t shed much, but they blow out their coats twice a year.
Lifespan
10-17 Years
Quick Facts
- They are highly trainable and can be taught to respond to the subtlest commands and even preempt what their owners want them to do.
- They require a lot of exercise, playtime and work to allow them to get rid of their vast energy reserves.
- They herd everything, so they will constantly be rounding up your children or pets.
- Because they are intelligent and curious, they do have a tendency to escape yards.
Australian Cattle Dogs In More Detail
Temperament & Behaviour
Australian Cattle Dogs have an abundance of energy. They need to be kept active and engaged to stay out of trouble. They also have a high prey drive, so they’ll chase after squirrels, bunnies, birds and cats.
They can be taught not to hunt your other pets if introduced from a young age, but this truce will not extend to your neighbour’s cat.
They are extremely affectionate and loyal to their adopted family, but they can be territorial and a bit sceptical of strangers.
Intelligence levels & Affections Level
They are smart and they enjoy challenges, but they can also be quite stubborn and willful. They are extremely affectionate with their loved ones and won’t ever leave your side.
Training & Obedience
Australian Cattle dogs are smart enough to be quite trainable, but they can be stubborn and their excess energy means that they are often thought to be naughty because they cause trouble when they get bored.
Exercise Needs
You will need to make sure that you have a lifestyle that will allow your Australian Cattle dog to have the exercise it needs. They are extremely energetic and need to be kept busy and tired. When they get bored they can be destructive.
Guard Dog or Family Pet
Although they are alert and will protect you with their life, Australian Cattle dogs are better suited as a family pet and working dog than to be a guard dog.
They are extremely protective of their family, but they aren’t very large.
Gets On With Other Pets, Animals And Children?
Because they grow so attached to their family, they tend not to like strangers much and can even become territorial and aggressive with them. Socializing them from an early age will help though.
They will also accept your own children and even your pets as part of their family, in which case they will be very friendly towards them, but they won’t trust unfamiliar children and they will hunt other animals.
Who Should Consider Buying
If you have a lifestyle that can keep up with that of an Australian Cattle Dog’s, want a loving, loyal and close companion who can be with you at all times, then this breed can offer a very special addition to your family.
It is important to note though that they can’t be left alone and will require a lot of attention, exercise and stimulation.
Conclusion
Australian Cattle Dogs are highly effective workers, but they can also make a loving and playful family pet, provided the family is able to make sure it gets enough exercise and attention.
Perhaps not the perfect dog for first-time dog owners or apartment dwellers, but the perfect for active families, living on farms or in the countryside.
Border Collie In More Detail
Temperament & Behaviour
Being a breed that is born to work, they don’t like laying about all day.
They need a lot of exercise and playtime to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, otherwise they may become bored and unhappy which could lead to unwanted behaviour.
Intelligence Levels & Affections Levels
They are highly intelligent and extremely attuned to their owners wants and needs. Therefore they grow to form very strong bonds with their owners.
Training & Obedience
Because they are so intelligent and all they want to do is make you happy, Border Collies are known for being remarkably trainable. This is evident when one sees them herding large flocks of sheep.
Boredom and not being allowed to use up their energy might lead to them misbehaving.
Exercise Needs
They are a highly active breed. They require a lot of exercise and won’t be happy living somewhere where they don’t have space to run around freely.
When they can’t expend their energy they become restless and naughty.
Guard Dog Or Family Pet
While they are excellent at guarding and herding sheep, they aren’t large enough to provide security for you and your family. They will alert you to danger and protect you with all their might but should be seen as a family pet, rather than a guard dog.
Gets On With Other Pets, Animals And Children?
They are obedient enough not to be a threat to other animals or children, but their herding instincts might cause them to play a bit rough or even nop at animals or children. A well-socialized dog will be able to control these instincts better.
Who Should Consider Buiyng
The perfect conditions for them would be working or at least living on a farm, but if you can provide enough space for a Border Collie to run around, and are willing to invest a lot of energy in training them, you will be rewarded with a remarkable pet that is highly intelligent and very obedient.
Conclusion
Seeing a Border Collie in action, herding sheep is one of the most amazing things to experience. This is where they really get to showcase their talents.
Getting one for your family will bring you endless amounts of joy and laughter, but it is absolutely essential that you ensure that you are able to satisfy this breed’s needs before deciding on adopting one.
