Do you need clarification about the difference between a Collie and a Border Collie? They may look similar, but they are two separate breeds.
While the Collie is the famous Lassie dog, the Border Collie is a smaller herding breed. But is size the only thing that sets them apart?
Both dogs can be trained as service animals or therapy dogs but differ in size and temperament.
In this article, we’ll look at what makes these two breeds so similar (and different), how much they cost, who might be best suited for each type of pet owner (or family), plus everything else you need to know when deciding between these two amazing pooches!
Category | Collie | Border Collie |
---|---|---|
Size | Medium-sized | Smaller than a Collie, but can grow up to 60-70lbs |
Temperament | Generally more laid-back and calmer | Strong-willed with an independent streak |
Trainability | Easier to train compared to Border Collie | More difficult to train and requires patience |
Coat | Comes in both rough and smooth coat varieties | Also comes in rough and smooth coats |
Lifespan | Can live up to 20 or 25 years old | Between 13 to 15 years old |
Price | Between $385-$1550 with an average price of $900 | Bred to be family pets cost between $600 and $1,800 |
What is a Collie?
Collies are a type of herding dog that originated in Scotland and Northern England and have spread worldwide.
They are medium-sized, lightly built dogs with pointed snouts; many have a distinctive white color over their shoulders.
Collie breeds include the Old English Sheepdog (and its American counterpart), Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Australian Kelpie or Kerry Blue Terrier.
They have become popular as pets or show dogs due to their agility, stamina, trainability, and intelligence.
The AKC (American Kennel Club) doesn’t recognize the individual breeds of Scottish sheep dog and English sheepdog. Instead, they are combined into a single group called “Collie.”
The name “Alaskan Klee Kai” was coined by the U.S. entrepreneur responsible for turning this dog into a popular breed in the United States, and it had previously been used only to refer to certain types of spitz dogs from that area.
The Irish Setter, Water Spaniel, Scottish Terrier, and Fold are all breeds of dog derived from their respective regions in Britain.
However, the different breeds of Collie share many similarities in appearance and bone structure. To avoid confusion, we will refer to all these breeds collectively as “Collies.”
What is a Border Collie?
Among dog breeds, Border Collies are generally considered to be the smartest.
This tendency to herd is partly due to their herding roots, which gave them an instinctive urge to work with livestock and sheep.
Originally bred for herding in the Anglo-Scottish border region, they are now used as working dogs around the world.
Border Collies excel at various dog sports such as obedience, disc dog (or Frisbee), agility, and herding competitions.
They are often used in sheepdog trials where their intelligence and herding ability can be tested – this requires patience for both handler and canine companion alike!
Despite their working dog origins, Border Collies make great pets for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
Collie Vs. Border Collie: Size
Border Collies usually range in size between 26 and 45 pounds. However, they can reach up to 60-70 pounds and some grow so large that their size rivals that of Rough Collie dogs.
It is important to keep in mind that the standard height and weight ranges within a breed may significantly vary, so one should not make their decision on which dog breed to choose solely based on those attributes.
Consider each breed’s activity level, temperament, and grooming requirements before choosing a dog.
Both breeds have a strong herding instinct and thrive when given plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
Collie Vs. Border Collie: Temperament and Trainability
Collies are generally more laid-back and calmer than Border Collies. They make good family pets, thriving in homes with children.
However, if you want your Collie to be friendly with other animals (especially cats), you must socialize with them early on.
The Border Collie is also known as a strong-willed breed with an independent streak; they can only train if they get what they want immediately–so patience is key here!
Suppose this sounds like something that might work out for you, then congratulations!
Your next step will be finding a good trainer who knows how to handle this kind of thing properly so there won’t be any issues later when it comes time for training sessions again.”
Collie Vs Border Collie: Coat
Collies come in rough and smooth coat varieties, with the “rough” coat referring to a coarse coat with medium length feathering on the legs, chest, and belly.
The term “rough” only pertains to coat length and not a specific breed of Collie.
Border Collies also come in rough and smooth coats, but their coat is typically shorter and smoother than Collies.
Border Collies often have coats that are either bicolor, tricolor, or sable with merle, tickled, or speckled patterns. On the other hand, Collies can come in black, white, gray, browns with tan markings, blue merles with white markings, and more.
Collie Vs. Border Collie: Lifespan
Both Collies and Border Collies are known for their long lives. The average life expectancy of a Border Collie is between 13 to 15 years, which is quite impressive for a medium-sized dog breed.
Collies are also known for living longer than their average lifespan; some even live up to 20 or 25 years old! Both breeds can live even longer than their average life expectancies with good genes and proper care.
Collie Vs. Border Collie: Price
A Collie costs between $385-$1550, with an average price of $900.
Border Collies bred to be family pets cost between $600 and $1,800.
The average price for a border collie is between 900 dollars to over 3,000 dollars depending on the breeder and how much effort they put into their breeding program (which can add up).
Final Words?
Looking for a furry friend to add to your family? Considering a Collie or a Border Collie, you might wonder what sets these breeds apart.
While they share some similarities in appearance, there are key differences.
As I explained, Collies come in various colors, while Border Collies are typically bicolor, tricolor, or sable with distinctive patterns.
Both breeds are intelligent and trainable, but the Border Collie is much more energetic and requires more exercise.
Overall, both make great pets with long lifespans, so whichever breed you choose, you’ll have a loyal and loving companion for years.
FAQs:
Q: What is the main difference between a Collie and a Border Collie?
A: Collies and Border Collies are two breeds of dogs. Despite their similarities, the main difference between these two types is size: Collies tend to be larger than Border Collie—although there are exceptions in either direction.
Q: Are Collies and Border Collies good family pets?
A: Collies and Border Collies are both excellent family pets but may require more training and supervision with children than some breeds.
Q: What are the coat differences between a Collie and a Border Collie?
A: Border collie coats tend to be shorter and smoother than those of the rough-coated variety.
Bicolor, tricolor, sable—and even black & tan or merle—are common coat colors among border collies.
On the other hand, variety of shades can appear in rough-coated dogs; including white (which is uncommon), tan/golden blonde tones as well as blue and multicolored specimens
Q: How long do Collies and Border Collies live?
A: Collies typically live between 14 to 16 years, while Border Collies have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Both breeds can live even longer than their averages with good genes and proper care.
Q: Which breed is more energetic, the Collie or the Border Collie?
A: While Border Collies tend to be more energetic and active than their cousin, the traditional or working Collie, each breed requires a lot of attention from its owner.
Q: Are there any major health concerns for Collies and Border Collies?
A: Both breeds are healthy, with few significant concerns. However, Collies may be predisposed to hip dysplasia and eye problems while Border Collie’s susceptibility to epilepsy is also well known.
Regular vet checkups and proper care can help you identify and address the most common health problems.
Q: Are Collies and Border Collies recognized by the AKC?
A: The AKC recognizes both breeds, but it does not recognize a specific breed called “Collie,” which refers to a group of related landraces—including several different spitz-type dogs from Scotland and Northern England.