Comparison: Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie

Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Australian Cattle Dog
Photo: Eva holderegger walser, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Border Collie
Photo: jean-noel kern, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Australian Cattle DogBorder Collie
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originAustraliaUnited Kingdom
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers43–51 cm46–56 cm
Weight15–22 kg14–20 kg
Life span12–15 years12–15 years
Recognition features
  • Blue or red speckled coat with tan points
  • Compact, muscular body
  • Short dense double coat and erect ears
  • Medium-sized dog with a medium or smooth coat, most often black and white
  • White blaze, collar and ´socks´
  • Intense stare (´eye´) and a low, stalking stance when working
CoatShort dense double coat, blue or red speckled.Double coat, medium or smooth, with a dense undercoat.
PurposeBred in Australia (partly with dingo blood) to drive cattle over long distances in the heat.Developed on the Anglo-Scottish border for sheep herding; still dominant in sheepdog trials and dog sports such as agility.

Breed page: Australian Cattle Dog · Breed page: Border Collie

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.