Comparison: Australian Shepherd and Rough Collie

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

Australian Shepherd
Photo: localpups, CC BY 2.0, source
Rough Collie
Photo: Yasu w, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Australian ShepherdRough Collie
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originUnited StatesUnited Kingdom
CategoryMediumLarge
Height at withers46–58 cm51–61 cm
Weight16–32 kg18–30 kg
Life span12–15 years12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Frequent merle coat and odd-coloured eyes
  • Naturally bobbed or short tail
  • Medium-length coat and athletic build
  • Profuse long coat with a full mane and frill
  • Long wedge-shaped head with semi-erect ears
  • Sable, tricolour or blue merle with a white collar
CoatMedium-length coat with undercoat; blue/red merle, black or red, often with tan.Long, straight, harsh outer coat with dense undercoat and a full mane.
PurposeDeveloped in the USA (not Australia) from herding dogs brought by Basque shepherds; a working dog of American ranches and rodeos.A Scottish herding dog that became a show and companion breed in the 19th century (a favourite of Queen Victoria); popularised by Lassie.

Breed page: Australian Shepherd · Breed page: Rough 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.