Comparison: Border Collie and English Springer Spaniel

Border Collie and English Springer Spaniel are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Border Collie
Photo: jean-noel kern, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
English Springer Spaniel
Photo: Kruming, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Border CollieEnglish Springer Spaniel
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers46–56 cm46–51 cm
Weight14–20 kg18–25 kg
Life span12–15 years12–14 years
Recognition features
  • 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
  • Medium dog with a medium-length coat, often liver-and-white or black-and-white
  • Long drop ears and feathering
  • Square athletic build, shortened tail
CoatDouble coat, medium or smooth, with a dense undercoat.Medium-length flat or slightly wavy coat.
PurposeDeveloped on the Anglo-Scottish border for sheep herding; still dominant in sheepdog trials and dog sports such as agility.A spaniel used to flush (´spring´) game within gun range and retrieve.

Breed page: Border Collie · Breed page: English Springer Spaniel

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

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.