Comparison: Border Collie and Miniature American Shepherd

Border Collie and Miniature American Shepherd 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
Miniature American Shepherd
Photo: Jugabe3b, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Border CollieMiniature American Shepherd
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originUnited KingdomUnited States
CategoryMediumSmall
Height at withers46–56 cm33–46 cm
Weight14–20 kg–
Life span12–15 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
  • Small dog slightly longer than tall with moderate bone and smooth movement
  • Medium-length straight to wavy coat with mane, in several colours incl. merle
  • Energetic, trainable, reserved with strangers
CoatDouble coat, medium or smooth, with a dense undercoat.Medium-length weather-resistant straight to wavy coat with a climate-dependent undercoat; short on the head and front of legs; black, blue merle, red, liver, and red or liver merle, with white and tan markings.
PurposeDeveloped on the Anglo-Scottish border for sheep herding; still dominant in sheepdog trials and dog sports such as agility.A small American herding dog from California, bred for farm work and sport.

Breed page: Border Collie · Breed page: Miniature American Shepherd

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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.