What is the Difference Between Collie and Border Collie?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The Collie and Border Collie are both popular herding dog breeds, but they have distinct differences in terms of appearance, personality, and energy levels. Here are the key differences between the two breeds:

  1. Appearance: Border Collies are smaller in stature and overall size compared to Collies. Border Collies have a sleeker coat, while Collies have a more voluminous coat. Collies come in a variety of colors, including black, white, tan, blue, merle, sable, and multi-colored, while Border Collies are commonly bicolor, tricolor, and sable, and have merle, tickled, or speckled patterns.
  2. Personality: Collies are more laid-back and calmer compared to Border Collies. Border Collies are known for their intense, high-energy nature and are best suited for active, involved owners who provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
  3. Energy Levels: Border Collies require more physical exercise and activity than Collies. They are high-energy and wiry, built for fast turns and speed while herding. Collies, on the other hand, require less physical exercise, with a walk once or twice a day and some playtime with the family being sufficient for younger pups.
  4. Intelligence and Trainability: Both Collies and Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable. They respond well to force-free training using positive reinforcement. However, Border Collies are considered to be the smartest dog breed in the world and dominate in canine sports like agility, obedience, and trick dog competitions.

In summary, Border Collies are smaller, more energetic, and have a more complex personality than Collies. They are better suited for experienced dog owners who can provide them with intense physical and mental stimulation. Collies, with their more laid-back nature and lower energy levels, make better companions for those seeking a gentle, devoted family pet.

Comparative Table: Collie vs Border Collie

The Collie and Border Collie are two distinct dog breeds with several differences between them. Here is a table comparing their key features:

Feature Collie Border Collie
Appearance Long, fluffy-coated, herding dog with two coat varieties Slightly smaller, leaner, and more athletic than Collies
Coat Color Rough Collies have more voluptuous hair on their heads, resembling a mane Border Collies have less voluptuous hair on their heads and may have a little feathering on their cheeks
Coat Patterns American Kennel Club recognizes 16 coat colorings for Border Collies, including blue, sable, and red merle Border Collies are more common in black and white, while Collies may have other coat colors
Size Collies are generally larger than Border Collies Border Collies are slightly smaller and leaner than Collies
Origin Collies were primarily developed in the border regions between England and Scotland Border Collies originated in the border regions between England and Wales, and England and Scotland

Despite their differences, both breeds are friendly, intelligent, caring, and good with children. They are also both herding dogs, but Border Collies are known to have a higher energy level and more intense temperament.