Australian Shepherd vs Collie (Rough)

Herding · Medium vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • Collie (Rough) is the larger breed at 60–75 lbs (males) vs 50–65 lbs for the Australian Shepherd.
  • The Australian Shepherd typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Australian Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian ShepherdCollie (Rough)
Group
HerdingHerding
Size
MediumLarge
Origin
USAScotland
Height (male)
20–23"24–26"
Height (female)
18–21"22–24"
Weight (male)
50–65 lbs60–75 lbs
Weight (female)
40–55 lbs50–65 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
mediumlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a smart, work-oriented, exuberant herding dog — actually American despite the name; needs a job. Originally from USA, this medium herding breed typically weighs 50–65 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as smart, work-oriented, exuberant.

About the Collie (Rough)

The Collie (Rough) is a devoted, graceful, proud Scottish herder — Lassie, the world's most famous fictional dog. Originally from Scotland, this large herding breed typically weighs 60–75 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as devoted, graceful, proud.

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Australian Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye problems
  • MDR1 gene mutation

Collie (Rough) health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Collie eye anomaly
  • MDR1 gene mutation
  • Hip dysplasia