Aussies vs. Border Collies

[misfitz]

Originally Posted by Kilter

I would say it would depend on the lines of the dogs you're looking at. I've seen some very soft aussies and some hard border collies, and all size ranges in both. I'd guess aussies from the show lines are going to be a bigger dog as a rule.

I've noticed this, too. In fact, I never even considered aussies until I met several obedience aussies and they are so different from the giant, fluffy show/pet aussies I had known before.

With BC's it seems like the American show lines are smaller than the working or sport lines. I imagine the show BCs are less drivey and focused than working lines as well. I need to meet more border collies!

[misfitz]

Originally Posted by Laurelin

I like both breeds a lot and hope to own both.

Yeah, I might end up doing that myself!

[misfitz]

Originally Posted by milos_mommy

Generally: border collies are more serious, aussies are more playful/bouncy, aussies tend to be slightly more protective, although BCs aren't like labs or pits with strangers, either. Both are high energy breeds, but from my experience BCs are more prone to OCD or anxiety issues if not given all the exercise they need, where an aussie would just get kind of obnoxious and wild like most under-stimulated pets. The aussies I've known have been less DA/DR than the border collies but that's not a major issue in either breed. Both are very biddable but in different ways. Border collies are slightly more intelligent (Ie capable of getting into trouble) but aussies aren't far behind.

Keep in mind I've never owned either, this is just from day care/grooming and working with friend's dogs.

My best comparison between the two are my best friend, who had a BC and now an aussie. The BC was from a working farm, and came to live in the suburbs with a family with limited dog experience. She was INCREDIBLY intelligent, learned hundreds of tricks, loved her family, but also had major issues...chewed through the laundry room wall during a storm (fear of thunder), was hardcore (aggressively) protective of her personal space such as under the table or bed or her crate, chewed her own feet when she got anxious, did not get along with other dogs (poorly socialized).

Their aussie now is from a show breeder, and she's pretty watered down. She's still a high energy dog (was worse as a puppy) with a good herding instinct, but loves everyone, and is not NEARLY as smart as Norma (the BC) was. Trainable, sure, intelligent, yes, and biddable, but she's not about to solve a murder mystery.

LOL. Very interesting, thanks. I know nothing about show lines BC's but want to look into those...a slightly watered-down BC might be a good fit for me. That's kind of what Sienna is in a way.

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

And Aussies can be huge stubborn buttheads, border collies trip over themselves to please you. Oh and Aussies have no tail an their bunny butts freak me out. :P

My parents have a tailless ACD (I guess technically she's a Stumpy Tailed Cattle Dog) and I know what you mean. Her bunny tail is adorable, but I love Sienna's plume, even if I don't love brushing it. I would miss a fluffy tail. Then again, it wouldn't be knocking things over wagging LOL.

I'd definitely choose the "tripping over themselves to please me" dog. But I also love a dog with a sense of humor. And I'd love a dog with a bit more confidence than Sienna - I love her, but sometimes I wish she would talk back at me instead of getting her feelings hurt and sulking. She's definitely part Sheltie.

LOL @ "Handler Mistake Amplifier"

You know, this researching a breed thing is really fun. More people should do this before they get a dog! And no, I didn't research at all when I rescued my shelter mutt. Just got lucky.

[elegy]

Originally Posted by Shai

Love that dog. But there is a reason BCs are referred to as Handler Mistake Amplifiers lol. Honest to a fault.

This is my Steven. Bless him.

[Aleron]

Originally Posted by misfitz

I've noticed this, too. In fact, I never even considered aussies until I met several obedience aussies and they are so different from the giant, fluffy show/pet aussies I had known before.

Working bred Aussies can be plenty intense and drivey for sure. And some are actually pretty small (large "mini" size)/fine boned.

Originally Posted by misfitz

With BC's it seems like the American show lines are smaller than the working or sport lines. I imagine the show BCs are less drivey and focused than working lines as well. I need to meet more border collies!

From what I have seen, the sport lines often include both working and show lines in their pedigrees. I know several people with sport bred BCs who also show in conformation. There are some tiny, tiny sport bred BCs out there. One of our classmates has one that I think is smaller than Savvy (really cute!).

[AdrianneIsabel]

I train with two CP dogs that are teeny, I really love them.

[Sit Stay]

Originally Posted by Shai

Unless the BC decides your method is Wrong and then you will never hear the end of it

Also working BCs at least tend to be very literal. They take the rulebook very seriously and lord help you if you deviate from it without a discussion first.

Or, as one of the BCs I run in agility once put it:
Even though I know you and we are running toward the table and there are no other options YOU said the word "Up" but MY word is "Table" so I am gonna spin and b**** you out for YOUR mistake to make sure YOU don't do it ever again and THEN I will get pn the table (hope you enjoy that R you totally deserved) and eye you suspicously because clearly you are an untrustworthy rebel who makes up words that aren't real words so you better get your act together for the rest of this course, human.

Love that dog. But there is a reason BCs are referred to as Handler Mistake Amplifiers lol. Honest to a fault.

This made me laugh so hard because it is SO Quinn!

[Sekah]

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Oh and Aussies often tend to run with their mouths open.

How would they bark with their mouths closed???





Mine is from show lines, but she seems to have the temperament of a working line dog. Her coat is thin, her frame is slight, and her energy is boundless. She's wonderfully biddable - it wouldn't occur to me in a million years to describe her as stubborn. She's resilient, recovers quickly from stressful events, and is always ready to repeat a sequence just one more time while I try hard not to trip over my feet. She's very forgiving of my mistakes.

She's mildly reactive and nervous around strange dogs, but when she's working you would never know.

And she barks. A lot.

[Renee750il]

It's struck me that a good Aussie is very much like an old fashioned German Shepherd in many ways, and I do love their skewed sense of humor

But even with their sense of humor they have an almost crushing sense of responsibility.