English Shepherd vs. Border Collie: The Main Differences (With Pictures)

So, you’re looking for a pet and want to know which breed would be the right choice. You may have heard of English Shepherds and Border Collies, but don’t know much about them. The two breeds look very similar and have similar breed characteristics. So how do you decide which one is right for you? This article will provide an overview of each breed, their individual characteristics, and help you decide which one is better suited to your lifestyle.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

English Shepherd Overview

The English Shepherd originates from England and is considered to be the ancestor of many herding breeds such as the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. The breed dates back to the 18th century when farmers needed a working dog that could herd their livestock but also serve as a guard dog. They are a tough, hardworking breed that is highly intelligent and eager to please.

Appearance

The English Shepherd has a medium-sized body with a muscular build and strong legs. They have an athletic look, with straight fur that comes in various colors such as black, brown, white, and red. The coat may be either short or long and they have a thick undercoat. The eyes are usually brown, though some may have blue eyes. They also have a curled tail that is often held high when excited.

Personality / Characteristics

The English Shepherd is an intelligent and active breed. They are loyal to their families and love to be involved in all family activities. They are loyal companions, devoted guardians, and natural protectors. They will alert you when strangers approach your home or property but can also act as a loving companion for children or seniors who need attentive care.

They are very friendly and social animals but can also be independent minded with a strong will of their own. They require firm but kind training to channel their intelligence and make sure they use it for the right purpose. English Shepherds are highly trainable as they’re incredibly smart and eager to please.

Training

Training a young English Shepherd can be quite challenging as they require consistent, firm, and gentle guidance. It is important to start early and use positive reinforcement training methods such as reward-based treats or praise.

English Shepherds are typically easy to housebreak, but they may take longer than other breeds due to their independent nature. To ensure they’re properly trained, it’s best to stick with a routine and use consistent commands.

Health / Wellness

English Shepherds are generally healthy and have an average lifespan between 12–15 years when provided with proper nutrition, exercise, medical care, and preventative check-ups. Common health issues may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and skin allergies.

Suitable for:

English Shepherds are an ideal breed for active families who have the time and energy to commit to exercising and training their pets. They do well with children, seniors, and other pets, but require a lot of physical exercise in order to remain healthy and happy.

Border Collie Overview

The Border Collie originates from the border area between England and Scotland and was developed as a herding dog for sheep. They are an intelligent and athletic breed that is well-suited for agility competitions and other activities such as flyball or disc throwing. They are also very easy to train.

Appearance

Border Collies have a medium-sized athletic build, with strong legs and a muscular frame. They have a medium length coat that comes in many colors and will usually have some white markings on their face or chest. The eyes are usually brown, though they can also come in blue.

Personality / Characteristics

Border Collies are highly intelligent and have an intuitive ability to understand commands. They are incredibly active and need lots of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Border Collies also have a strong work ethic, so they require firm but kind guidance when it comes to training.

Border Collies may be wary of strangers but tend to warm up quickly to those who show kindness and love. They are incredibly loyal and devoted companions, making them great family pets as long as their need for physical activity is met.

Training

Border Collies require extensive training in order to be successful. It’s important to start early and use positive reinforcement methods such as reward-based treats or praise. They are highly intelligent and respond best to firm but kind guidance as well as consistency.

Health / Wellness

Border Collies have an average lifespan between 12–15 years when provided with proper nutrition, exercise, medical care, and preventative check-ups. Common health issues may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and skin allergies.

Suitable for:

Border Collies are an ideal breed for active families who have the time and energy to commit to exercising and training their pet. They do well with children, seniors, and other pets, but require a lot of physical exercise in order to remain healthy and happy. They also excel in agility competitions and other activities such as flyball or disc throwing.

Pros & Cons of Both Breeds

To summarize, the English Shepherd and Border Collie are both intelligent and loyal breeds that make great family pets. Both require a lot of physical exercise in order to stay healthy and active, and both benefit from consistent training with rewards-based methods. The main differences between the two are size – Border Collies are usually smaller than English Shepherds – and origin – English Shepherds originated in the United States while Border Collies are from the border area between England and Scotland.

English Shepherd

Border Collie

Other FAQs to Consider When Choosing

Which breed is better for a small home?

Both the English Shepherd and Border Collie need plenty of physical exercise, so a smaller home may not be ideal for either breed. If you have limited space, consider adopting a less active breed with fewer exercise needs.

Which breed is better for a family with children?

Both breeds are great for families with children as long as they receive the proper training and exercise. English Shepherds may be better suited for larger homes or farms, while Border Collies do well in both rural and urban settings.

Which breed is better for first-time owners?

Both breeds require a lot of physical activity and are best suited for active families who have the time and energy to commit to training and exercising their pet. As long as you are willing to invest in consistent training, both the English Shepherd and Border Collie make great family pets for first-time owners.

Which breed is better for a farm?

Both breeds are good choices for farms or rural settings, although the English Shepherd may be the better option due to its larger size and natural herding instinct. Border Collies can also do well on farms with proper training and exercise.

Which breed is better for agility training?

The Border Collie is the best choice for agility training due to its natural intelligence and affinity for problem solving. They are also agile, with a lean and athletic build that makes it easy for them to jump, run, and weave through obstacles. English Shepherds can also do well in agility training with the right training and dedication.

Which breed is better for people who work long hours?

Neither breed is ideal for people who work long hours and have limited time to dedicate to training and exercising their pet. If you have a busy lifestyle, consider adopting a less active breed with fewer exercise needs such as the Cairn Terrier or Bichon Frise.

Which breed has more energy?

Both breeds have high energy levels and need plenty of physical activity in order to stay healthy and happy. The Border Collie may have slightly more energy than the English Shepherd, due to its natural herding instinct. It is important to provide both breeds with adequate mental stimulation and exercise.

Which breed is better suited for a city?

Both breeds can do well in urban settings as long as they get plenty of exercise. The Border Collie may be better suited for city living due to its smaller size and adaptability to different environments. English Shepherds, on the other hand, need more room and may not be suitable for a small apartment or condo.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that each breed is different and has its own set of characteristics. Both English Shepherds and Border Collies make excellent companions for active families looking for a loyal pet but be sure to do your research before choosing one. If you are looking for an intelligent and loyal breed to join you on your outdoor adventures, then either of these two breeds could be a great fit. Be sure to consider their health needs as well, including potential issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and skin allergies. Whichever breed you choose should make a wonderful companion if provided with proper nutrition, exercise, medical care, and preventative check-ups.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both the English Shepherd and the Border Collie are great companion animals with their own unique personalities. They both require consistent training and exercise but can make wonderful additions to active families. Consider your lifestyle, living, and training needs before deciding which breed is right for you. With proper care and nutrition, either of these breeds can be a loyal and loving companion that brings countless hours of love and companionship to their lives.

See also:

• Border Collie vs German Shepherd: Which One Is Right for Me?
• Sheltie vs. Border Collie: Notable Differences (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: (L) Ariel Celeste Photography, Shutterstock | (R) Pauline Loroy, Unsplash