Compare breeds
Border Collie vs German Shepherd
Border Collie
Medium
German Shepherd
Medium
Choose the Border Collie if you want…
- less hair around the house
Choose the German Shepherd if you want…
- a family with children
Side by side
| Trait | Border Collie | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Weight | 12–20 kg (26–44 lb) | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) |
| Height | 46–56 cm (18–22 in) | 55–65 cm (22–26 in) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 9–13 years |
| Origin | Scotland and England | Germany |
| Energy | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Good with children | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good with other pets | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Suits a flat | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Shedding | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Barking / vocal | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Quick answers
Which is bigger, the Border Collie or the German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd — typically about 1.9 times the weight. Border Collie: 12–20 kg (26–44 lb); German Shepherd: 22–40 kg (49–88 lb).
Which lives longer, the Border Collie or the German Shepherd?
The Border Collie, on average. Border Collie: 12–15 years; German Shepherd: 9–13 years.
Is the Border Collie or the German Shepherd better with children?
The German Shepherd scores higher in our profiles (4 vs 3 out of 5). Always supervise young children with any pet.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts