Border Collies, famend for his or her hanging look and memorable intelligence, have a particular look typically echoed in different canine breeds. This text delves into the world of canine breeds that share a resemblance with the beloved Border Collie.
Recognized for his or her eager typically blue eyes, athletic construct, and infrequently a fantastically patterned coat, Border Collies set an ordinary for a sure aesthetic and useful design within the canine world. As we discover these comparable breeds, we discover bodily similarities and shared traits in intelligence, agility, the necessity for bodily train and herding instincts.
From the Shetland Sheepdog’s luscious fur and expressive face to the Australian Shepherd’s vibrant coloring and boundless power, every breed we are going to focus on carries a bit of that distinct Border Collie allure.
This exploration isn’t just a examine of appearances; it’s a journey by means of the various but interconnected world of herding breeds, every with its personal historical past, persona, and distinctive spin on the traditional Border Collie look. Right here is all pet mother and father ought to find out about canine breeds that seem like border collies.
15 Canine Breeds That Look Like Border Collies
1. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds and Border Collies share a hanging resemblance that usually makes them mistaken for each other. Each breeds boast a medium construct and an identical vary of coat colours, together with black, white, and merle, making their appearances fairly parallel.
The Australian Shepherd, typically affectionately referred to as an ‘Aussie’, shares the Border Collie’s alert, clever expression, characterised by shiny, observant eyes reflecting eager intelligence.
Their coats, whereas comparable in coloration selection, additionally present parallels in texture and size. Australian Shepherds sometimes have a medium-length coat that’s barely wavy, very similar to the Border Collie’s, offering them each with a rugged but swish look.
Each breeds even have an identical athletic physique, constructed for agility and endurance, a testomony to their shared herding lineage. This athleticism is clear of their poised stance and swish actions. Whereas there are refined variations in options, just like the Aussie’s sometimes broader head and the Border Collie’s barely leaner construct, their total bodily resemblance is outstanding, reflecting their shared heritage as expert and clever herding canine.
2. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately referred to as the Sheltie, resembles the Border Collie, each heralding from herding backgrounds. One of the vital hanging similarities is their luxurious, lengthy double coats. Shelties typically exhibit coats of various colours and patterns akin to Border Collies, together with sable, black and white, and merle, with the distinctive white collar being a typical characteristic in each breeds.
Dimension-wise, Shelties are typically smaller than Border Collies, however their bodily construction, with a well-proportioned and agile physique, mirrors the Border Collie’s athletic construct. Each breeds possess comparable expressive, almond-shaped eyes, conveying intelligence and application.
Their ears additionally are typically equally set and formed, including to their comparable facial expressions. The Sheltie’s elegant gait and poised posture additional emphasize their likeness to Border Collies. This resemblance isn’t just skin-deep; it extends to their clever demeanor, herding talents, and energetic nature, making Shelties appear as if a smaller, extra compact model of the Border Collie.
3. English Shepherd
The English Shepherd resembles the Border Collie, each breeds being descendants of previous herding varieties from the British Isles. One of the vital notable similarities is their medium-sized, athletic construct, designed for agility and endurance, important for herding.
English Shepherds typically have a coat that’s comparable in texture and size to that of Border Collies, sometimes that includes a mixture of black, white, sable, or tricolor patterns. Their facial construction additionally bears a resemblance, with clever, alert expressions frequent to each breeds.
That is complemented by their medium-length muzzles and ears which are pricked or semi-pricked, very similar to these of the Border Collie. Whereas English Shepherds can generally be heavier and have a broader construct than Border Collies, their total bodily look and motion nonetheless strongly mirror their shared herding heritage.
Each breeds exude a way of eager alertness and readiness for work, typical traits in canine bred for intelligence and responsiveness in fieldwork.
4. Tough Collie
The Tough Collie, famously referred to as “Lassie,” shares a familial resemblance with the Border Collie, each originating from herding inventory. One of the vital noticeable similarities is their elegant, elongated face with a tapered snout, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears, partly standing and partly folded. This offers them a glance of intelligence and application, attribute of each breeds.
By way of coat, Tough Collies have an expensive, dense double coat, comparable in texture to that of the Border Collie however typically longer and extra considerable. The coat colours additionally present parallels, with each breeds displaying variations of sable, tricolor, and blue merle.
Whereas Tough Collies are bigger and have a extra pronounced mane across the neck, their total physique construction, together with a powerful, agile construct appropriate for herding and agility, carefully mirrors that of the Border Collie.
Each breeds not solely look comparable but in addition share traits like intelligence, loyalty, and a powerful working ethic, reflecting their shared heritage as versatile and succesful herding canine. The Tough Collie, with its regal bearing and plush coat, might be seen as a extra glamourous, bigger cousin of the extra workmanlike Border Collie.
5. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie, typically affectionately referred to as the “Beardie,” shares a number of bodily traits with the Border Collie, indicative of their frequent herding heritage. One of the vital outstanding similarities is their medium to lengthy, dense double coat, which is designed to guard them in harsh climate situations.
Whereas the Bearded Collie’s hair is usually longer and shaggier, particularly across the face, giving them their attribute “bearded” look, the feel and the vary of colours, together with black, blue, brown, and fawn, typically with white markings, are harking back to the Border Collie’s coat.
Each breeds are comparable in dimension and construct, possessing a sturdy, agile body that’s well-suited to energetic work. Their expressive faces, with shiny, clever eyes and a eager gaze, are additionally comparable. Although the Bearded Collie tends to be bigger and bulkier than the Border Collie, each breeds exhibit an brisk demeanor and agility that mirror their shared lineage as working canine.
These bodily resemblances are complemented by comparable behavioral traits, equivalent to excessive intelligence, trainability, and a powerful herding intuition, making the Bearded Collie appear as if a longer-haired, extra strong cousin of the Border Collie.
6. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie, a breed famend for its herding prowess, shares a number of bodily traits with the Border Collie, reflecting their frequent working canine heritage. Initially, their dimension and construct are fairly comparable – each breeds are medium-sized, with lean and muscular our bodies constructed for agility and endurance. This physique is crucial for his or her herding duties, permitting them to maneuver rapidly and effectively.
By way of coat, whereas Kelpies sometimes have brief hair, extra weather-resistant coats than the Border Collie, they share frequent coat colours like black, chocolate, and pink, typically with the identical white markings on the chest and paws. Although shorter, the feel of their brief coat is equally dense and serves the identical objective of offering safety in numerous outside situations.
Each breeds additionally exhibit an alert and clever expression, with eager eyes and pricked ears, at all times prepared to reply to their proprietor’s instructions. This alert demeanor is a trademark of their shared herding lineage. Whereas distinct in some methods, the Australian Kelpie mirrors the Border Collie in its agile construct, working capabilities, and clever, responsive nature. Psychological stimulation is essential with each of those breeds.
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7. Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog, identified for its versatility and intelligence, shares a number of visible and temperamental traits with the Border Collie, reflecting their shared herding origins. One of the vital hanging similarities is their dimension and construct. Each breeds possess a medium to giant stature with a powerful, athletic body designed for endurance and agility, important for herding and energetic work.
Their coats, whereas differing in texture, additionally bear resemblance. Belgian Sheepdogs sometimes have lengthy, straight, and dense fur on their lengthy coat, typically in stable black, which may remind one of many thicker-coated Border Collies. Each breeds have an identical bushy tail and a proud, alert stance, showcasing their readiness for motion.
Facially, Belgian Sheepdogs and Border Collies share an clever, eager expression, with shiny, observant eyes that mirror a pointy thoughts. Their ears are equally formed and positioned, including to their alert and attentive look.
Although the Belgian Sheepdog could also be bigger and extra strong, its total physicality, com.ined with a powerful work ethic and intelligence, carefully parallels the traits of the Border Collie,
8. McNab Shepherd
The McNab Shepherd, a lesser-known however extremely expert herding breed, reveals a number of bodily traits that carefully resemble these of the Border Collie. Each breeds share an identical medium construct, characterised by a lean, athletic physique that’s well-suited for agility and stamina, essential for his or her herding duties.
The McNab Shepherd’s construction, with its sturdy legs and balanced proportions, mirrors the Border Collie’s physique, designed for effectivity and endurance.
By way of coat, whereas McNab Shepherds sometimes have a shorter, smoother coat in comparison with the Border Collie’s medium or lengthy fur, they typically share comparable coloration patterns. These can embrace black, white, and merle, with distinctive markings which are frequent in Border Collies.
Each breeds even have an alert and clever expression, with shiny, eager eyes that convey their attentive nature. Their ears, which might be pricked or semi-pricked, additional improve their vigilant look.
9. Australian Cattle Canine
The Australian Cattle Canine and the Border Collie, whereas distinct breeds, share some similarities that spotlight their herding canine heritage. One of the vital noticeable shared options is their compact, muscular construct, reflecting their agility and power, important for herding and energetic work. Each breeds are medium-sized canine with a sturdy physique, enabling fast, energetic actions.
By way of coat, the Australian Cattle Canine has a singular coat sample, typically blue or pink speckled or mottled, which is totally different from the Border Collie’s extra conventional colorations. Nevertheless, each breeds possess a dense, double coat that serves an identical objective: safety in opposition to harsh climate situations and tough terrain, a necessity for outside working canine.
Facially, Australian Cattle Canines and Border Collies share an clever and alert expression, with eager, shiny eyes and pricked or semi-pricked ears, at all times prepared for motion. Although the Australian Cattle Canine’s look is distinguished by its distinctive coat patterns and broader head, its over.all physicality, work-driven temperament, and energetic demeanor echo the attributes of the Border Collie
10. Collie (Clean)
The Clean Collie, an in depth relative of the Tough Collie, shares a number of traits with the Border Collie, making them seem akin in lots of facets. One of the vital notable similarities is their total physique construction. Each breeds exhibit a medium-sized, athletic construct, with a powerful, agile body that’s well-suited to their herding background. This similarity is a testomony to their shared heritage and performance as working canine.
By way of their coat, whereas the Clean Collie has a shorter, smooth clean coat in comparison with the Border Collie’s sometimes medium-length fur, they typically share comparable coloration patterns. These can embrace sable, tricolor, blue merle, and black and white, typically with distinctive white markings, significantly across the neck, chest, and legs.
Each breeds even have an identical head form, with an extended, tapered muzzle and alert, clever expressions complemented by their shiny, observant eyes. Though the Clean Collie’s coat is much less dense, their bodily attributes, together with their poised stance and eager gaze, carefully mirror these of the Border Collie.
11. Previous English Sheepdogs
The Previous English Sheepdog, with its distinctive shaggy coat and amiable nature, shares sure traits with the Border Collie that trace at their shared lineage as herding breeds. Whereas the Previous English Sheepdog is bigger and fluffier, its thick, double tough coat, typically in shades of gray and white, might be harking back to the longer-haired Border Collies. The coat on these white canine serves the identical objective – safety from harsh climate, which is crucial for working canine.
Each breeds have sturdy, athletic builds suited to their herding roles, although the Previous English Sheepdog’s is hidden beneath its considerable fur. They possess an identical robustness and agility essential for his or her energetic working life-style. The Previous English Sheepdog’s face, typically partially obscured by its fur, reveals expressive eyes that resemble the clever, alert gaze of the Border Collie.
Regardless of their dimension and coat variations, each breeds share an enthusiastic demeanor and a powerful work ethic, typical of herding canine. The Previous English Sheepdog, with its extra laid-back persona, nonetheless mirrors the Border Collie’s intelligence and loyalty, making it a bigger, extra tousled counterpart to the extra streamlined Border Collie.
12. Welsh Sheepdog
The Welsh Sheepdog, a lesser-known however extremely succesful herding breed, reveals a number of similarities with the Border Collie, reflecting their shared ancestry and dealing canine roles. One of the vital notable resemblances is their medium-sized, athletic construct. Each breeds have a powerful, agile physique tailor-made for stamina and fast actions, which is crucial for his or her herding duties.
By way of look, Welsh Sheepdogs typically show a coat coloration and sample much like Border Collies, together with black, pink, and tricolor, generally with white markings. Whereas their coat can fluctuate in size, it typically has a texture and density akin to that of Border Collies, offering safety and flexibility in numerous climate situations. Common train is essential for each as is correct coaching.
Each breeds share an clever, targeted expression, with shiny, alert eyes that showcase their eager consciousness and responsiveness. This alertness is essential for his or her work as herding canine they usually have an identical temperament.
13. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog, identified for its distinctive, matted coat, shares sure traits with the Border Collie that time to their frequent herding heritage. Whereas the Bergamasco’s most distinctive characteristic is its felt-like, dreadlocked coat, its dimension and construct bear a resemblance to the Border Collie. Each breeds are medium-sized and have a sturdy, muscular physique, appropriate for the calls for of energetic herding work.
By way of facial construction, the Bergamasco Sheepdog, beneath its considerable fur, has an clever and alert expression much like that of the Border Collie. Their eyes, conveying a eager and observant demeanor, are harking back to the Border Collie’s intense gaze.
Though the Bergamasco’s coat is considerably totally different in texture and size, their physique form and agility come to the fore, highlighting their similarities with the Border Collie when groomed or sheared.
Each breeds additionally share behavioral traits equivalent to excessive intelligence, sturdy herding instincts, and a loyal, attentive nature. The Bergamasco Sheepdog, with its distinctive look and delicate temperament, might be seen as a extra rustic, rugged model of the smooth and agile Border Collie.
14. Scotch Collie
The Scotch Collie, an ancestor of the fashionable Border Collie, shares a number of bodily and behavioral traits with its descendant. These border collie breeds exhibit a medium-sized, agile construct, important for his or her shared herding duties. This comparable physique displays their means to maneuver rapidly and effectively, a necessity of their conventional sheepdog position.
By way of look, this energetic canine typically has a coat with lengthy hair that’s comparable in texture to that of Border Collies, although it may be longer and extra considerable. Their coat colours additionally present parallels, with variations together with sable, tricolor, and blue merle, very similar to the Border Collie’s distinctive markings.
Facially, the Scotch Collie and Border Collie share an clever and alert expression, with shiny, responsive eyes that point out their eager consciousness and problem-solving talents. Whereas the Scotch Collie might have a broader head and a extra pronounced muzzle, its total look, demeanor, and herding capabilities carefully mirror these of the Border Collie. And this breed is sweet with younger youngsters.
15. New Zealand Herding Canine
The New Zealand Herding Canine, significantly the New Zealand Huntaway, reveals a number of traits which are harking back to the Border Collie, stemming from their shared herding background. Whereas these farm canine are typically extra intensive and extra strong than the Border Collie, each breeds possess a equally athletic and agile construct, essential for his or her demanding work as sheepdogs.
The Huntaway typically sports activities a brief to medium-length coat, which might be much like some Border Collies, particularly these with shorter fur. Their coat colours can fluctuate, however commonplace shades like black and tan generally mirror the normal coloration patterns of Border Collies.
Behaviorally and temperamentally, the New Zealand Huntaway and the Border Collie share many attributes. These energetic canine are each are identified for his or her excessive intelligence, trainability, and robust work ethic, important for efficient herding.
Whereas the Huntaway is distinct for its use of loud, deep barking to herd sheep, versus the Border Collie’s quiet, intense stare, each breeds exhibit a deep focus and dedication to their work, showcasing their herding heritage. These sensible canine, with their strong structure and eager herding intuition, have many comparable traits to the qualities admired within the Border Collie.
NB: The New Zealand Herding Canine is a distinct breed from the New Zealand Heading canine.
If you’re going to take a look at getting a pet be sure to work with a good breeder – try this text from the American Kennel Membership to assist information you.
Canines that Appear to be Border Collies in Conclusion
Every breed, from the agile Australian Shepherd to the strong New Zealand Huntaway, shares sure traits with the Border Collie, be it their bodily construct, coat traits, or herding instincts. These similarities underline the shared ancestry and useful roles of those breeds as herding canine. Understanding these parts are key to discovering the fitting canine or the fitting breed for you and your loved ones.
But, every breed additionally retains its distinctive qualities and distinctions. Exploring these breeds not solely highlights the flexibility and flexibility of herding canine but in addition celebrates the broader tapestry of canine breeds, every with its personal historical past, talents, and allure.
Amanda O’Brien is the proprietor of The Canine Snobs web site. She is canine mad and canine aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She will’t wait to have a schedule that permits her to have a canine of her personal (for now it’s two Siberian cats) and loves studying about canine breeds and canine conduct.
