Border Collie vs English Shepherd: Choosing the Ideal Herding Dog

When looking at an English shepherd and a border collie, it can be difficult to differentiate the two dogs. Both breeds are medium-size breeds bred to herd livestock. However, there are differences between these active and athletic dogs that make each worthy of consideration for your next pet.

When looking for the best herding dogs for livestock, both the English shepherd and the border collie are likely in the running. Both breeds are energetic, intelligent, and alert, which are traits that make them excellent at their job.

Border collies, formerly known as Scotch sheep dogs, were bred to herd livestock. The breed originated in Britain and likely started as a mix between the Roman herding dogs and Viking spitzes. The dogs herd with intense focus and eye contact. They crouch low when they need to be stealthy and are fast enough to complete sweeping outruns while working a herd.

English shepherds also originated in England and were brought to the United States, where they became excellent all-around herding dogs capable of working sheep, cattle, or even poultry. Unlike border collies, English shepherds do not use a fixed and intense stare when herding and instead have a loose-eyed herding style. They tend to remain more upright while herding and have a much more relaxed manner compared to the border collie.

Considerations when selecting a dog

Both the English shepherd and the border collie are intelligent and active dogs. Before bringing them into your family, make sure you have the space and time to accommodate their active nature. Be prepared to offer plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Consider participating in a sport to keep them engaged. Herding dogs are not always the best choice for families with other small pets or small children, so take this into account before bringing the pup home.

Both breeds tend to be healthy, but there are some hereditary issues for which responsible breeders should test. Some health conditions to which border collies are prone include hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, collie eye anomaly, and deafness.

English shepherds have their own health concerns. They are also prone to hip dysplasia as well as other conditions, including hereditary eye problems and the MDR1 gene mutation, which can increase the likelihood of adverse reactions to drugs.