Aussies may appear to be Border Collies without tails to those unfamiliar with each breed. Generally, Border Collies are lighter and smaller in stature than Australian Shepherds. The most common Border collie color is Black Bi. Border collies can be many more color combinations than Australian Shepherd. Temperament-wise, the Border collie is more flighty, a workaholic, and far more energetic. It has a different working style than the Australian Shepherd. It has beed said that a good rancher has both breeds, "the BC works better from distances, and the Aussie supplies the punch."

So, how do you tell from that picture which is the Aussie and which is the Border Collie? Notice that I cut out the tails so that is NOT an indication. The ears on the dog on the right are prick, a major fault for Australian Shepherds, but that alone does not rule it out. Notice the impression the two give you. Which one seems to be a more massive dog? (Meaning, which looks like it has more substance?) If you look at the heads, you will see type is also different. So which is the Aussie? The one on the left. There certainly is an overlap in "type" or "look" of the two breeds, but well bred Australian Shepherds should be generally discernable to the educated eye.

For more information on Border Collies, visit this site.

And how does an Aussie work compared to the Border Collie? The layman may not know to expect a difference, but there is. Both breeds were developed for a different purpose and their behavioral traits when working exhibit this. Please visit "Aussie Info" for more information about the traits of this working dog and the history of the Australian Shepherd as a ranch hand.

Many people looking to compare breeds may want to check out these dogs, similar in function or appearance.

~ German Koolie (or Coolie) - Probably had a lot to do with our breed's development

~ Australian Cattle Dog - aka Blue Heeler, Queensland

~ English Shepherd - a rare breed

~ Kelpie

~ Collie - there's probably an element of the collie in the Aussie, see also Shetland Sheepdog

~ Miniature Australian Shepherd - originally of the same stock, this breed does exhibit some differences

~ Catahoula Leopard Dog - another American breed

~ Bernese Mountain Dog - similar coloration to the black tri

~ Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - This dog looks like a red Aussie with a tail, and is the only non-herding dog similar in appearance.