There is a lot to love about the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie! These two herding wonders have bright-eyed charisma, outstanding energy, and an unmatched work ethic. Having a job to perform is key to both breeds' happiness. The AKC describes the Australian Shepherd as a "worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye" and "the picture of rugged and agile mover of stock." The Border Collie, on the other hand, is described as a "remarkably bright workaholic." In this article, we're going to look at the Australian Shepherd's herding techniques or style versus the Border Collie's.
Unlike the Australian Shepherd, the Border Collie prefers keeping its eyes fixed on the livestock while displaying a very stalking, slinking posture. Border Collies have been bred to work in this style. Instead of approaching from the back, as Aussies usually do, Border Collies prefer to herd livestock from the side and front.
Eye
The Australian Shepherd is categorized as a loose-eyed working dog whereas the Border Collie is known for its strong-eyed style of herding. What do the terms "loose-eyed" and "strong-eyed" mean? "Loose-eyed" describes working dogs that don’t try to make constant eye contact with the animals they're herding. Conversely, "strong-eyed" describes working dogs that try to use their eyes to control livestock. As a loose-eyed working dog, the Australian Shepherd prefers using his authority and presence to control livestock. If challenged, the Australian Shepherd will turn away from the stock, have a very upright posture, and deliberately use body positioning until the challenge is over. They may sometimes use their eyes in a direct and deliberate way to move challenging livestock.
Nip
Australian Shepherds use grip to move stubborn or challenging stock. A working Aussie will naturally nip and snap at the heels of livestock to keep them in a group. Nipping can be described as a short sharp bite that doesn't break the skin. Working-bred Australian Shepherds are usually trained by professionals in the industry before their owners try to partner with them for sheep or cattle herding.
Nipping is part of Border Collies' techniques to control livestock as well. Working Border Collies are usually trained to move livestock sheep by 'eye' alone. However, even the best working Collie nips when frustrated or challenged.
Bark
To move stubborn or challenging stock, the Australian Shepherd may bark. Their bark is conservative and, according to the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), should be authoritative when used. While the Aussie's nipping technique usually affects a single animal, their bark can influence a whole herd. The Australian Shepherd bark is most effective when the sheep or cattle have come to a standstill such as in crowded alleyways. The ASCA says the Aussie bark is particularly useful when gathering livestock from thick brush.
On the other hand, Border Collies usually work silently and are very intense. Instead of barking, Border Collies are known for glaring at livestock to intimidate them. They tend to work with their front shoulders low to the ground and their eyes fixed on the sheep. However, if challenged, a Border Collie may deliberately use bark until the challenge is over. Border Collies generally have a very 'low' posture while working and occasionally use their voice.
Stalk
Australian Shepherds usually work in an "upright position" fairly close to the cattle or sheep. Border Collies, on the other hand, usually work in a crouch or "stalking position" with an intense "stare" on the sheep. They often work farther out away from the stock, unlike Australian Shepherds.
A Border Collie stalking sheep
In the News
In January 2024, a Border Collie's incredible herding skills went viral on social media. In the viral video, which has so far garnered 11 million views, the Collie is seen single-handedly directing a huge flock of sheep to their pen. Netizens couldn't help but obsess over the dog's stellar work ethic.
The viral TikTok video was published by several news outlets including Yahoo and Dog Time.@seanthesheepman Watch this exceptional dog who knows her job doesn’t need hardly any instruction #foryou #dog #dogsoftiktok #fyp #bordercollie #tiktok ♬ original sound - Sean the sheepman
Below is a video of a group of Australian Shepherds being trained to herd.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds possess traits and instincts that are unique to the breed. They are generally categorized as "loose-eyed" herding dogs, as opposed to Border Collies, who are deemed "strong-eyed" working dogs. The Australian Shepherd is a confident, authoritative worker with a unique style that differs from strong-eyed breeds such as the Border Collie. The Aussie is agile, upright, and close-working, and often uses grip and bark to control stock. Conversely, the Border Collie often works silently and farther out away from the stock, using an intense "stare" while displaying a unique "stalking position."
Generally, Australian Shepherds are more effective on cattle while Border Collies are most effective on sheep. Border Collies tend to have speed, intensity, and a lot of drive, all traits that help them to excel at covering stock in large areas, as seen in the above TikTok video. Border Collies have been bred for working temperament, to be biddable working with their owner. Many Border Collies give easily to pressure, reacting quickly to training techniques. In comparison, Australian Shepherds have been bred to work independently, learning from other dogs on the farm. Australian Shepherds push into pressure, meaning their reactions will differ from Border Collies and the training techniques being used.
Ultimately, both working breeds are good at their job. The Australian Shepherd is especially good at herding cattle while the Border Collie is known as the best sheep herder. Many Australian Shepherds are versatile; they can work cattle today and move sheep, geese, or ducks the next. Border Collies can be trained to herd cattle, too. In fact here is a video that proves it:
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