If you're looking for a dog that resembles a Border Collie, you're in luck because there are many breeds that share similarities with this intelligent and energetic breed.
One of the closest relatives of the Border Collie is the Australian Cattle Dog, which shares a similar build and coat type. They're also both highly intelligent and trainable.
The Australian Kelpie is another breed that looks similar to the Border Collie, with its medium-length coat and athletic build. They're also known for their high energy levels and strong herding instincts.
The McNab Shepherd is a lesser-known breed that shares many physical characteristics with the Border Collie, including its medium-length coat and muscular build.
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Border Collie Mixes
Border Collie mixes are a great option for those looking for a dog that captures the essence of the Border Collie. The Border Heeler, a mix of a Border Collie and an Australian Cattle Dog, is one of the best cattle dogs on the planet, inheriting the herding instincts and affectionate nature of its parent breeds.
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These mixes can be quite energetic, so be prepared to keep up with a Border Heeler's rambunctious energy. Training tools and puzzle feeder toys can help keep you both in sync. They also make great service dogs, thanks to their strong bond with their people.
A Bordoodle, a mix of a Border Collie and a Poodle, might not shed as much as its relatives and could have a slightly calmer demeanor. However, early socialization is still important to help your Bordoodle navigate its herding instincts, especially around children.
Shollie
The Shollie is a Border Collie mix that's not only intelligent but also athletic and dedicated. Its German Shepherd parent provides an exceptional work ethic that meets or exceeds a Border Collie's, so be prepared to invest in skills training.
This pup is always ready for action, and puzzle games and enrichment toys are a great way to keep it healthfully engaged. Pet parents of a Shollie might want to try activities like biking with their dog to meet its hour or more exercise requirements each day.
The Great
The Great Border is a wonderful mix of Australian Shepherd and Border Collie. He will have a short and tight coat that will be sleek and shiny, sometimes slightly longer if his Collie parent has a longer coat, but more than likely sport the black and white colorings.
His ears will be tall, and he will measure between 23 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 110 pounds.
Blue Heeler Mix
Blue Heeler Mixes are quite energetic, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Expect a lot of rambunctious energy from these dogs.
Their herding instincts are strong, thanks to the Australian cattle dog parent breed, also known as a blue heeler. These dogs are naturally inclined to herd and need mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Training tools and puzzle feeder toys can help keep you and your Blue Heeler Mix in sync, as they require consistent training and engagement. They are also fiercely committed to their people, making them great companions.
Border Heeler mixes are possibly one of the best cattle dogs on the planet, thanks to their spirited and true nature. They are also affectionate, which helps them excel in roles like service dogs.
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Borsky
The Borsky, a Border Collie Husky Mix, is a real showstopper. Their coat patterns can include merle, and they often have exceptional eye colors.
Their energetic and talkative nature makes them a joy to be around, and they adore their humans. Frisky and full of cheer, they're sure to brighten up anyone's day.
These pups are intelligent and loving, and they make great companions for active families.
Bearded
The Bearded Collie is a breed that's often mistaken for the Border Collie, thanks to their shared herding heritage. They share a medium to long, dense double coat that's designed to protect them in harsh weather conditions.
Their hair is longer and shaggier, especially around the face, giving them a distinctive "bearded" look. This is where they get their name from!
Both the Bearded Collie and the Border Collie have a sturdy, agile frame that's well-suited to active work. They're similar in size and build, but the Bearded Collie tends to be larger and bulkier.
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Their expressive faces are a dead giveaway that they're working dogs at heart, with bright, intelligent eyes and a keen gaze. They're just as energetic and agile as their Border Collie cousins.
These breeds are similar in more ways than one - they're both highly intelligent, trainable, and have a strong herding instinct. They're natural herders, and they love to work!
Other Herding Breeds
If you're looking for dogs that look like Border Collies, you might want to consider the New Zealand Herding Dog, particularly the New Zealand Huntaway, which shares many similarities with the Border Collie due to their shared herding background.
The Huntaway has a robust constitution and a keen herding instinct, making it a great option for those who want a dog that's similar to a Border Collie but with a slightly different look.
Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are often mistaken for one another due to their striking resemblance, including a medium build and a similar range of coat colors.
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Australian Shepherds have a medium-length coat that's slightly wavy, similar to the Border Collie's, providing them with a rugged yet graceful appearance.
English Shepherds have a medium-sized, athletic build, designed for agility and endurance, essential for herding, making them another great option for those who want a dog that's similar to a Border Collie.
English Shepherds often have a coat that is similar in texture and length to that of Border Collies, typically featuring a mix of black, white, sable, or tricolor patterns.
The Welsh Sheepdog, a lesser-known but highly capable herding breed, exhibits several similarities with the Border Collie, including a medium-sized, athletic build and a strong, agile physique tailored for stamina and quick movements.
Both breeds have an intelligent, focused expression, with bright, alert eyes that showcase their keen awareness and responsiveness.
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Cocker Spaniel Mix
The Cocker Spaniel Mix is a great option for those who want a smaller dog with a similar energy level to a Border Collie.
They tend to be active and clever, just like their Border Collie counterparts.
Cocker Spaniel Mixes often have fluffier coats and longer ears than a standard Border Collie.
They need regular grooming to prevent tangles, so be prepared to brush them often.
If you're looking for a loyal and active pup, the Cocker Spaniel Mix might be the perfect fit.
Terrier and Sheepdog Mixes
If you're looking for dogs that resemble Border Collies, you might want to consider Terrier and Sheepdog mixes.
These mixes often inherit the high energy levels and intelligence of Border Collies, making them a great fit for active families or individuals.
Border Collie mixes with Terriers, like the Border Terrier, typically weigh between 15-25 pounds and stand 10-15 inches tall.
They're also known for their short coats, which require minimal grooming.
Their small size and energetic nature make them a great choice for apartment dwellers who want a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
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Coltriever
The Coltriever is a delightful mix of a Border Collie and a Golden Retriever. She overflows with cutieful charm and personality, making her a great family dog.
This breed is bright enough to skip puppy kindergarten, but it's better to let her graduate from it with honors so she socializes well.
Bodacion (Dalmatian)
The bodacion, a mix of a Dalmatian and a Border Collie, is a super-smart dog with unique coat patterns and colors.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them great companions, but they can be nervous about new situations.
Socialization and training are key to helping them feel calmer and happier.
With proper care and attention, you may even be able to teach your bodacion to learn new things, like pressing buttons to communicate.
Other Dog Breeds
If you're looking for dogs that look like Border Collies but want to try something different, consider the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed has a similar athletic build and short coat.
Their intelligence and energy levels are also comparable to Border Collies, making them a great choice for active owners.
The Australian Cattle Dog is known for its strong herding instinct, which can sometimes get them into trouble if they're not provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
The Doberman Pinscher is another breed that shares some physical similarities with Border Collies, including a lean, muscular build and short coat.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for families and working roles, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small but energetic breed that can make a great companion for active owners who want a dog that looks like a Border Collie but is smaller in size.
Their intelligence and agility make them well-suited for dog sports and activities, but they can be wary of strangers and may require more time to warm up to new people.
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Sources
- https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/border-collie-mixes
- https://www.caninejournal.com/border-collie-mixes/
- https://www.oldtimefarmshepherd.org/current-collie-articles/what-did-pre-dog-show-scotch-collies-look-like/
- https://www.hepper.com/dogs-that-look-like-collies/
- https://thedogsnobs.com/dog-breeds-that-look-like-border-collies/
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