What Are the Differences Between English Shepherd Dogs & Border Collie Dogs?

Border collie and English shepherd dogs are both descendants of the working farm dog class of Britain and Ireland. Both breeds have been very useful to shepherds. Both kinds of dog were originally bred for their ability to obey commands and direct large groups of livestock. These breeds are intelligent, hard-working dogs with honed herding instincts. While border collies and English shepherds share many characteristics, there are subtle differences between the breeds that make each unique.

  1. Origins

    • Both breeds are adept at herding large flocks of sheep.

      Many sources cite Caesar as being responsible for introducing the English shepherd to the British Isles in 55 B.C. This breed helped with herds acquired during invasions. The border collie, originally called the Scotch sheep dog, descends from the dogs the Vikings used to herd reindeer.

      The first American settlers brought the English shepherd to the colonies to use not only for herding but also for hunting and protection, whereas border collies were bred almost solely to be expert herders.

    Appearance

    • Border collies and English shepherds share many striking physical characteristics.

      Few physical differences exist between the English shepherd and the border collie. Both are of medium build, measuring around 21 inches in height.

      English shepherds tend to be black and tan, tri-colored, black and white or sable and white. Border collies can be black and white, tri-colored, red and white, black and gray, yellow, yellow and white, sable, or all black. Both breeds have a double-coat that is water-resistant.

      Because English shepherds and border collies are bred primarily for their physical abilities and work ethic, both breeds' physical characteristics can vary widely. The American Kennel Club has outlined specific breed standards for border collies that enter competitive breed shows. The American Kennel Club does not recognize English shepherds, so no official breed standard exists.

    Temperament

    • Border collies are often the stars of agility competitions.

      Both English shepherds and border collies are energetic, intelligent and agile. One difference between the temperament of these two breeds is that English shepherds are loyal herders but are able to turn off their herding instincts. Dog breeders have categorized border collies as the workaholic of the canine world because of this breed's high energy and insatiable drive to please owners. Because of this tendency, border collies thrive in agility competitions, where they are able to expend excess energy and utilize their skills. English shepherds are very loyal, adaptable and easy-going dogs, so owners often use them as hunting dogs and family pets.

    Working Style

    • Border collies stare down livestock with a penetrating eye.

      The English shepherd and border collie dogs' success as herders is due in part to their "mesmerizing eye," a term breeders use to describe these dogs' stares, which stupefy cattle and sheep. A border collie will eye livestock with a fixed, piercing stare, while an English shepherd is "loose-eyed." Also, border collies prefer herding from the front and tend to take a low crouch while working. English shepherds prefer to be behind the livestock and tend to work more upright and relaxed.