Pet Pro launch: 30% off first payment with code LAUNCH30 · 3 days left Claim 30% off →

Australian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Australian Shepherd vs Bearded Collie — at a glance

The Australian Shepherd (16–32 kg, 12–15 years) and the Bearded Collie (18–27 kg, 12–14 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Australian Shepherd tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Both have manageable grooming routines — the Bearded Collie demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie
Group Herding Herding
Origin United States Scotland
Weight 16–32 kg 18–27 kg
Height 46–58 cm 51–56 cm
Lifespan 12–15 years 12–14 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd

Temperament

Smart, eager, devoted, sometimes reserved with strangers. Aussies bond closely with their family and often have a "one-person" preference. Without enough work they herd children, cats, and bicycles.

Exercise

90–120 minutes of daily structured exercise plus mental work. Excels at agility, herding trials, dock diving, scent work. Long off-lead hikes are ideal.

Grooming

Medium-long double coat. Brush 2–3× weekly, daily during moult. Bathe every 6–8 weeks. Light trimming around feet and ears.

Health

MDR1 drug sensitivity (DNA test essential — many common drugs are dangerous to MDR1+ Aussies). Hip and elbow dysplasia. Eye conditions (CEA, cataracts). Epilepsy in some lines. Avoid breeding two merles (double-merle puppies are often deaf and blind).

Full Australian Shepherd profile →

Bearded Collie

Temperament

Joyful, lively, friendly to everyone. Confident around children and other animals. Vocal — Beardies will tell you about their day. Less herding-driven than Border Collies but still need a job.

Exercise

60–90 minutes daily of active exercise + mental work. Built for hills + weather. Loves agility.

Grooming

High maintenance. Long double coat needs brushing 3–4× weekly minimum, daily during seasonal moult. Many owners keep them in a shorter "puppy cut" for ease. Beard gets messy at every drink and meal.

Health

Generally healthy. Watch for: hip dysplasia, Addison's disease (relatively common), hypothyroidism, autoimmune conditions, eye issues.

Full Bearded Collie profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Australian Shepherd if

Sport / training enthusiasts, active rural / suburban families, ranchers.

Pick the Bearded Collie if

Active families with garden + time for grooming, allergy-tolerant homes, those wanting a happy herding dog without extreme intensity.

🎯 Take the breed match quiz → 💰 Compare lifetime cost
Free DeliveryOn orders over $100
Secure CheckoutStripe & Apple Pay
Easy Returns14-day return window
Real Human SupportMon–Fri 7am–10pm
Cookie settings