Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie: cost, health and care compared
The Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Australian Shepherd | Border Collie | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Herding Group [2] | Herding Group [3] |
| Weight | 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) [2] | 30-55 pounds [3] |
| Height | 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) [2] | 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [2] | 12–15+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 14 [4] | No. 26 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Cataracts, Epilepsy… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Epilepsy, Congenital deafness… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $10,500–$20,400 | $10,500–$20,400 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Australian Shepherd health problems and costs and Border Collie health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie?
The AKC gives the Australian Shepherd a life expectancy of 12–15+ years and the Border Collie 12–15+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie have?
Australian Shepherd: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Cataracts and Epilepsy. Border Collie: Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Epilepsy and Congenital deafness.
Which is better with kids, the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie?
The AKC rates the Australian Shepherd 5 of 5 and the Border Collie 3 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.