Border collies and aussies

[bckrazy]

I can tell the difference instanteously! At least, between the working style dogs of both breeds. With show BC's and Aussies, they look much more similar.

Merle is much, much less common in Border Collies. Even with a merle BC, there is a distinct difference in the face alone - with BC's having a longer muzzle, different eye shape and expression, and a different ear-set. BC's have a much more lean structure and are generally smaller. Not to mention their herding styles are very different! Aussies are more of a driving breed, and much more vocal, while BC's tend to be quiet and use their eyes while working.

I always thought Runner looked like an Aussie x Chow =P

[wolf_Q]

She definitely looks like an Aussie mix to me too.

Her fur does look very thick, maybe she has some american eskimo in her?

[cali]

there is clearly no BC in Runner lol between barbie collies and aussies, even I have a really hard time telling the difference and I mix them up all the time. however with real BCs and aussies, the difference is very clear:

BC:
tails
longer narrower muzzles
ears pretty mcuh any set and mix of sets
longer legs
lighter build
less hair
come in smooth coats


Aussie:
no tail
short blunt muzzles
ears flopped with a slight rise at the base
shorter legs
heavily boned
always longish thick hair

example:

red merle Border collie(Happys sire)


red merle aussie

[BC_MoM]

Sometimes, on a rare occassion, Aussie's can have tails. I think that's only if they're lineage has tails though, right?

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong! lol

[cali]

it works both ways though lol Aussies can have tails and BCs can have no tails, so a tail or lack there of doesnt mean much.

[wolfsoul]

Personally I think she looks more like an Australian cattle dog/sheltie mix. The type of ticking she has most resembles that of an ACD, and she seems too small to be ACD/Aussie, so I'd say ACD/sheltie.

[BC_MoM]

it works both ways though lol Aussies can have tails and BCs can have no tails, so a tail or lack there of doesnt mean much.

Why would someone dock or a breed BC's and produce no-tail Borders?

[ashleycat]

she's 37 lbs. She has more tiny spots than big patches. Does that count for anything? I didn't notice them till I shaved her.

[bckrazy]

Why would someone dock or a breed BC's and produce no-tail Borders?

Why would some one dock Aussies? Especially since 99% of the Aussies I know don't venture anywhere past grassy backyards. I understand the few that actually work in thick brush should be docked. In most cases, Aussies are not born with natural bobs, they're docked.

I feel that the only reason to dock is for function. I do know a few people who live in rough areas, with BC's who work cattle and whose tails could get pretty mangled if they were undocked, so their BC's are docked. I've also heard of the rare occasion of a BC being born with a bob.