Size matchup
Australian Shepherd vs Border Collie: size & weight
Typical weight (40-65 lbs vs 30-55 lbs) and height (18-23 inches vs 18-22 inches)—so you can tell who’s bigger on the metrics that matter.
Australian Shepherd
medium · energy 5/5
40-65 lbs
Weight mid ~53 lbs
18-23 inches
Height mid ~20.5 in
Border Collie
medium · energy 5/5
30-55 lbs
Weight mid ~43 lbs
18-22 inches
Height mid ~20.0 in
Medium herding athletes with close size bands; Aussies sometimes carry a bit more substance depending on line.
Typical weight
- Australian Shepherd: 40-65 lbs (mid ~53 lbs)
- Border Collie: 30-55 lbs (mid ~43 lbs)
Australian Shepherd usually tips the scale higher.
Typical height (withers)
- Australian Shepherd: 18-23 inches (mid ~20.5 in)
- Border Collie: 18-22 inches (mid ~20.0 in)
Australian Shepherd is typically taller at the shoulder.
Size class & fit
Australian Shepherd
medium · lifespan 12-15 years
Intelligent, Energetic, Loyal
Border Collie
medium · lifespan 12-15 years
Intelligent, Energetic, Alert
Size drives food bills, car space, crate size, and how hard a jump lands on kids and seniors. Pair this page with lifestyle compare when temperament matters as much as inches.
Planning verdict
Lean Australian Shepherd
Lean Australian Shepherd if you want a medium dog around 40-65 lbs and 18-23 inches, with energy 5/5.
Lean Border Collie
Lean Border Collie if you prefer medium size near 30-55 lbs and 18-22 inches, with energy 5/5.
FAQs
- Which is bigger, a Australian Shepherd or a Border Collie?
- By typical weight/height midpoints, the Australian Shepherd tends to be larger overall. Australian Shepherd typically weighs about 40-65 lbs (mid ~53 lbs) versus Border Collie at 30-55 lbs (mid ~43 lbs). Height at the shoulder is commonly listed around 18-23 inches vs 18-22 inches. Both are classified as medium dogs in our data. On typical midpoints, Australian Shepherd tends to be the larger dog.
- Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
- Australian Shepherd is typically taller at the withers (18-23 inches vs 18-22 inches).
- Which weighs more, Australian Shepherd or Border Collie?
- Australian Shepherd usually weighs more (40-65 lbs vs 30-55 lbs).
- Are Australian Shepherd and Border Collie the same size class?
- Yes—both are medium in our breed data. Individuals still vary by sex and bloodline.
- Do males and females change the size comparison?
- Often yes. Males are commonly at the high end of weight/height ranges and females at the low end. Always check the actual dog (or parents) rather than breed averages alone.
Related size matchups
References
- How to Choose the Right Dog Breed — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- How Long Will Your Dog Live? Size Matters — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- General Dog Care — ASPCA