Laurelin Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 When I started looking into a larger breed, I decided initially on Aussies. I was sure I couldn't handle a border collie's intensity and I wanted more intensity and energy than my shelties so I thought it was a good medium. But when I started working in the shelters I really strongly preferred the bcs to the aussies. Every experience since then with both breeds, I strongly prefer the bcs. It all lead up to last night's agility class with the two bcs and the aussies. Everything I thought was reaffirmed once again. I am much more a bc person than an Aussie person. So I wonder why are aussies referred to as less intense than bcs? I've even hear them called a 'border collie light'. In my experience they've been just as intense as bcs, just in a different way. I actually somewhat find aussie intensity kind of overwhelming but don't find border collies overwhelming at all. Am I strange? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody & Duchess Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 We started with a sheltie from rescue. He was a great dog- really sweet. Then we went to a border collie/springer spaniel rescue- she is amazingly brilliant and devoted to my husband. Then my sheltie died a year ago March - broke my heart- thought it would never be the same. We rescued a 1.5 yr old BC now called Cody last May. If I do say myself - Cody is the most amazing dog. I don't know if he is just an unusual dog - yes he is very active but his whole being is directed towards us. He will go off and entertain himself - even plays with his jolly ball by himself - but keeps on checking in. I am not saying that they are not a lot of work - just saying that it is really rewarding work. His drive and desire to please is intense. Again, I don't know if Cody is a gift from the heavens or is a normal BC - but I would most definitely get another rescue again. (Yesterday he was taking a break, reclining in my lap, I even have the lap dog I wanted- even if he is one big goofy dog.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I don't find Aussies overwhelming or intense at all, myself. I only know one really high drive Aussie (and I mean HIGH drive), but even then, he's not intense in the way I think of Border Collies as being intense. Maybe I don't know the right kind of Aussies, but I find them not at all like Border Collies, so I don't get the "border collie light" comment, though I've heard it myself, too. I don't dislike Aussies, they're just too bouncy and barky for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurelin Posted April 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I don't find Aussies overwhelming or intense at all, myself. I only know one really high drive Aussie (and I mean HIGH drive), but even then, he's not intense in the way I think of Border Collies as being intense. Maybe I don't know the right kind of Aussies, but I find them not at all like Border Collies, so I don't get the "border collie light" comment, though I've heard it myself, too. I don't dislike Aussies, they're just too bouncy and barky for me. I think intensity was the wrong word. I think what I meant was just as much energy as a border collie. But the breeds seem to apply that energy so different I just don't understand why people refer to Aussies as border collie lights. The bounciness and barkiness is what overwhelms me with Aussies. I've loved all my shelties but I don't know that I'll ever have another. Whatever the next dog is though has big shoes to fill after my late sheltie girl. She was amazing but very not sheltie like at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat W. Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I have border collies and an aussie, love them both. Riley - the aussie- is very drivey, and barky and bouncy, and bull headed, and a clown with a great sense of humor, but a border collie lite? NAH never! I love my aussie dearly he's mine and Im his sun, moon and stars. There are some "intense" aussie's out there but its not the same type of intensity as the border collie. I will have an aussie again after he passes I would miss the wiggle fluffy butt and the class clown attitude way too much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca, Irena Farm Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I feel the same way. I get an Aussie in rescue every now an then and enjoy them for about two days, and then breathe a huge sigh of relief when they are gone. Lovely dogs, just not for me. Too much "Yay!" for me, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggietrio Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I was talking with a friend of mine who started with an Aussie as a kid. As an adult, he got his first border collie and trained and trials him in Open Field. I have had Aussies for several years, and I really like 'em. But, then we got a border collie - she is amazing (and is the calmest dog in our house!). My friend asked me if I would ever get another Aussie after having our BC. I said, of course, and he was suprised. He said the Aussie he owned was intense, high drive, and a nice enough working dog, but as a breed, he decided you can't really wear them out. They are very active dogs, but he believes they don't have the same focus as a border collie, so you can't keep them on one task too long. Kinda makes sense to me, but for a different reason. The Aussies never just hang out - they are always on alert - their standard puts equal weight on working as it does being a guardian. So, when their job is done (sports, working, hiking, whatever), the Aussies come back and still patrol and are constantly telling me of every little danger lurking in and around the property. When the BC is done, she can come back and either take a nap or entertain herself until the next job comes along. She's also a lot more selective when she alerts - if you hear Fuze bark, you'd better check it out. When the Aussies alert, I just tell them to be quiet. Of course, when I go into town, if I have the BC in the van, I bring one of my Aussies - with them, I KNOW it won't get stolen! The other thing I like about my Aussies is that *I* am their person. Not my husband, not the neighbor, not anyone who can open a gate and take them to stock - just me. They are very owner focused. The border collie, while she's a great dog, could care less who her "person" is the moment someone opens the stock gate - she'll work for anyone and actually prefers someone who knows what they're doing, and has even managed to tell me that. SO, it just depends on what you're looking for. But, while they are both nice breeds, in my experience they are not very similar at all. Good luck! Jennifer Akins Trowbridge, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theshine Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 My aussie is definitely not border collie lite....she has tons of drive and some days she just doesn't stop. Of course I also think I have a low drive bc based on what I've heard, so some of it is individual and not breed differences, but the main thing I've noticed is that my aussie is more upbeat, playful, and yeah, bouncy, and my bc is much more serious, if that makes any sense. My aussie is also not as soft...my bc is the softest dog I've ever trained and I always have to worry about shutting him down. Honestly I'm starting to prefer aussies over bcs....my experience with the breeds is only two dogs, but as a strictly pet owner (and maybe sports in the future), I don't need a dog that serious....I'm enjoying how "up" she is compared to my others, even the shelties. My shelties are a big step down from both of my other two energy and drive wise...the only thing I don't like about shelties as a breed is the reactivity and barkiness, but my shelts can be on the serious side too.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurelin Posted April 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I feel the same way. I get an Aussie in rescue every now an then and enjoy them for about two days, and then breathe a huge sigh of relief when they are gone. Lovely dogs, just not for me. Too much "Yay!" for me, thanks. I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I do really like the Aussies but I'm just not sure about owning one anymore. Interestingly enough their bounciness really seems to not sit too well with Summer either. She's met four different aussies and not taken to a single one yet she does exceedingly well with the bcs. They seem to respect her space issues better. I do like the fact that Aussies are one person dogs. My current dogs with the exception of the sheltie are all everyone's new best friend. It's annoying at times. I do like that shelties aren't likely to just walk off with a random person. Sporting dogs kind of do the same thing to me as far as bouncy energy goes. Our labrador was a good dog but too bouncy for me too. It's kind of hypocritical though because my two boys now are really bouncy and energetic but they're small dogs so the effect is a bit different. I'm enjoying how "up" she is compared to my others, even the shelties. My shelties are a big step down from both of my other two energy and drive wise...the only thing I don't like about shelties as a breed is the reactivity and barkiness, but my shelts can be on the serious side too.. My least favorite thing about the shelties is their energy, drive, and focus. Mine have all been positively lazy compared to all my other dogs. Nikki in particular was so hard to motivate and spitzy in personality. She was very aloof. The constant barking gets old too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizmo Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 Maybe I don't know the right kind of Aussies, but I find them not at all like Border Collies, so I don't get the "border collie light" comment, though I've heard it myself, too. I don't dislike Aussies, they're just too bouncy and barky for me. Ditto this. Our neighbor has an Aussie. . .and the first time I heard it bark, it barked so weird I thought it was de-vocalized. (it's not though) I've never been a huge fan of Aussie's myself. Maybe because all the ones I have seen/met have been bouncy and barky (with the excpetion of one or two). My Border Collie, when happy, bouncies and sometimes barks. Don't know why, but is's different than an Aussie bouncing and barking. Guess that would be why I have a Border Collie instead of an Aussie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rave Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I can't stand how most Aussies interact with other dogs - BUMP BUMP SLAM! Makes me cringe every time I see an Aussie coming running at my girls at the park. I always have my girls lie down, wait for the Aussie to leave, then walk the other way. Now my friend with working-bred Aussies swears that's a show Aussie trait, that she's never seen working-bred Aussies do it. I'm sure not all Aussies do it, but in my experience, most I see in public do. Another friend had her Aussie break the leg of her BC puppy when he pounced on her. No thanks, no Aussies for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 One of the sweetest, best behaved, intelligent and loving dogs I've ever known is an Aussie/BC mix. I'd take him in a heartbeat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theshine Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 My least favorite thing about the shelties is their energy, drive, and focus. Mine have all been positively lazy compared to all my other dogs. Nikki in particular was so hard to motivate and spitzy in personality. She was very aloof. The constant barking gets old too! I never thought of it as being spitzy before, but that's exactly how one of mine is, very stubborn and hard to motivate. The other though is his total opposite and is a blast to do trick training with. I'd say both are lazy though, until a leaf blows across the yard and they have to throw themselves at the window barking.... The things I like about Scarlett(aussie), that she'll fetch a ball 800 times in a row without loosing interest, that she'll run from across the room and hurdle the coffee table to get to me if I call her...Shiner is like, "ok, she threw the ball differently that time, I don't know if I'm still supposed to get it or not...." It's like he doesn't do it just because it's fun, but because he thinks he's supposed to....is that bc's, or just Shiner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurelin Posted April 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I can't stand how most Aussies interact with other dogs - BUMP BUMP SLAM! Makes me cringe every time I see an Aussie coming running at my girls at the park. I always have my girls lie down, wait for the Aussie to leave, then walk the other way. Now my friend with working-bred Aussies swears that's a show Aussie trait, that she's never seen working-bred Aussies do it. I'm sure not all Aussies do it, but in my experience, most I see in public do. Another friend had her Aussie break the leg of her BC puppy when he pounced on her. No thanks, no Aussies for me. That's interesting. I have no idea about these dogs breeding, but that's been my experience too. I mistakenly took Summer to a dog park when I first got her and we had to leave because of that. Of course it might not be all related to breed, my neighbor's golden retriever does the same thing to dogs and people too. If you go near her, you can guarantee you'll be body slammed multiple times. I could not live with a dog like that. It's just interesting to me how dog breed books and websites (though I know those all breed sites are often wrong) will play up how much harder a bc is than an aussie. There was one site in particular that put that 'border collies were WAY too much dog' for the average person yet didn't mention anything about Aussies. In fact bcs were the only breed that they said was 'way' too much dog for your average person. Every other breed, including Filas and the like, only said they were usually too much dog for the average person. It's things like that that make me wonder if I have a really strange taste in dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 One of the sweetest, best behaved, intelligent and loving dogs I've ever known is an Aussie/BC mix. I'd take him in a heartbeat! Us, too, but I have to admit that on looks or personality, he was much more Border Collie-like than Aussie. He was a very mellow dog when not working, and totally focused when working - and a nut for long trail rides/hikes/runs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca, Irena Farm Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 Shiner is like, "ok, she threw the ball differently that time, I don't know if I'm still supposed to get it or not...." It's like he doesn't do it just because it's fun, but because he thinks he's supposed to....is that bc's, or just Shiner? Some are like this, but not most, and it's not a common thing among good working bred dogs because that would really not work well in a working context. I had a little female who was exactly like that, only with a ton more drive so instead of not doing anything when she was uncertain, she'd pick some random fun thing to do instead. On sheep that was, "Dive and grab one!" In something like flyball, it would be, do laps around the building or blow jumps or jump the box and grab balls out of the bucket on the other side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurelin Posted April 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 I never thought of it as being spitzy before, but that's exactly how one of mine is, very stubborn and hard to motivate. The other though is his total opposite and is a blast to do trick training with. I'd say both are lazy though, until a leaf blows across the yard and they have to throw themselves at the window barking.... I joke that even though Trey is deaf and mostly blind, he still knows when a squirrel is halfway across the yard and must make sure we know it by barking his head off. All of my shelties would've been fine sleeping all day every day for days. I've heard people say they're high energy and I wonder why. My toy dogs are probably 10x more active, lol! Trey is good for trick training but that's it. He's my 'insert treat, get trick' dog. He is awful at problem solving and applying commands to new situations. Nik on the other hand was very smart just had no reason to apply it to anything you were doing. She used her smarts for evil purposes only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie Meier Posted April 2, 2009 Report Share Posted April 2, 2009 Prior to a couple of weeks ago I had said that I had not seen and Aussie that I liked, well I found one, he has intensity, he exhibits self control and he is very trainable....oh and his owner and him are a wreck because he needs clear leadership and treat motivation doesn't get or keep his attention, she competes agility previously with a chiwawa.... and has been trying to train this Aussie using the same techniques, not working.... IMO, It's all about individuals and what they have been encouraged to do, I've run into some border collies that just needed to be unplugged and left to let their batteries drained. Personally I like calm, I don't like the bouncy bouncy bouncy stuff, which some Aussies are really good at especially when allowed or if it's promoted. Some dogs have the tendency for perpertual motion, but you can also teach a dog to be in perpertual motion, much the same as you can discourage it and disallow it. It's amazing how much we affect the demeanor of our dogs. Deb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NW_MONTANA_BC Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 One of the sweetest, best behaved, intelligent and loving dogs I've ever known is an Aussie/BC mix. I'd take him in a heartbeat! I agree, the female BC/Aussie I have has been an exceptional dog. Extremly intelligent, willings to please is outstanding. Her training has been so easy. I have two other pure bread BC that I am trying to train now. The male BC will be more of a challenge. The female simular to my BC/aussie. They are all great dogs. If I had to pick one to keep it would be the BC/Aussie. Of course she has been with me the longest too. I should interduce myself. This is my first post. I am glad to have found the site. Billy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freeman 101 Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 What are you planning on doing with your new dog? This is just my opinion, but I think working Border collies do much better in agility. I've observed many Aussies at the ASCA trials and many of them were slow, barky, and didn't seem to do well with distance work. However, I noticed that the slimmer, more streamlined aussies (almost Border collieish in appearance) did much better. I've also witnessed the same with the confirmation BC's in agility. They tend to not respond to body cues or distance work as well as the working BC's. This is just my opinion from observation, and I don't have any proof to back it up. BTW, look at the agility dogs on the world teams. BC's and Shelties seem to dominate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBlaylock Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 I find both breeds amazing, and both breeds extremely intense and almost obsesive complusive. They both require a ton of exercise, offer a ton of exercise , and provide a ton of TLC to whoever is up to the challenge of working with one. I personaly like the look of a Border Collie better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsnrs Posted April 4, 2009 Report Share Posted April 4, 2009 We have 4 Aussies and they are all different. Our old dog Misty is the boss. She doesn't stand for any silly behavior. The next is Sam who doesn't care about anything but sheep. Then there is Keesha who is non stop energy. Alfie is my heart dog and she is from working lines. She will be up for anything at any time or place. SHe is very protective also and will guard me; the car; her possessions with her life! SOme day we hope to have a Border Collie and start off training stock work from the beginning. Then we can compare how they are different. The ones we have met so far are very nice dogs and don't have issues like our Aussies do (except for Sam who loves everyone). Maybe it is a gender thing. N Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted April 4, 2009 Report Share Posted April 4, 2009 I agree, the female BC/Aussie I have has been an exceptional dog. Extremly intelligent, willings to please is outstanding. Her training has been so easy. I have two other pure bread BC that I am trying to train now. The male BC will be more of a challenge. The female simular to my BC/aussie. They are all great dogs. If I had to pick one to keep it would be the BC/Aussie. Of course she has been with me the longest too. I should interduce myself. This is my first post. I am glad to have found the site. Billy Hey! Welcome! I thought that looked like a name I hadn't seen before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OurBoys Posted April 4, 2009 Report Share Posted April 4, 2009 This thread has been interesting to me simply because Josie is our first aussie even though she is a mix. Her dam was a PB aussie and her sire was a PB BC. I feel we got the best of both breeds in her. Both JJ & Jake absolutely love her and she them. Anytime Josie feels the need to be protected (OMG! You want to do what to my nails?!?!?), she'll run to JJ or his crate. JJ is her protector. Jake is her playmate (tho she often tries to pick a play out of JJ as well). As much as we all love Josie, it's hard to describe her personality. When we thought she was here as a foster, the little sneak wormed her way into our hearts. I've heard working Aussies vs conformation Aussie are as different as working vs conformation BC's and I believe it. When I picked Josie up from her 2nd "home" the girl told me she got Josie from a farmer. I don't know if it was a working farm but Josie is smaller in statue than her brothers. She'll be a year old this month but she only stands 19" at the withers. She also has a slender build. And what has also surprised me is the fact she doesn't bark as much as Jake! If she hears a bump in the night then yes, she'll bark but when everyone is outside, Jake is the barker. She does bark at times but calls off very easily whereas, at times, you have to make sure you have Jake's attention first before he'll stop barking at something. I don't know if this is the norm or if we just got lucky but I'm not going to question it. All I know is, Josie "completes" us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted April 4, 2009 Report Share Posted April 4, 2009 I've heard working Aussies vs conformation Aussie are as different as working vs conformation BC's and I believe it. When I picked Josie up from her 2nd "home" the girl told me she got Josie from a farmer. I don't know if it was a working farm but Josie is smaller in statue than her brothers. She'll be a year old this month but she only stands 19" at the withers. She also has a slender build. And what has also surprised me is the fact she doesn't bark as much as Jake! If she hears a bump in the night then yes, she'll bark but when everyone is outside, Jake is the barker. She does bark at times but calls off very easily whereas, at times, you have to make sure you have Jake's attention first before he'll stop barking at something. I don't know if this is the norm or if we just got lucky but I'm not going to question it. All I know is, Josie "completes" us. I am familiar with several working-bred Aussies and agree with you whole-heartedly here. Most are smaller (apparently, but some of that may appear due to a lesser coat), have much less coat, little white if any (self-colored), less bark, still lots of bounce, and would choose stockwork over anything else. There are some working Aussie lines that do have larger dogs. I've seen one offspring (or grandson) of Hangin' Tree Black Bear that is a very large, black dog, with terrific stock sense and a great partnership ethic with his handler. He also has a lot more coat than working-bred Aussies in general, but there are variations in all breeds/lines to some extent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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