10 Dog Breeds Similar to Border Collies, Ranked for 2026

Shutterstock 🐾 Border Collie-Like Breeds: Full Comparison 🔥 = Energy Level (out of 5) | ⭐ = Trainability (out of 5) | 🐑 = Herding Drive (out of 5) 1. Australian Shepherd Shutterstock If Border Collies had a close cousin, it’d be the Australian Shepherd. Don’t let the name mislead you. Aussies were actually developed in the American West, not Australia, and they’ve been a fixture on ranches and farms for generations. They’re smart, agile, and absolutely love having a task. Sound familiar? The similarities go deep. Both breeds share a strong herding instinct, high drive, and elite trainability. Aussies thrive in dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience, and they form incredibly tight bonds with their families. You’re still talking 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise per day at minimum, per AKC guidance on the breed. These are not couch dogs. Here’s where they differ: Aussies tend to be slightly more adaptable to varied living situations than Border Collies, as long as they’re getting enough daily stimulation. They’re also a bit more openly affectionate with people they don’t know. A Border Collie may size up a stranger with that focused gaze. An Aussie is more likely to greet t...