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Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.
Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.
- AKC group
Herding
- Size
Medium
- Height
46–56 cm (AKC)
- Weight
~14–25 kg (AKC profile)
- Energy
Very high
- Energy notes
Very high. The AKC standard calls the Border Collie energetic and built for 'endless endurance', and the Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise a day.
- Trainability
Very high
- Coat
There are two varieties, both with a dense, weather-resistant double coat: a moderately long coat (the AKC calls it rough) that forms a mane, breeching and brush, and a short, smooth coat.
- Origin
United Kingdom
- Temperament
The AKC standard describes the Border Collie as energetic, intelligent, keen, alert and responsive, an intense worker of great tractability that is affectionate with friends but may be sensibly reserved with strangers. It should stand its ground when approached and never show fear, dullness or resentment.
- AKC group
Herding
- Size
Medium
- Height
55–65 cm (FCI)
- Weight
22–40 kg (FCI)
- Energy
High
- Energy notes
High. The AKC describes a very active and athletic breed that needs plenty of exercise for body and mind, and suggests agility, herding, tracking and dock diving as outlets.
- Trainability
Very high
- Coat
The coat is double, with a dense, straight, harsh outer coat lying close to the body over an undercoat.
- Origin
Germany
- Temperament
The AKC standard gives the German Shepherd a distinct personality: a direct and fearless but not hostile expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not make immediate or indiscriminate friends. It should be approachable, quietly standing its ground and meeting overtures without making them, and it treats timidity or nervousness as a very serious fault.
