Side by side

Herding

Large

51–66 cm (registry- and sex-specific; AKC dogs 61.0–66.0 cm / bitches 55.9–61.0 cm; FCI and Royal Kennel Club, Rough and Smooth, males 56–61 cm and females 51–56 cm)

18–34 kg (registry- and sex-specific; AKC dogs 27.2–34.0 kg / bitches 22.7–29.5 kg; FCI and Royal Kennel Club Smooth males 20.5–29.5 kg and females 18–25 kg; FCI and Royal Kennel Club Rough standards give height only)

High

High, in line with this site’s other herding plates. FCI lists the utilization of both Rough and Smooth as Sheepdog, and its history of the Rough notes that many Collies can still work if given the chance.

High

Under AKC rules there are two coat varieties of one breed; under FCI, Royal Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club naming, two breeds.

United Kingdom (Scotland / Northern England)

The AKC standard wants a lithe, strong, responsive, active dog, and it names the things that spoil a Collie: timidity, frailness, sullenness, viciousness, lack of animation and a cumbersome appearance. Expression — sweet and intelligent, never sullen — is called one of the most important points of the breed.

Herding

Medium

55–65 cm (FCI)

22–40 kg (FCI)

High

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.

Very high

The coat is double, with a dense, straight, harsh outer coat lying close to the body over an undercoat.

Germany

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.