Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

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Border Collie Versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Border Collie and for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Border Collie or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie to the Caucasian Shepherd Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

FactorBorder CollieCaucasian Shepherd Dog
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/52/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder24 to 34 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/52/5
Good For Novice Owners2/51/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/53/5
Dog Friendly3/52/5
Does NOT Shed3/52/5
Easy To Groom3/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds80 to 220 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/52/5
Kid-Friendly4/52/5
Easygoing1/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1000$1960
Price Range$600 – $1250$1500 – $2500
Temperament Score82.4 percent85.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Border Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 69 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Border Collie is a better pet than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. So, you should get a Border Collie!

    Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Below is a list of where the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are most different:

  • Border Collies do not have the tendency to drool. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Border Collies are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Border Collies are very friendly towards strangers. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Border Collies are very easy to train. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.
  • Border Collies have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Border Collies require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs weigh 80 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are 24 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The lifespan of Border Collies is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Collies is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs is 11.0 years.

    Border Collies live longer than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Temperament of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog Versus the Border Collie

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Border Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 85.0 percent while the temperament score for the Border Collie is 82.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.4 percent, the Border Collie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 85.0 percent, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 312 Border Collies and 20 Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of Border Collie versus Price of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    The average price of the Border Collie puppy is $1000. The price of the Border Collie typically ranges from $600 – $1250. However, the price of a Border Collie can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1009 Border Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy is $1960. The price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 71 Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Border Collie.

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    Border Collie Caucasian Shepherd Dog
    Average Price $1000 $1960
    Price Range $600 to $1250 $1500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Border Collie and Caucasian Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Border Collie puppies or how many Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Caucasian Shepherd Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Collie puppy or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Border Collie breeders here

    Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Adopting the Border Collie versus Adopting the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Border Collies and many Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Border Collie named Crook that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Border Collies like Crook on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Border Collies, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Chuck is a Male Caucasian Shepherd Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Caucasian Shepherd Dogs like Chuck that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Tip is the name of another Border Collie (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Ronnie is an adorable Male Caucasian Shepherd Dog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Border Collies and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Border Collies and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Border Collie versus Health Problems of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Border Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Collie than for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    13 health tests are recommended for Border Collie while 7 tests are recommended for the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Collies and in Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

    Border Collie Health Problems

    Border Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Collie puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Border Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Collie breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Border Collies for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Collies here.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Problems

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Caucasian Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Caucasian Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Caucasian Shepherd Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Dentition
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye examination, results registered with the OFA.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Caucasian Shepherd Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Border Collies shed more than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Caucasian Shepherd Dogs?

    Border Collies are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

    Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Caucasian Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Collie or the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Caucasian Shepherd Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Border Collie versus Bich Poo     Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund     Border Collie versus Labrador Retriever     Border Collie versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Border Collie versus Irish Terrier     Border Collie versus Carolina Dog     Border Collie versus Lancashire Heeler     Border Collie versus Catahoula Bulldog     Border Collie versus Lakeland Terrier     Border Collie versus Cavapoo     Border Collie versus Hovawart     Border Collie versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Border Collie versus Mountain Cur     Border Collie versus Dogo Argentino     Border Collie versus Belgian Malinois     Border Collie versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Conclusion: Border Collie versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Border Collie and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.