Differences and Similarities between the Border Collie and the Shiranian.

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

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Border Collie Versus Shiranian: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie and the Shiranian? 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 Shiranian 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 Shiranian.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie and the Shiranian 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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian.

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 Shiranian.

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 Shiranian

Border Collie versus Shiranian: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Collie and the Shiranian is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Shiranian is a small-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 Shiranian belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Border Collie versus Shiranian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie to the Shiranian 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 Shiranian

FactorBorder CollieShiranian
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 16 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder7 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/54/5
Good For Novice Owners2/54/5
General Health2/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/54/5
Easy To Groom3/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/55/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds4 to 16 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/51/5
Kid-Friendly4/53/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/54/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years14.0 years
Average Price$1000$1130
Price Range$600 – $1250$900 – $1200
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
  • No Data

    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 Shiranian. 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 Shiranian is 84 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Shiranian, we still believe that the Border Collie is a better pet than the Shiranian.

    This is because Border Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Border Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Border Collie :-). We are for the Border Collie. So get a Border Collie!

    Border Collie versus Shiranian

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Collie and the Shiranian

    Below is a list of where the Border Collie and the Shiranian are most different:

  • Border Collies can tolerate hot weather. However, Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Border Collies are very easy to train. However, Shiranians 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, Shiranians 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, Shiranians have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Shiranian

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

  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian 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.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Shiranian are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Shiranian

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the Shiranian.

    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, Shiranians weigh 4 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shiranians are 7 to 12 inches when fully grown.

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

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Shiranian

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

    The lifespan of Shiranians is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiranians is 14.0 years.

    Shiranians live longer than Border Collies.

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

    Price of Border Collie versus Price of Shiranian

    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 Shiranian puppy is $1130. The price of the Shiranian typically ranges from $900 – $1200. However, the price of the Shiranian can be as low as $250 and as high as $4800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 62 Shiranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shiranian is more expensive than the Border Collie.

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    Border Collie Shiranian
    Average Price $1000 $1130
    Price Range $600 to $1250 $900 to $1200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Border Collie and Shiranian. For different price points, the charts show how many Border Collie puppies or how many Shiranian 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 Shiranians

    A breakdown of the prices of Shiranians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Collie puppy or the Shiranian 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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Shiranian

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Shiranians do not like to be left alone.

    Do Border Collies shed more than Shiranians?

    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

    Shiranians do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Shiranian?

    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.

    Shiranians 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 Shiranian?

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shiranians get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Shiranians?

    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.

    Shiranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Shiranian?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Shiranians are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Shiranian

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Shiranians?

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

    Shiranians get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiranian?

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

    Shiranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Shiranians?

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

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

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiranians Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Shiranian

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

    Shiranians 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 Shiranians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

    Shiranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiranian?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiranians adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shiranians are very good 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 Shiranian. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus Giant Schnauzer     Border Collie versus Portuguese Water Dog     Border Collie versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Border Collie versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Border Collie versus Pomsky     Border Collie versus Siberian Husky     Border Collie versus Afador     Border Collie versus Cocker Spaniel     Border Collie versus Norwegian Buhund     Border Collie versus Collie     Border Collie versus Bracco Italiano     Border Collie versus Greyhound     Border Collie versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Border Collie versus Papipoo     Border Collie versus Chihuahua     

    Conclusion: Border Collie versus Shiranian. 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 Shiranian better suits you and your family.