Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Collie Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction
- Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview
- Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Size Comparison of the Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Lifespan of Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Collie
- Price of Collie versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier
- Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier
- Do Collies shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Are Collies good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Is the Collie Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Which one drools more, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier
- How Kid-friendly are Collies and American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
- Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
- Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. American Pit Bull Terrier
- Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Collie Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier? 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 Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Collie and for the American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth 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.
See this article that compares the Border Collie to the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.
Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview
Both the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier are similar in size. The Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the 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 American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Collie to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier
| Factor | Collie | American Pit Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder | 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 30 to 85 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1480 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | $400 – $1200 |
| Temperament Score | 80.8 percent | 87.4 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the 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 American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Collie is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get a Collie!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier
Below is a list of where the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier
The Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The American Pit Bull Terrier is 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier
The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is 14.0 years.
The American Pit Bull Terrier live longer than the Collie.
Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Collie
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Collie.
This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the Collie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.
Price of Collie versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier
The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of the American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Collie is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
| Collie | American Pit Bull Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1480 | $1140 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1800 | $400 to $1200 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Collie puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier 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.
Check out our list of best Collie breeders here
Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Collies and many American Pit Bull Terriers 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 Collie named Marty that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Marty on pefinder.com.
Also, like Collies, American Pit Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, A563541 is a Male American Pit Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers like A563541 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
You can find more Collies and American Pit Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier
Collies do not like to be left alone.
American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Collies shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?
Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Collies get along very well with other dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Collies good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Collie Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Collies are very easy to train.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier
Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Collies and American Pit Bull Terriers?
Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Collies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?
Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. American Pit Bull Terrier
Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
Collies are very good for new dog owners.
American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:
Collie versus Cavachon Collie versus Bich Poo Collie versus Azawakh Collie versus Lhasapoo Collie versus Welsh Terrier Collie versus Pekingese Collie versus Bulldog Collie versus Miniature Schnauzer Collie versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier Collie versus Cockalier Collie versus RottweilerConclusion: Collie versus American Pit Bull Terrier. 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 Collie and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.
