Is the Border Collie or the Dutch Shepherd better for families with children?

Both the Border Collie and the Dutch Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Border Collie or the Dutch Shepherd?

The Border Collie sheds more than the Dutch Shepherd. If shedding is a concern, the Dutch Shepherd is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Border Collie or the Dutch Shepherd?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Border Collie or Dutch Shepherd bigger?

Border Collie and Dutch Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Border Collie or Dutch Shepherd?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Border Collie or Dutch Shepherd?

For apartment or apartment living, Border Collie and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Border Collie vs Dutch Shepherd: Which Sheds Less?

Border Collie vs Dutch Shepherd: full comparison

Trait	Border Collie	Dutch Shepherd
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	Medium
Shedding	High	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Border Collie is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Dutch Shepherd is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Border Collie is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Dutch Shepherd is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Border Collie requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Dutch Shepherd wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Border Collie is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Dutch Shepherd is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Border Collie will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Dutch Shepherd is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Border Collie and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Border Collie and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Border Collie has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Dutch Shepherd has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Dutch Shepherd has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Border Collie if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Dutch Shepherd if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Border Collie or the Dutch Shepherd better for families with children?: Both the Border Collie and the Dutch Shepherd are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Border Collie or the Dutch Shepherd?: The Border Collie sheds more than the Dutch Shepherd. If shedding is a concern, the Dutch Shepherd is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Border Collie or the Dutch Shepherd?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Border Collie or Dutch Shepherd bigger?: Border Collie and Dutch Shepherd are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Border Collie or Dutch Shepherd?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Border Collie or Dutch Shepherd?: For apartment or apartment living, Border Collie and Dutch Shepherd are an even match — either can work well.

Border Collie vs Dutch Shepherd