Border collies and huskies have been two of the most popular dog breeds since the 1990s. These dogs are known for their utility, intelligence, and work ethic. This makes them the perfect companions for people with an active lifestyle. What’s not to love?
Both dog breeds have a reputation as quiet and reserved indoors but thrive in outdoor activities. They are both active dogs. It is expected from its owners to give them plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. This is important to prevent destructive behavior.
Of course, like any other dogs, these breeds present different challenges. The only question left is, which should you get? This article compares Border Collie vs. Husky. That way, you’ll be armed with the right knowledge and information before making a decision. Keep reading to learn more about both breeds before choosing which one is right for you!
History of Border Collie vs. Husky
The Border Collie is a herding dog. They were bred in the border region between England and Scotland. They are not a single breed but rather one of many collie breeds. Two of the famous breeds are the soft coat and rough coat Border Collie.
Border Collies were selectively bred. It was so mainly because of their stamina and grit. They were quite popular especially during the 19th century to herd sheep.
History tells us that these dogs were bred to develop specific characteristics and personalities. Thus, the Collies we see today often are:
- Medium size
- Energetic and bold
- Have a natural instinct to herd
- Protective of their flock
- Willingness to work all day long
This is why Border Collies are so well suited for a lot of things. Whether it is as herding dogs, agility dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guides for the blind, they can get the job done.
Siberian Husky on the other hand is also a popular dog breed. It’s not hard to see why. These dogs have:
- Thick and dense fur
- Almond-shaped blue eyes
- Striking yellow-and-brown coat
It’s believed that this breed emerged from Inuit tribes in Northern Asia around 5,000 years ago. Some historians suggest that they might have originally been bred as sled dogs by the Chukchi tribe. The name ‘Siberian Husky’ comes from their association with Siberia rather than an actual link to that area.
Difference between a Border Collie and Husky
Border Collies are smaller than Siberian Huskies. In fact, they grow to about 20 pounds. Border Collies’ coats come in all different types. In most cases, they are typically black and white.
A good trait of Border Collies is that they’re social and love attention from their humans. The best part though is, they can be contended spending time on their own. Border Collies are extremely energetic. They need plenty of time to run, play, and work out.
Unlike Huskies, Border Collies are not overly self-sufficient. They love attention, affection, and lots of human contact. They are also easier to train than other dogs. Huskies are larger than Border Collies. In fact, they can grow to up to 40 pounds. Huskies come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, brown, and sable.
Huskies are extremely social and love attention from their humans.
They are also quite independent and self-sufficient. As mentioned, Huskies are also much easier to train than Border Collies.
Border Collie vs. Husky Breed Facts
Border collies and huskies are both herding dogs. In other words, they are used to herd livestock. Border collies are extremely intelligent dog breeds. They have a tendency to be very loyal to their owners. The Husky likewise. Though they have a different personality than the Border Collie.
Even so, these two breeds are perfect companions for families with children.
It’s because they are playful and outgoing. They love getting attention from their owners. Occasionally, they follow them around the house. They also make great watchdogs. They alert their owners when someone is approaching the property. Border collies and huskies are similar in many ways. If you’re looking for a new pet, you should consider adding one of these dogs to your family.
Temperament of Border Collie
The Border Collie is affectionate, happy, intelligent, energetic, and very active. These dogs thrive when given daily exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are relatively easy to train and adapt well to change. Border Collies are known for having a strong herding instinct. They will chase after small animals, so they need to be leashed or in a fenced area at all times.
Temperament of Husky
The Husky is independent, affectionate, playful, and energetic. They may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. They can be hard to train and can be stubborn too. They are extremely active and thrive when given a job to do. These dogs are known for being escape artists, so they cannot be left in a backyard or garden unsupervised.
Understanding Health Concerns of Border Collie vs. Husky
The average lifespan of a Border Collie is 12-14 years. For Huskies though, it is 10-12 years. Both dogs are prone to several health concerns like:
- Eye diseases
- Joint problems
- Allergies
- Obesity
Pet owners who don’t take this into consideration reduce the lifespan of these dogs.
Both Border Collie and Husky have thick double coats. Their coats need daily grooming to prevent mats from forming.
Training Difficulty for a Border Collie vs. Husky
Both breeds are eager learners. But you better expect that they have different training requirements. For instance, Border Collies need consistency and patience in training. With Huskies, it requires quick rewards. This keeps them motivated. Border Collies are also less likely to bark. This is true especially when they don’t want to participate in the training session.
Simply put, if you can keep up with the challenge of training a Border Collie, go with it. But if you want to train a dog via a reward system, you’d never go wrong with a Husky.
Caring for Your Furry Pups
Border Collies are active indoors and out, but like to work for their exercise. They thrive with at least an hour a day of training, a long walk, or plenty of opportunities to run. Border Collies enjoy activities like agility, Frisbee, and herding, but also need a nice stretch of free running. A great way to really exercise your Border Collie is by taking them for a swim!
As with Huskies, they are great for cold climates. However, it’s nicer if they have yard access. Better if they have plenty of room to exercise. Bring your huskies around people too. It brings morale to their personality and practices their social skills too. See to it that you do positive reinforcement.
These dogs love being praised. They are extremely intelligent. However, like what we always say, do note that they can be independent and stubborn too.
Grooming Border Collie vs Husky
As mentioned, Border Collies and Huskies are herding dogs. Thus, it’s likely that they have similar grooming needs. They are easy to groom and shed little hair. Also, since these dogs have a good temperament, cutting your dog’s nails as a DIY would not be a problem. This makes them the ideal pets for people who have allergies.
The thing is, they need regular brushing. This is important to prevent tangles in their coat. For future owners, they must trim their dog’s nails regularly. It’s important to avoid painful wounds from occurring.
The Benefits of having either Breeds
It is nice to have Border Collie or Husky. For one, they can serve as effective guard dogs. Border Collie ears stand up when it senses strangers in your home or yard. Once it notices its presence, it will bark to shoo them away. Thus, keeping your home safe. They are also very good at hunting small animals like mice. Try bringing a cat into the family and see how adorable these two get along.
Another benefit of having a Border Collie and husky is that they’re both very loyal dogs. If you have either a Border Collie or Husky, expect that they’ll love you unconditionally. These traits and personalities they have make them great pets for families.
Border Collies and Huskies with Kids
Border Collies are generally good with children, but they can be overprotective. Likewise, with Border Collies, Huskies are good with children as well. But they might be more aggressive when other dogs are around. If you feel worried that a Border Collie or Husky may be too much for your kids, don’t.
They’ll be the most wonderful companions you can have. Your kids will love them! Since they’re both loyal, it’s guaranteed that there’s always someone there to protect them.
Deciding between the Two
You are probably wondering whether you should get a Border Collie or Husky. Many other dog owners were in the same shoes as yours. So let us help you lighten the burden on your shoulder. Check out a few more reasons why you should get over the other. Perhaps, why not get both?
Tips on Deciding which Dog to Get
When in the process of selecting a breed to get, make sure to read the tips below:
- Tip # 1. Exercise Needs – Border Collies are a more active breed. Siberian Huskies on the other hand are a calmer breed. Thus, less exercise is required for them. You definitely want to keep your pet happy and healthy. In this case, allot time to give them the exercise their body needs.
- Tip #2. Assess Your Family Situation – Do you have kids at home? If yes, consider the type of breed that’s safer and easier to manage. For instance, Border Collies are super friendly with kids. They’re very easy to manage too. Siberian Huskies are generally friendly with kids as well. Sometimes though, they can be stubborn. It can make it challenging to manage them around kids.
- Tip #3. House Situation – Are you living in an apartment? Because if you do, you probably want to avoid breeds like Border Collies. They have the tendency to be very active and loud. Instead, you’ll want to find a breed that is calm and quiet. Siberian Huskies definitely take the “W” in this round. Plus, they don’t shed too much.
Should You Get a Husky?
Huskies are known for their size, as well as their strength. For the most part, huskies are a healthy breed. They are also known for their aggression toward other dogs. As with any dog breed, Huskies need regular exercise and proper socialization to prevent these problems.
Is a Border Collie Right for You?
Border Collies come in different sizes. So pick one that is fit for your current lifestyle. They can grow from 16 to 20 inches tall. At this height, they might weigh between 25 to 45 pounds.
Border Collies are perfect for homes with minimal space. They love being around children too. Thus, it makes them wonderful family pet. They tend to be confident, intelligent dogs that can learn quickly. This makes border collies great watchdogs.
Conclusion
Border Collies and Siberian Huskies are both incredibly smart, resourceful, and energetic dogs. Both thrive with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention from their humans. They are best suited to active families who are looking for dogs to join them on adventures and doggy sports.
Before deciding, think first what you can provide for them. Are you ready for a dog that needs a lot of attention and affection? If so, a Border Collie may be the perfect dog for you. Perhaps, you want a dog who’s always ready for a challenge. If yes, then you definitely should get a Husky.
