Standard Poodle vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

The Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

The Poodle is the national dog of France, and there they are known as the duck dog. The breed actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany. It was known as ‘Pudelin’ which means splashing in water.

The dog has always had a crisp, curly coat to protect it from the elements. It is classified as a non-sporting dog. Soon the French became aware of what a fine dog it was and it became sought after among the elite in France.

It has been known for at least 400 years. While it is still not sure precisely from which country it comes, the poodle is a descendant of the French Water Dog which is now extinct.

Utterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized dog that stands between 35 and 40cm in height and weighs between 20 - 27 kg. The coat of the standard poodle is curly and medium length and it comes in a range of different colors – black, brown, cream, apricot or white.

The ears are medium shaped and floppy and the tail is most times docked to half its length. The muzzle is fairly long and the eyes are brown and alert.

Temperament:

Standard Poodles are full of the joys of living and they are friendly, fun, playful dogs. They love playing games with the children and they make excellent family dogs.

He is quite feisty and stubborn and will require training and socialization. He is smart and is in fact, one of the most trainable of all the dog breeds.

They can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but he will need to be exercised wherever he is. The Standard Poodle isn’t aggressive but he can still make a good watchdog.

The Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

Poodles are clever, easy to train and capable of living well in the city or in the countryside.

They’re adaptable dogs too which makes them excellent family pets. They’re active and social so when you bring one into your home, you’re going to know he is there.

He wants to be involved in every aspect of your life, bonding with all members of the family, loving to spend time with each one.

He is an all-rounder and will also be a great watchdog. Loving and loyal, the Standard Poodle is ready to become your ideal pet and companion.

If your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

The Standard Poodle doesn’t have many health issues to worry about and he can live to a ripe old age of 15 or so if he is looked after well.

However, he can succumb to some of the common dog diseases there are – eye problems, skin allergies, bloat and ear infections.

Allergies:

Allergies in dogs can be caused by pollen, insects, food, and medicines. These allergies can all cause terrible itching, scratching, watery eyes, skin inflammation, and pain.

The ears, underarms, groin and around the eyes are often affected. It can make your pet most miserable. Your dog will have to get to the vet to relieve him of his discomfort and the vet will want a medical history to find out what is causing the problem.

Exercise

This is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Grooming:

The Standard Poodle will require regular brushing even though it is a low- or non-shedding breed. The curls can become matted. Some poodle owners choose to have their poodles professionally groomed and clipped.

The nails will need to be trimmed.

The teeth will also need to be checked if the dog will allow you to look inside his mouth. A bad, oozing tooth can cause all kinds of medical problems.

Because of the floppy ears, check inside the ears for dirt and wax buildup and signs of redness and a possible ear infection. If you don’t like to probe inside your dog’s ears or mouth, professional dog groomers will do this for you.

Exercise:

Your poodle is an active dog and he will need regular daily exercise. Chase him on the lawn, throw a ball for him, hide away from him and let him find you. He will also love daily walks.

Diet:

Just like with any other dog, your Standard Poodle needs good, nutritional food to remain healthy. Some of the commercially manufactured dog foods you get are bad for a dog as they don’t have natural ingredients and are devoid of vitamins and minerals.

They’re certainly a convenient way to feed a dog, but try and go for the ones that are wholesome for your pet.

Home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables is a good choice as it is healthy and won’t cause your dog to battle with digestive problems. Avoid spicy, exotic foods and things such as popcorn, onion, peanuts, and chocolate.

Make sure your Standard Poodle always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available.