Border Collie vs. Rat Terrier: Breed Differences and Similarities

Border Collie

Border Collie

Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

3 / 5

The Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds have an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Border Collies or Rat Terriers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Border Collie nor Rat Terrier are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Border Collie and Rat Terrier dogs?

Intelligent
Alert
Tenacious
Protective
Energetic
Responsive
Loyal

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Shedding Level

Do Border Collies shed more than Rat Terriers, or which breed sheds more, Border Collies or Rat Terriers?

3 / 5

Border Collies are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

4 / 5

Rat Terriers are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

5 / 5

Choose a Border Collie if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

3 / 5

Rat Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Origin

What is the origin of Border Collie and Rat Terrier dog breeds?

Great Britain

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds?

Roman Herding Dogs, Spitz-type Herders

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Border Collie and Rat Terrier?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds first developed?

1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Border Collie and Rat Terrier?

Herding (AKC:1995 & UKC)

Terrier (AKC:2013 & UKC)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Border Collie and Rat Terrier?

A Border Collie can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

5 / 5

Border Collie and Rat Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Border Collie and Rat Terrier, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Pannus
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Portosystemic Shunt

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Border Collie and Rat Terrier?

Epilepsy
Lens Luxation
Multidrug Resistance

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Energy

How do the energy levels of Border Collies and Rat Terriers compare?

5 / 5

Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Border Collie vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison

5 / 5

Border Collie and Rat Terrier have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Border Collie vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison.

5 / 5

Border Collies need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

3 / 5

Rat Terriers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

1 / 5

Border Collie and Rat Terrier are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

1 / 5

The Border Collie and Rat Terrier breeds are known for their low drooling tendencies, making them a suitable choice for people who don't want to deal with drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Border Collies or Rat Terriers bark more/less frequently?

2 / 5

Border Collie dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

3 / 5

Rat Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Is the Border Collie or Rat Terrier a better guard dog?

5 / 5

These breeds are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Border Collie vs Rat Terrier?

5 / 5

2 / 5

Roaming urge

Border Collie vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Prey Drive

Border Collie or Rat Terrier - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Border Collie and Rat Terrier entertained?

Go to Beach, Bike ride, Boat ride, Walk, Run, Frisbee, Go Camping, Road trip, Hike, Swim, Tug-of-war, Play, Fetch, Brushing, Shake, Dog Parks, Catch treats, Walks, Workin, Running, Swimming, Walking, 4 years, Belly rubs, Playing, Sniffing, Hiking, Chase, Being rubbed, Cuddling

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Border Collies or Rat Terriers?

3 / 5

The Border Collie requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

1 / 5

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Border Collies vs Rat Terriers

5 / 5

Border Collie is highly intelligent and very trainable.

4 / 5

Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Sensitivity Level

How do Border Collie and Rat Terrier compare in sensitivity?

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Border Collie vs Rat Terrier?

5 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

2 / 5

Border Collies can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

5 / 5

Rat Terriers make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Border Collies or Rat Terriers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

5 / 5

The typical characteristics of Border Collie and Rat Terrier indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Border Collie or Rat Terrier breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Border Collies are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

4 / 5

Rat Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

3 / 5

Border Collies are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

4 / 5

Rat Terriers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Border Collie or Rat Terrier dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Border Collie or Rat Terrier?

3 / 5

Border Collies are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

4 / 5

Rat Terriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Border Collie and Rat Terrier?

5 / 5

Border Collies are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

3 / 5

Rat Terriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Border Collies and Rat Terriers compare?

4 / 5

Border Collies are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

3 / 5

Rat Terriers are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Compare Border Collie with other breeds