Border Collie vs Keeshond
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
First-time Owners, Active People
Maintenance Level
High
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Border Collie might be better if you:
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Keeshond might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its exceptional agility and herding capabilities. They have a well-defined physique with a medium build, typically standing between 18 to 22 inches tall and weighing between 30 to 45 pounds. Their coat can be either smooth or rough and comes in various colors, including black and white, red and white, and merle patterns. This breed is renowned for its keen instincts, strong work ethic, and eagerness to please, making them highly trainable and responsive to commands. Border Collies require ample mental and physical stimulation, as they can become bored and destructive if not adequately exercised. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them great companions, but they can also be reserved around strangers.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog known for its distinctive 'spectacles'—the markings around its eyes that give it a unique expression. They have a thick double coat that is usually gray, black, and cream, which provides insulation in various climates. Keeshonds are well-muscled and have a fox-like face with erect ears. Their personality is friendly, lively, and alert, making them excellent companions and watchdogs. They are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Keeshonds are social dogs that thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities. They are also known to be good with children and can get along with other pets if socialized properly.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Good with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Moderate shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Moderate grooming needs
Moderate grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Border Collie
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and activity level
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and activity level
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health
Keeshond
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush the coat at least twice a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and size.
Health Care
Check and clean the ears regularly to avoid infections.
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and activity level
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health
Grooming
Brush the coat at least twice a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and activity level
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and size.
Health Care
Groom regularly to manage shedding and maintain coat health
Health Care
Check and clean the ears regularly to avoid infections.
Additional Care Notes
Border Collie
Keeshond
- •Ensure fresh water is available at all times.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Border Collie
Border Collies require consistent and positive reinforcement-based training. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals. Use short, engaging training sessions to hold their attention, as they are intelligent and quick learners.
Training Challenges
- •High energy levels that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- •Tendency to herd children or other pets, which can lead to nipping.
- •Boredom, which can result in destructive behaviors if not adequately challenged.
- •Sensitivity to corrections, requiring a gentle approach to training.
Keeshond
Keeshonds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise, to encourage desired behaviors. Socialization is crucial; expose your Keeshond to various environments, people, and other animals early on to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness if not motivated properly
- •Barking tendencies due to their alert nature
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Distractibility in busy environments
- •Overexcitement during play or training sessions
Border Collie
Border Collies require consistent and positive reinforcement-based training. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Socialization is crucial, exposing them to various environments, people, and other animals. Use short, engaging training sessions to hold their attention, as they are intelligent and quick learners.
Training Challenges
- •High energy levels that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- •Tendency to herd children or other pets, which can lead to nipping.
- •Boredom, which can result in destructive behaviors if not adequately challenged.
- •Sensitivity to corrections, requiring a gentle approach to training.
Keeshond
Keeshonds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise, to encourage desired behaviors. Socialization is crucial; expose your Keeshond to various environments, people, and other animals early on to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness if not motivated properly
- •Barking tendencies due to their alert nature
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Distractibility in busy environments
- •Overexcitement during play or training sessions
Training Resources
Border Collie Training Guide
Keeshond Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Border Collie Breeders
Find Keeshond Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.