Collie

also known as English Collie, Lassie Dog, Collie, Long-Haired Collie, Scottish Collie

Pros Summary


The Collie is a medium-sized, herding dog breed that originated in Scotland. They were originally bred to herd sheep and cattle. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1881. It is also recognized by other kennel clubs and organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Collies are known for their highly intelligent, friendly and loyal personalities. They make great family pets, but they require regular exercise and consistent training. They are also known for their long, thick and beautiful coat which requires regular grooming. The name "Collie" comes from the Scottish word "colley" which means "useful for herding" or "black sheep".

Breed Information


Type

Is Collie a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Collies originally used for?

Sheep herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Collies Live? What is average life expectancy for a Collie? How long can Collies live?

14-16 years

The average Collie lifespan is somewhere between 14-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Collie Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Collie?

What is the average height of a Collie? How big is a Purebred Collie height? Collie dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
Female 22-24 inches (55.9 - 61 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Collie? How much should Collies weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-75 pounds (27 - 34 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg) 67.5 pounds (31 kg)
Female 50-65 pounds (23 - 29 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Collies get fat easily?

The Collie is a breed that has 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 Collies Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Collie is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Collie personality? What are Collie dogs best known for?

Friendly
Gentle
Intelligent
Loyal
Protective
Responsive
Social
Hard working
Docile
Obedient
Elegant
Herding

Shedding Level

Are Collies heavy shedders? How Much Does a Collie Shed?

Collie dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Collie.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Collie dog?

The Collie dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Collies come from?

United Kingdom

Ancestry

What are Collies descended from?

Collie, Sheepdog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Collie breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
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

Date of Birth

When were Collies first bred? How old is the Collie breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Collie?

Herding (AKC:1885 & UKC)

Collie Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Collie eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Collie nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Collie coat be naturally?

Black
Sable
Blue

Coat Length

How long is a Collies coat?

The coat of a Collie is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Collie Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Collie?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Collie have in a litter? How many puppies can a Collie have in her first litter?

14-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Collie can have a litter of 14-16 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

The adaptability of Collie dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Collie Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Collies have a lot of health problems?

The Collie is 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 to be aware of when owning a Collie?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Collies?

Allergies
Skin Problems
Dermatomyositis
Nasal Solar Dermatitis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Collie breed?

Eye
Blood Test
(Dna Test For Pra)
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Collie Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Collies have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Collies may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Collies need socialization? How social are Collies?

Collie 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

How much exercise should Collies get?

The Collie dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Collie have? Do Collies sleep a lot?

The Collie breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Collie drool a lot?

The Collie is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Collie dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Collies exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs 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

Are Collies mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Collie running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Collie dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Collies enjoy doing? How do I keep my Collie busy?

Walks, Training, Tasking, Public Access, Walk, Run, Playing, Petting, Walking, Eating Snacks, Runnig, Snow, Fetch, Runn, Feeding, Going on walks, Camping, Hiking, Swimming

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Collie? How much energy does a Collie have?

Medium

Collies are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Collie walk each week? How many miles should a Collie walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Collie, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Collie should exercise a day? How much activity does a Collie need?

45 minutes

In general most Collies usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Collie?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Collie?

Weekly

Collie should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Collies?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Collie eat?

3.2 cups

For an average 60-75 pound (27 - 34 kg) Collie feed 3.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Collie Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Collie is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Collie Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Collie is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Collie Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Collie?

The Collie breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Collie dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Collie dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Collie do well in apartments? Are Collies good indoor dogs?

Collies are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Collies good with kids? Are Collies good around children?

A Collies typical characteristics 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

Are Collies good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Collies good with cats? How friendly Collies are toward cats?

Collies are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Collie dogs get along with other dogs? Are Collies OK with other dogs?

Collies are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Collie dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Collies friendly with strangers?

Collies are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Collies like to play? Are Collies playful?

The Collie is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Collie is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Collie easily trained?

The Collie is a breed of dog that is known for being very easy to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a great choice for both experienced and novice dog owners.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Cat Friendly
    Collie dogs are comfortable around cats.
  • Affectionate and loyal to their family
    Collie are known for being affectionate and loyal to their family.
  • Rarely barks
    If you're looking for a quieter breed, the Collie dog could be a good option as they are known for being relatively silent.
  • Good with children
    They are good with children and make great playmates.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed is ideal for therapy dog work.
  • Service Dog
    This breed is a suitable choice for a service dog.
  • Intelligent
    They are intelligent and trainable.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Collies may find an office setting too stressful.
  • Shedding
    Collie breeds have a higher shedding rate than the norm.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid Collies, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • High energy levels
    They have high energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.