Herding group

Collie

Lassie’s breed — gentle, devoted and famously good with children.

Collies are graceful, intelligent herding dogs known for loyalty and gentleness. They are excellent family dogs that are easy to train, but they shed heavily and can be sensitive and vocal.

Height
22–26 in56–66 cm
Weight
50–75 lb23–34 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Size
Large
Group
Herding
Origin
Scotland

Coat: Rough (long, abundant) or smooth (short) double coat. Colours: Sable and white, Tricolour, Blue merle, White.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety5.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level4.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Collies are sweet, loyal and sensitive. They are famously devoted to their families and gentle with children.

They are intelligent and eager to please, responding best to gentle training. Many bark to alert and may herd running children.

Varieties

Rough
The long-coated Lassie type, with a full mane and frill.
Smooth
A short, dense coat; otherwise identical in standard.

Living with a Collie

Exercise

About an hour of daily exercise with walks, play and training.

Grooming

Rough Collies need thorough brushing several times a week; smooth Collies need weekly brushing. Heavy seasonal sheds.

Training

Very trainable and sensitive; positive methods work best. Teach a quiet cue.

Kids & other pets

Outstanding with children and usually good with other pets. Their gentle, patient nature is legendary for good reason.

Time alone

Collies prefer company and may bark when left alone for long periods.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Collie right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Collie matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Collie typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Collie eye anomaly

    An inherited eye defect common in the breed; a DNA test and puppy eye exams detect it.

  • MDR1 drug sensitivity

    Many Collies carry a mutation causing severe reactions to ivermectin and other drugs; test your dog.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited vision loss; DNA tests are available.

  • Dermatomyositis

    An inherited inflammatory skin and muscle disease.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested breed at some risk.

Ask a breeder for

  • Eye examination
  • DNA tests: CEA, MDR1, PRA, degenerative myelopathy

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Collie; Collie Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Collies herded sheep in the Scottish Highlands for centuries. Queen Victoria fell in love with them at Balmoral in the 1860s, making them fashionable.

The AKC recognised the Collie in 1885. The breed became world-famous through the “Lassie” books, films and television series.

Did you know?

  • Lassie was played by a series of male Rough Collies.
  • Queen Victoria helped make Collies fashionable.
  • Collie puppies should have eye exams at six to eight weeks to check for CEA.

Library guides for Collie owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Collies good family dogs?
Yes — they are one of the best breeds with children.
Do Collies shed a lot?
Yes, especially rough Collies during seasonal sheds.
Collie vs Border Collie?
Collies are larger, calmer family dogs; Border Collies are intense working herders.