Collie
Weight
Female
23
- 29
kg
Male
27
- 34
kg
Length
Female
56
- 61
cm
Male
61
- 66
cm
Average lifespan
12
- 14
Years
About the Breed
The majestic Collie is one of the most recognizable and cherished dog breeds in the world, a status earned through more than a century as a pop-culture icon. While the full-coated “rough” Collie is the most familiar version, the breed also includes the sleek and elegant “smooth” Collie. Both varieties share the same noble character and athletic build.
Collies are large yet graceful herding dogs, standing between 22 and 26 inches at the shoulder. The rough Collie is renowned for one of the most striking and luxurious coats in the canine world, while the smooth Collie offers a cleaner, more understated elegance. Coat colors in both varieties include sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and white. A defining feature of the breed is the refined, wedge-shaped head, with expressive almond eyes and mobile ears capable of conveying a wide range of emotions.
Celebrated for their gentleness and devotion, Collies are famously affectionate with children and make outstanding family companions. They are intelligent, loyal, and eager to learn, responding best to calm, kind training methods. These athletic dogs thrive on regular exercise and close human companionship, and their intelligence, loyalty, and noble temperament have made the Collie a true legend among dog breeds.
Collies are large yet graceful herding dogs, standing between 22 and 26 inches at the shoulder. The rough Collie is renowned for one of the most striking and luxurious coats in the canine world, while the smooth Collie offers a cleaner, more understated elegance. Coat colors in both varieties include sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and white. A defining feature of the breed is the refined, wedge-shaped head, with expressive almond eyes and mobile ears capable of conveying a wide range of emotions.
Celebrated for their gentleness and devotion, Collies are famously affectionate with children and make outstanding family companions. They are intelligent, loyal, and eager to learn, responding best to calm, kind training methods. These athletic dogs thrive on regular exercise and close human companionship, and their intelligence, loyalty, and noble temperament have made the Collie a true legend among dog breeds.
Breed Traits
Affectionate with Family
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
How affectionate the breed is with family and familiar people; some are reserved except with their owner, while others are friendly with everyone they know.
Good with Young Children
Not Recommended
Good With Children
How patient the breed is with children and how family-friendly it is overall; always supervise around young kids or those unfamiliar with dogs.
Good with Other Dogs
Not Recommended
Good With Other Dogs
How friendly the breed is toward other dogs; while supervision is always needed, some breeds are naturally more comfortable around dogs at home and in public.
Shedding Level
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
How much shedding the breed typically has; heavier shedders need more brushing, may trigger allergies more, and require frequent cleaning to remove fur.
Coat Grooming Frequency
Monthly
Daily
How often the breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other coat care; consider your time, patience, and budget, and note that all breeds need regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
How prone the breed is to drooling; if you prefer cleanliness, breeds that leave noticeable slobber may not be a good fit.
Coat Type
Coat Length
Trainability Level
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
How trainable the breed is and how willing it is to learn; some aim to please their owners, while others are more strong-willed and prefer doing things their own way.
Energy Level
Couch Potato
High Energy
How much exercise and mental activity the breed needs; high-energy breeds stay active all day, while low-energy breeds are happy to relax and sleep.
Barking Level
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
How often the breed makes sounds like barking or howling; some are very vocal, others only in certain situations, and even quiet breeds may communicate in other ways.
Mental Stimulation Needs
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
How much mental stimulation the breed needs; working breeds often need challenges to stay engaged, or they may create their own (often unwanted) entertainment.
📚 Sources & references
The breed standard information is based on reliable references, with the content rephrased to suit the reader.
-
American Kennel Club (AKC)
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/collie/ -
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collie
🎯
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Openness to Strangers
Playfulness Level
Protective Nature / Watchdog
Adaptability Level