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Few dog breeds have captured the hearts of children like the Collie. After watching a few episodes of the classic TV show Lassie, many kids have implored their parents to bring home a Collie just like the one on the screen. While no Collie is going to have near-telepathic abilities when it comes to rescuing youngsters, they’re still sure to be a friend for life!
When thinking about bringing a Collie into the family, many people are surprised to learn there are two different Collie “breeds.” While Lassie was an example of a Rough (Long-Haired) Collie, the Smooth Collie also exists, featuring short, dense fur but that same distinctive snout.
Interestingly, some countries view these two types of dogs as entirely separate breeds, but in the United States, they’re considered simple variations of the general Collie breed. No matter which variation you choose, prepare to be charmed by these incredibly expressive dogs. They're sure to steal your heart (and maybe your socks too!).
Quick Collie Facts
Name: Collie, Rough (Long-Haired) or Smooth Coat Collie, Lassie dog
Origin: Scotland
Size: weigh between 50 and 75 pounds, stand 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Appearance: medium-sized with a long or short coat (often sable and white or blue merle)
Temperament: friendly, happy, intelligent, protective, active, vocal
Compatibility: make great companions for children when nipping is curbed
Intelligence: very intelligent and easily trainable
Exercise & Energy: moderately energetic
Grooming Needs: weekly grooming at the minimum in addition to nail trims
Training: highly trainable but may need extra support to minimize herding instincts
Health: prone to autoimmune disorders and eye problems
Highlights: smart, friendly, active, playful, adaptable
What Makes Collies Stand Out?
Moderate exercise needs: A Rough Collie and a Smooth Collie need considerably less activity than their distant relative, the Border Collie.
Good pets for kids: A typical Collie loves playing with children and is adaptable enough to welcome new members of the household.
Hollywood-perfect coats: There’s a reason this dog has starred in multiple television shows! The long fur of the Rough Collie is renowned for being among the most impressive of all the canines.
Friendly temperaments: This breed is social and loves meeting others, both human and canine. They are not known for being overly aggressive or defensive.
Intelligent dogs: Collies were originally utilized as working dogs, so the breed is used to communicating with humans and following commands.
What Does a Collie Look Like?
In the United States, the terms "Collie," "Rough Collie," and "Smooth Collie" are often used interchangeably to describe the same breed. However, "Collie" also encompasses a broader group of dog breeds, including the Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Border Collie, and Welsh Sheepdog. While sharing a common ancestry and herding instincts, these breeds exhibit distinct characteristics.
Border Collies are renowned for their intense herding instincts and incredibly high energy levels, requiring significant mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues.
The Welsh Sheepdog, while sharing a common ancestry, differs from Rough and Smooth Collies in several ways. They are typically larger and more robust, with a more independent temperament.
Rough and Smooth Collies differ primarily in coat length, with Rough Collies having the signature long, flowing coat. Both are medium-to-large dogs with a double coat, long narrow snouts, and typically brown eyes. Some blue merle Collies may have blue eyes.
How Big is a Full-Grown Collie?
While a Collie puppy is cute and small, it will inevitably grow a substantial amount, so be prepared! Females tend to be smaller, weighing as little as 50 pounds, while males can grow up to 75 pounds or more. Luckily, you shouldn’t have much trouble with keeping your pet at a healthy weight since these are fairly active dogs.
What Type of Fur Does a Collie Have?
Collies can have long or short fur, depending on their lineage. The Rough Collie is renowned for its long, flowing coat, reminiscent of the iconic Lassie. This distinctive coat also gives the breed its alternate name: the Long-Haired Collie. In contrast, the Smooth Collie boasts a short, dense coat, creating a markedly different appearance.
While the Collie is most known for having a lovely sable and white coat, the breed comes in several other colors. Tricolor Collies are black, white, and tan while blue merle Collies have a mix of black and gray fur. You may even spot a White collie here and there, although most will also feature small patches of other colors.
No matter the color or length of your Collie’s fur, you can be certain they are going to shed. While their heaviest shedding tends to happen in the spring and fall, Collies do shed throughout the year.
Do Collies Have Good Temperaments?
One of the traits that dog lovers admire in Collies is their wonderful temperament. These dogs are strong, sturdy canines but are generally gentle and sweet. Although they were historically protective over sheep, they aren’t typically aggressive. Instead, they usually protect only with stern looks and watchful eyes.
While generally good with children, Collies with strong herding instincts may exhibit nipping behavior, especially during play or when excited. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are crucial to minimize this tendency and ensure a safe and harmonious environment for both the Collie and the children in the household.
What Kind of Personality Does a Collie Have?
The breed is social and does well with most dogs. They love playing and need plenty of exercise, otherwise you risk having a bored dog on your hands. Here’s another tip: don’t be startled when your Collie barks to “talk” to you over and over again! They’re known for being very vocal and expressive. This is due to their herding background and can be managed with training if it becomes problematic.
Do Collies Make Suitable Family Dogs?
Collies often make it onto lists of good dog breeds for families, and that’s for good reason! The breed is large enough to play safely with kids but not quite so large that they risk knocking over older children. Still, parents should always keep an eye on playtime in case the dog or children get a little too rambunctious.
How Do Collies Do Around Other Pets?
Collies can make perfect companions for other dogs, but some may take time to warm up to other dogs. The same holds true for cats. Collies with strong herding instincts may think cats need to be rounded up and directed, something no feline will tolerate without a fight. Introducing pets to one slowly, when they’re young, and on their terms can help the friend-making process go smoothly.
Are Collies Easy to Care For?
First time dog owners usually do just fine with raising a Collie. The breed is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t need much beyond the typical care required from a dog parent. If you have a Rough Collie, you’ll likely find a lot of your time is spent caring for that radiant coat which will mat much quicker than the coat of a short-haired dog.
Does a Collie Need to Be Groomed?
Most Collies need to be brushed at a minimum once a week, regardless of their coat’s length. Some Rough Collies may need their coats brushed a bit more frequently, especially if they’re highly active or tend to get dirt in their fur throughout the day. If you find keeping up with brushing is too difficult for you to manage, don’t hesitate to enlist the services of a professional groomer who can help.
If you groom them yourself, keep in mind that brushing your pup from an early age can get them used to the grooming process. Many dogs grow to love being pampered and look forward to their weekly “hair salon” sessions!
Don’t forget to keep your Collie’s nails trimmed regularly, as you would with any breed. You’ll also need to clean their ears every six weeks or so with a dog-safe ear wash and brush your pup’s teeth at least twice a week to keep his mouth healthy.
Can You Train a Collie?
Collies are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial, especially given their strong herding instincts.
This includes teaching them appropriate social behavior, such as gentle greetings and appropriate play with other dogs and children. Training should focus on positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards-based training, to encourage desired behaviors and build a strong bond between you and your Collie. With consistent training and patience, Collies can excel in various activities, including obedience, agility, herding trials, and even therapy work.
How Much Space Does a Collie Need?
While this breed isn’t the smallest of the canines, they’re certainly not the largest. A moderately sized home with some space to run around should suit the average Collie’s needs. Owners can’t expect their pup to get enough exercise indoors, though, and thus a fenced-in backyard is ideal. Most Collies love to play, so finding ways to get your dog moving shouldn’t be difficult!
What Sort of Food Do Collies Eat?
Don’t pinch pennies when it comes to food since a high-quality diet can go a long way when it comes to their health. A well-balanced diet can keep your dog’s bones strong, their joints healthy, and their stomachs full. Use small treats when training and keep the food scraps out of their bowl to keep their weight down. Dishes made for humans usually have higher sodium and fat levels than a dog’s body can handle and may have ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Are Collies Generally Healthy?
We all want our dogs to have long, healthy lives, yet there’s no guarantee your pup won’t develop a medical issue. Each dog breed presents its own health challenges, including the Collie. Autoimmune problems and severe eye issues can affect your dog’s quality of life, making it essential that they never miss a checkup at the vet.
What Health Issues Do Collies Face?
Even if their yearly physicals don’t turn up any issues, never hesitate to check in with the vet if you suspect something is amiss with your dog’s health. Changes in temperament, appetite, and activity levels can be signs that something is going on with your dog.
Lupus Erythematosus
Collies are at high risk for developing lupus erythematosus. This autoimmune disorder exists in two forms, systemic (SLE) and cutaneous (CLE). The latter form is generally less severe and can be treated with medication. On the other hand, treatment for SLE can be complicated, expensive, and may not always completely resolve the condition. While the goal is always to provide the best possible care and ensure a comfortable life for your Collie, in some instances, euthanasia may unfortunately become a necessary consideration to prevent suffering.
Pemphigus
Another autoimmune condition that commonly afflicts Collies is pemphigus. This one targets the skin, leading to blisters and ulcers on the face and ears. Over time, these skin lesions can spread to other areas of the body and make a dog very sensitive to sunlight. Veterinarians often prescribe steroids and corticosteroids to manage the condition over a dog’s lifetime.
Optic Nerve Colobomas
This breed is also at risk for developing optic nerve colobomas, which are problematic areas on the eye’s nerves. Many Collies experience these lesions because they’ve inherited Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a disease that can cause blindness. Around three-quarters of Collies have CEA, and there is sadly no treatment for the optic nerve colobomas that manifest. Diagnosing optic nerve colobomas isn’t typically expensive, but if a consultation with the ophthalmologist proves necessary, you may need to pay a few hundred dollars.
Does My Collie Need Pet Insurance?
Many pet owners find that having insurance for their pets reduces medical care costs over time. While you can plan for annual checkups and vaccinations, it’s impossible to predict certain medical emergencies, and unexpected veterinary expenses can quickly add up. For example, treating a condition like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, can require ongoing and potentially costly medical care. SLE treatment can involve a range of expenses, including:
Diagnostic tests: Blood work can cost $100-$300, urinalysis around $50, and imaging tests like X-rays can range from $150-$500.
Medications: Immune-suppressing drugs can cost $50-$150 per month or more.
These costs can quickly accumulate, potentially reaching thousands of dollars per year. Pet insurance can provide valuable financial support in the event of unexpected illnesses or injuries.
Getting a pet insurance quote can help you get an idea of how much Collie insurance will cost month to month so you can plan your finances going forward. You can also spend some time viewing pet insurance comparisons to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Where Did Collies Come From?
“What kind of dog was Lassie?” is the question that sparks most people’s initial interest in Collies. However, the breed existed long before the famous show Lassie appeared on American television screens in the 1950s.
The Collie started as a herding dog in Scotland, helping humans keep an eye on their livestock. While historians don’t know for sure which dogs were used to create the breed, it’s been speculated that Borzois (Russian Wolfhounds) were involved in the process.
Today, fewer people own Collies than they did in the 20th century, and the breed’s numbers are drastically falling, despite a vocal fan base always willing to sing its praises. Fortunately, work is being done to keep this breed from becoming extinct, and numbers will hopefully rise in the future.
How Can You Find a Collie of Your Own?
If you’re interested in adopting a Collie, be sure to check an animal shelter near you. Alternatively, a Collie rescue is another great place to look. Not only are adoption fees from these facilities low, but you’ll also make a dog’s day by bringing them home! Before you visit a breeder, thoroughly check their reviews. Be wary of any breeder that doesn’t ask questions about your home and lifestyle or states that none of their dogs have health issues. No breed is perfectly healthy, and it will be abundantly clear that these individuals are more interested in profit than the safety of their pups. Also be sure to avoid pet stores as these animals almost always come from puppy mills and are often sickly.
Collie Frequently Asked Questions
Do Collies shed?
All dogs shed and unfortunately, Collies are known for shedding more than some other types of dogs. Both Collie dog “breeds” (i.e., Rough and Smooth Collies) need to be brushed once a week. Doing this not only keeps their coats healthy and clean, but it can reduce the amount of fur floating around your home.
Why do Collies bark so much?
Many people consider Collies to be prolific barkers. While being exceptionally vocal can be due in part to genetics, a dog that’s barking excessively is likely bored, experiencing separation anxiety, or has some other need not being met. Keep your Collie entertained with plenty of toys, exercise, and bonding time. Also make sure your dog is eating a nutritious diet and has access to drinking water throughout the day.
How are Collies with cats?
Because some Collies have strong herding instincts, they may not be a good fit for homes with cats. However, many Collies get along well with felines, and it can be a toss up to know how a new dog will react. Introduce your dog to cats when they’re still puppies for the best chance of them having a healthy relationship.
Do Collies like water?
While some Collies enjoy swimming, as a whole, the breed isn’t known for being water lovers. This is probably due to the fact the Collie’s ancestors were more accustomed to herding sheep than retrieving waterfowl. Still, you might be surprised to find that your pet heads straight for the pool in the summertime!
Why do Collies herd?
You can be almost certain that your Collie will do its best to herd humans and fellow pets alike. This is because the breed was originally used to herd sheep, and that instinct remains in their bloodline today. To keep your pup from nipping, begin training them from a young age. Professional training can sometimes be necessary to curb this behavior.
How long do Collies live?
Despite being larger dogs, Collies enjoy a lifespan that can last 14 years or more. While their health is greatly influenced by genetics, you can take steps to extend your dog’s life. Feeding them the recommended amount of nutritious food, ensuring they get plenty of exercise, and taking them for medical checkups can all help protect your dog from illness.