Collie
Also known as: Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Scotch Collie
Energy Level
Apartment Friendly
Weight (Male)
60-75 lbs
Height (Male)
24-26 inches
Quick Facts
Coat Colors
Breed Summary
The Collie is one of the most beloved herding breeds, made famous by Lassie. Graceful, devoted, and intelligent, they are the ultimate family dog with a heart of gold.
History
Developed in Scotland and Northern England for herding sheep. Queen Victoria popularized the breed. Albert Payson Terhune and the Lassie movies and TV series made them famous worldwide. AKC recognized in 1885.
Appearance
An elegant, graceful dog with an expressive, wedge-shaped head. Comes in Rough (long, flowing coat) and Smooth (short coat) varieties. Intelligent, sweet expression. Well-balanced, athletic build.
Temperament
Gentle, devoted, and incredibly loyal. Collies are among the most family-friendly breeds. They are intelligent, sensitive, and have a natural instinct to protect and care for their family.
Personality Around Others
Wonderful with everyone. Exceptional with children. Protective but not aggressive. Friendly with other pets and strangers.
Exercise Needs
Moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and play. Enjoy herding activities. Not hyperactive—happy with family activities.
Training
Extremely trainable. Sensitive to voice tone. Respond beautifully to gentle, positive methods.
Grooming
Rough: Regular brushing 2-3 times weekly. Heavy seasonal shedding. Smooth: Weekly brushing. Low maintenance.
Health
Common Health Conditions
Generally healthy. MDR1 gene sensitivity is important—certain drugs can be dangerous. Eye testing essential.
Recommended Health Tests
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- PRA DNA Test
- MDR1 DNA Test
- Hip Evaluation
Average Annual Vet Cost
$500-$1,000
Nutrition
Quality food for active large breeds. Two meals daily. Not prone to obesity.
Living Environment
Adaptable to various homes. Need daily exercise. Do well in suburbs and rural areas.
Ideal Family
Perfect for families with children. First-time owners. Those wanting a gentle, devoted companion.
Intelligence
Highly intelligent and intuitive. Read human emotions expertly. Quick learners. Natural problem-solvers.
Barking
Frequency
Alert
Separation
Quiet Indoors
Moderate barkers. Alert to visitors. Some individuals can be vocal.
Shedding
Year-Round
Seasonal
Vacuum Factor 🧹
Hypoallergenic
Rough variety sheds heavily, especially seasonally. Smooth variety sheds moderately.
Weather Tolerance
☀️
Heat
❄️
Cold
🌧️
Rain
🌨️
Snow
💧
Humidity
Breed Ratings
Fun Facts
Lassie, the most famous dog in entertainment history, was a Rough Collie
Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed during visits to Scotland
They have a natural instinct to watch over and protect children
The MDR1 gene makes them sensitive to certain medications—always inform your vet
Albert Einstein reportedly had a Collie
Famous Dogs
Pal/Lassie
The original Lassie was a Rough Collie named Pal, starring in movies and TV for decades
Queen Victoria's Collies
Queen Victoria's love for Collies at Balmoral Castle helped popularize the breed worldwide
Common Myths
"They are just Lassie dogs—all the same"
Collies come in two coat varieties and four colors. Each has a unique personality beyond the TV image
"They are too delicate for active families"
Collies are athletic, hardy dogs built for herding. They enjoy active lifestyles and outdoor adventures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MDR1 gene?
A genetic mutation affecting drug sensitivity. Many Collies carry it—certain medications (like ivermectin) can be dangerous. DNA testing is available.
Are Rough and Smooth Collies the same breed?
Yes—they are the same breed with two coat varieties. The only difference is coat length. They share temperament and structure.
Puppy Guide
Collie puppies are sweet and eager. Early socialization builds confidence. Gentle training methods.
Senior Care
Senior Collies are gentle and devoted. Moderate exercise. Watch for eye conditions. Drug sensitivity awareness.
Ownership Costs
Estimated Lifetime Cost
$15,000-$23,000
Pros and Cons
Pros
Exceptional with children
Gentle and devoted
Highly intelligent
Beautiful appearance
Easy to train
Cons
Heavy shedding (Rough)
Drug sensitivity (MDR1)
Can be barky
Needs regular grooming
Sensitive temperament