Dog Breed

Collie

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Primary image of Collie dog breed
Full Name
Collie
Alternate Names
Rough Collie
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Life Span
12 - 14 years
Weight
50 - 75 pounds
Description

The Collie radiates class and beauty. Oftentimes the term "Collie" refers to an entire sub-class of dog, with many breeds that it encompasses. However, in our classification, the Collie refers to the "rough" and "smooth" collie, in the same way, that they are classified by the AKC.

Origin
Scotland
Bred For
Herding
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Collie good with children?

    Yes! The Collie is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Collie is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Collie friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Collie is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Collie is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Collie friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Collie is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Collie is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Collie like to cuddle?

    The Collie appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Collie like to play?

    The Collie will almost always be ready for play! The Collie is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Collie make a good service dog?

    The Collie can be a service dog with the proper training. Collies are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Collie good for first-time owners?

    The Collie is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Collie be trained?

    The Collie can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the Collie can be incredibly well-trained.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Collie shed a lot?

    The Collie is an average shedder. Collie owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Collie easy to groom?

    The Collie requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Collie to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Collie on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Collie need a lot of exercise?

    The Collie requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Collie to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Collie?

    The Collie is one of the smartest dog breeds. Having a very smart dog is fun, but it is also demanding- they require mental challenge and stimulation just as much as physical exercise.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Collie bark? Does the Collie bark too much?

    The Collie barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Collie will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Collie a good guard dog?

    The Collie would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Collie good at staying alone? Is the Collie independent?

    The Collie is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Collie a good apartment dog?

    The Collie is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Collie
    Size

    How big is the Collie?

    The Collie is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Collie tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Collie?

    The Collie can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Collie tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Collie?

    The Collie can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Collie try to run away?

    The Collie does sometimes run away. This is especially true if they are distracted, or see other cats or dogs. They probably won't go out of their way to "escape", but a fenced yard is still recommended.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Collie a healthy dog? The health of a Collie should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Collie is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Collie high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Collie?

    The Collie has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the Collie daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Collie drool?

    The Collie does not drool at all.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Collie have a large prey drive? Does the Collie like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Collie has average prey drive. They will probably enjoy chasing after birds and other small animals at the park, and it may be an issue at the home if you have small animals, but with some training and introduction can usually learn to live with them.
    Athleticism

    Is the Collie atheltic?

    The Collie is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.

Breed Variations

  • Image for the Rough-coated variation for dog breed

    Rough-coated

  • Image for the Smooth variation for dog breed

    Smooth

  1. Herding
  2. Shepherd / Sheepdog
  3. Collie
The Collie is a purebred dog that belongs to the Shepherd / Sheepdog sub group, which falls under the larger Herding dog breed group.
Herding group: The Herding group dogs all share an instinctual ability to control the movement of other animals. They have traditionally been raised on farms to help herd and protect valuable livestock. They are intelligent, and have been bred to treat each day like they have a "job" they must do. Their innate herding ability is such a big part of who they are, that they are known to even "herd" their owners, children, or other small dogs. Some can seem stubborn and even obsessed with their herding, since they take it seriously! They have high expectations, and must be stimulated mentally just as much as physically. The reward to these "high expectations" is that they can be trained very well, and are oftentimes used in competitions. Certain breeds such as the well known German Shepard are also used by Police forces, because of their discipline, intelligence, and ability to be trained.
Shepherd / Sheepdog sub-group: Shepherd dogs are the super performers of the dog world. For many generations they have served their owners by performing their job of helping in the farm- guarding, protecting, and herding. Shepherds were bred based off intelligence and temperament, and willingness to serve their families. Today they are excellent family dogs, but also excel as military service animals, emotional therapy dogs, and in competitive obedience competitions. They are highly trainable and intelligent, but that does not necessarily mean they are an easy dog or optimal for first time owners. With this potential comes greater responsibility from the owner. They need a firm owner who is willing to stimulate them both physically and mentally from an early age. They need a leader. If they have one, you will be rewarded with one of the friendliest and most intelligent dogs in the World.

Collies for adoption

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