HerdingScotland

Collie

Lassie was not exaggerating.

Weight: 50–75 lbs
Height: 22–26 in
Lifespan: 12–14 yrs

In short

The Collie is a Herding breed from Scotland, bred to work sheep in the Highlands; adults weigh about 50–75 lbs and live 12–14 years. Rough and Smooth varieties share a gentle, sensitive temperament, and many carry the MDR1 drug-sensitivity gene, so test before your vet prescribes.

Is it right for you?

A great match if you…

want a gentle, trainable family dog
enjoy brushing and don't mind dog hair
would like to try herding or agility

Think twice if you…

need a quiet dog for shared walls
can't handle seasonal coat blows
want a dog for rough, loud households

The daily plan

Exercise: 60–90 min
Training: 2–3 × 5–10 min
Treat limit: 120–160 kcal

At a glance

TrainabilityQuick study9.0/10

EnergyActive6.0/10

Calm at homeCalm indoors8.5/10

SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10

What sets it apart

01
Rough or Smooth coat
The Rough has the famous mane; the Smooth has a short double coat with the same temperament.
02
Long, refined head
A wedge-shaped head with an almond eye, very different from the Border Collie.
03
Herder’s voice
Collies bark to move things along and to alert, so manage it early.

Size & coat

Specification	Male	Female
Weight	60–75 lbs	50–65 lbs
Height	24–26 in	22–24 in
Lifespan	12–14 yrs
Coat	Double coat: long and abundant (Rough) or short and dense (Smooth)

Side profile 22–26 in at the shoulder

Back in stock soon

Personality

Collies are gentle, devoted and sensitive to tone of voice. They read the household closely and want to be involved. Expect herding-style nudging, barking at movement and a calm adult once needs are met.

With kids

Very good with kids, though some try to herd running children. Teach them to settle when kids play.

With other pets

Usually easy with other dogs and household cats.

With strangers

Reserved but polite. Some lines are shy, so early socialization matters.

Alone time

Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised. Boredom shows up as barking.

Training

Collies are bright and responsive to gentle handling, and they learn routines fast. Harshness makes them anxious, so keep training kind and clear.

How often

2–3 sessions a day of 5–10 minutes each, ending each one on a win.
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)

Between 8–16 weeks, focus on new people, sounds and places to prevent the shyness some lines show. Add grooming handling from day one.
Self-control

Barking control and not chasing cars, bikes or joggers matter most. Teach a “quiet” cue and reward calm watching of moving things at a distance.
What it works for

Food and praise both work well. Use small, high-value pieces within 10% of daily calories, freeze-dried liver being one option, and keep the tone upbeat.

Exercise

Collies need daily walks plus jobs that use their herding brain. They are less intense than working Border Collies.

Exercise a day 60–90 min

CouchModerateAthlete

Good outlets

Brisk walks and hikes
Herding instinct classes
Agility or rally

Brain work

Learning toy names
Food puzzles
Nose work

Best home

House with a yard suits best; apartments work with daily exercise and bark management.

Watch for Many Collies carry MDR1, so ask your vet before giving ivermectin-type or some other drugs, and limit heavy exercise in heat for the Rough coat.

Feeding

Adult maintenance for a typical Collie (50–75 lbs) lands around 1,175–1,575 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.

Puppy (to 12 mo)

Daily calories: 1,450–1,975 kcal
Protein: 26–30%
Fat: 16–20%
Treat limit, all treats: 145–200 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 7–10 pieces a day

Adult Maintenance

Daily calories: 1,175–1,575 kcal
Protein: 24–28%
Fat: 14–18%
Treat limit, all treats: 120–160 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 6–8 pieces a day

Active / Working

Daily calories: 1,600–2,175 kcal
Protein: 26–30%
Fat: 18–22%
Treat limit, all treats: 160–220 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 8–11 pieces a day

Senior

Daily calories: 1,025–1,375 kcal
Protein: 24–28%
Fat: 12–16%
Treat limit, all treats: 105–140 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 5–7 pieces a day

Compare every life stage

Life stage	Daily calories	Protein	Fat	Treat limit (all treats)	Saylor's liver, suggested / day
Puppy (to 12 mo)	1,450–1,975 kcal	26–30%	16–20%	145–200 kcal	7–10 pieces
Adult Maintenance	1,175–1,575 kcal	24–28%	14–18%	120–160 kcal	6–8 pieces
Active / Working	1,600–2,175 kcal	26–30%	18–22%	160–220 kcal	8–11 pieces
Senior	1,025–1,375 kcal	24–28%	12–16%	105–140 kcal	5–7 pieces

The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.

Health & grooming

MDR1 drug sensitivity, Collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy and degenerative myelopathy are the main concerns. DNA testing before breeding, and before certain medications, makes the biggest difference.

Watch for	Ask the breeder or vet for	When
MDR1 drug sensitivity	MDR1 DNA test	Once, in every Collie
Collie eye anomaly	CEA DNA test plus eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (CAER)	Puppy eye exam; DNA once
Progressive retinal atrophy	PRA (rcd2) DNA test	Once, in breeding dogs
Degenerative myelopathy	DM DNA test	Once, in breeding dogs
Dermatomyositis	DNA test (results registered with the OFA)	Once (a DNA result does not change)

Official health tests for breeding dogs

The OFA's CHIC program asks Collie breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA test
Multiple Drug Sensitivity
Dermatomyositis

See the full list on OFA.org

Grooming Heavy seasonal sheds, moderate the rest of the year

Rough Collies need thorough brushing 2–3 times a week, behind the ears and in the britches, and daily during sheds; Smooths need a weekly brush. Trim nails every 2–4 weeks and brush teeth several times a week. Don’t shave the coat.

History

1700s–1800s

Highland sheepdog

Scottish shepherds used these dogs to gather and drive sheep in the Highlands.
1860s–1880s

Royal and show fame

Queen Victoria’s fondness for Collies helped make them a show breed, and the AKC recognized the Collie in 1885.
1940s–1950s

Lassie era

The Lassie films and TV series made the Rough Collie one of America’s most famous breeds.

Questions owners ask

Are Collies easy to train?

Yes. Collies are smart, sensitive and eager to please, so gentle, reward-based training works well. Harsh methods make them anxious.

Are Collies good with kids and other pets?

Yes. They are known for gentleness with kids and usually get along with dogs and cats. Some try to herd running children.

How much exercise does a Collie need?

About 60–90 minutes a day of walks, play and brain games. Herding or agility classes are a great outlet.

Do Collies shed?

Yes. Rough Collies shed heavily, especially seasonally, and need brushing 2–3 times a week; Smooth Collies need less.

What health problems do Collies have, and how long do they live?

MDR1 drug sensitivity, Collie eye anomaly, PRA and degenerative myelopathy are the main concerns. Collies typically live 12–14 years.

Is a Collie good for apartments or first-time owners?

They are good for first-time owners thanks to their gentle, trainable nature. Apartments can work with daily exercise, though barking and size make a house easier.

Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats

Back in stock soon

We're restocking. When it's back, a Collie needs only 6–8 pieces a day, well inside the 120–160 kcal treat limit.

See the product

Where the Collie ranks

Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.