Collie
Herding Group · Lassie's Breed — Devoted Family Protector · #34 AKC Breed
50–75 lbsWeight
22–26"Height
12–14 yrsLifespan
Sable/Tri/Merle/WhiteColors
★★★★★Family Dog
Herding Group · Lassie's Breed — Devoted Family Protector · #34 AKC Breed
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Collie — the famous Lassie breed, known worldwide as a devoted, gentle, and fiercely loyal family protector.
The Rough Collie is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, thanks largely to the beloved TV and film character Lassie. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, these dogs were bred to herd sheep across rugged terrain, which demanded intelligence, endurance, and a deep partnership with their shepherd. Today they bring those same qualities into the home — protective of their family, gentle with children, and deeply devoted to the people they love.
One critical health note every Collie owner must know: the MDR1 gene mutation (also called the ABCB1 mutation) is present in a significant percentage of Rough Collies. This mutation makes affected dogs dangerously sensitive to certain common medications, including some dewormers (ivermectin), anti-nausea drugs, and other pharmaceuticals. Every Collie should be tested before any medication is administered — what is safe for other dogs can be life-threatening for an MDR1-positive Collie.
Their stunning double coat — a dense, rough outer coat with a soft undercoat — requires weekly brushing to stay mat-free and healthy. Despite that flowing mane, Collies are remarkably clean dogs and don't carry a strong "dog odor." Their gentle nature combined with their protective instincts makes them one of the finest family breeds ever developed.
Real Collies — sable, tricolor, and blue merle coats captured in all their glory.
Collies are gentle, intelligent, and intensely family-oriented. They tend to be alert and aware of everything happening around them, making them excellent natural watchdogs who will alert bark without being aggressive. They are highly sensitive to the moods of their people — if you're stressed, your Collie will know.
Collies are active dogs but not extreme. They were bred to trot all day across hills — which means they have steady, moderate stamina rather than explosive bursts of energy. They do well with 45–60 minutes of daily exercise. A well-exercised Collie is calm indoors and remarkably easy to live with.
Collies are too large for cabin travel on most airlines and will need to fly as cargo or travel by car/ground transport. Their calm nature makes them good road trip companions. Always confirm any medications with your vet first — Collies with the MDR1 mutation can react severely to sedatives commonly given to dogs before travel.
The Collie's magnificent coat is one of the breed's most striking features — and requires consistent maintenance. The good news: with regular weekly brushing, the coat stays in excellent condition and doesn't mat as quickly as you might expect. The bad news: they shed, especially during twice-yearly seasonal blowouts.
Collies are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a genuinely enjoyable experience. They rank among the top 15 most trainable breeds and can learn complex commands quickly. Their sensitivity means they require gentle, positive methods — raised voices or physical corrections can cause lasting confidence issues in this breed.
The most critical health concern in Collies is the MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) gene mutation. Dogs with this mutation cannot safely process several common drugs, and exposure can cause severe neurological symptoms or death. ALL Collies should be tested through a veterinarian or mail-in DNA test before receiving any medications. Beyond MDR1, Collies are generally healthy but should have annual eye exams to monitor for hereditary eye conditions.
Collies are a wonderful choice for families who want an intelligent, devoted, and gentle companion. They are especially outstanding with children and make natural family protectors. They need moderate daily exercise and consistent grooming, but reward their owners with exceptional loyalty. They are NOT ideal for owners who are away from home long hours or want a low-maintenance coat.
Collies are a medium-large breed with moderate energy. They can be prone to bloat (GDV), so split their daily food into two meals and avoid feeding immediately before or after vigorous exercise. Always choose a formula appropriate for their size and life stage.
Collies cost $100–$220 per month on average. Their medium-large size and coat needs are the primary cost drivers.
Over 12–14 years, a Collie typically costs $16,000 – $28,000 total. Budget for MDR1 genetic testing ($70–$100 one-time) early — it can prevent a costly or fatal medication mistake.
Invest in a high-quality slicker brush and metal comb early. Learning to brush your Collie at home between professional appointments can save hundreds of dollars per year on grooming fees while also strengthening your bond.
Collies are mixed with other breeds to combine their gentle temperament and intelligence with different traits.
The Coltriever combines the Collie's intelligence and protective instinct with the Golden Retriever's famously friendly, outgoing personality. The result is an exceptionally warm, trainable family dog with a beautiful flowing coat. Often calmer than a purebred Collie with even better tolerance for strangers.
Combining the Collie's gentle family nature with the Border Collie's intense athleticism and intelligence. This mix is highly trainable but needs a LOT of daily mental and physical stimulation. Best suited to experienced dog owners with active lifestyles or access to dog sports.
One of the friendliest, most balanced mixed breeds possible. The Lab's sociable, easygoing temperament softens the Collie's tendency toward shyness, while the Collie's intelligence elevates the Lab's trainability. This mix tends to be highly social, playful, and excellent with all ages.