Collie — breed guide
The legendary family guardian of Lassie fame: gentle, intuitive and famously good with children.
At a glance
- Group
- herding
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 23–34 kg (51–75 lb)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Rough (long) or smooth double coat
Living with a Collie
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Heavy shedding, especially in season.
- Exceptionally trainable — among the easiest to teach.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Devoted · Graceful · Proud · Gentle
Health to watch
- Collie eye anomaly
- MDR1 drug sensitivity
- Dermatomyositis
- Hip dysplasia
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Nine different dogs played Lassie on screen — all of them male, because males keep fuller summer coats.
Questions people ask
Is a Collie good with kids?
Generally yes. Collies are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Collie good with cats?
Usually yes. Collies typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Collie need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Collie handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Collie's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.