Choosing to add a furry friend to your growing household is a long-term commitment, and picking a breed that fits your lifestyle is the key to a happy home. With over 160 American Kennel Club-recognized breeds, that decision can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help you meet the breed that’s right for you. If you’re looking for a gentle four-legged giant to add to your pack, find out everything you need to know about the Collie.
- Good with kids
- Long lifespan
- Active lifestyle
- Pleasant temperament
- High-maintenance grooming
Overview
Commonly known as the “Lassie” dog, this breed is more than just good looks — the Collie has brain power to boot. Bred to be an all-around perfect working dog, the Collie excels at herding, guarding and companionship. Collies have a natural love and respect for their human counterparts and take pride in protecting their two-legged family members. As natural herding dogs, they do well with space to roam free but can do well in smaller dwellings as long as exercise is part of their daily routine.
Breed standards
- AKC group: Herding
- UKC group: Herding dog
- Average lifespan: 14 – 16 years
- Average size: 50 – 75 pounds
- Coat appearance: Long, thick, dense
- Coloration: Sable, tricolor, white and blue merle
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Other identifiers: Large and lean, chiseled face, ears never pricked or sticking straight up and always have a folded tip.
- Possible alterations: Some Collies have a smooth coat verses the common rough coat.
Is this breed right for you?
These dogs love and live for a working lifestyle. Whether it is mental or physical stimulation, the Collie needs to keep occupied. A family that has time to dedicate to proper exercise and training would be best fit for a loving Collie. Due to its complex double coat, daily grooming is a must to prevent discomfort and tangles, as well as ease the amount of constant shedding. Collies love kids and make excellent guard dogs; however, as natural-born herders, they may develop tendencies to herd younger family members and should therefore be socialized early on.
A dream day-in-the-life:
Helping, guarding or just hanging out makes a perfect day for the social Collie. An off-leash run in the great outdoors or on leash by your side would exert the energy this pup needs to let out on a daily basis. Collies love the challenge of learning new tricks and have the brains to handle even advanced levels of training. Easygoing and carefree, Collies are happy in just about any climate as long as they have work to do and a family to love.
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