Possibly one of the most well-known breeds in the US thanks to Lassie—star of books, a TV series, and a number of movies—the Collie is a smart and loyal dog that lives up to the legacy of the famous fictional pooch. And since they love their humans just as much as Lassie loved Timmy, they are a favorite family companion!
Physical Traits
Size & Weight: Collies stand from 22-26 inches at the shoulders, and weigh between 50-65 pounds. Female Collies are generally smaller than males.
Coat & Color: Collies have two coat varieties, both of which can be one of four different colors: sable and white, tri-color, blue merle, or white. Rough collies have straight, harsh coats that are long over most of the body, except for the head and legs. Rough Collies have manes around their necks and chests. Smooth Collies have short, flat, dense coats all over their bodies.
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Temperament
Collies are naturally responsive to humans, and are therefore very friendly, loyal, and excited to learn new things. They are sensitive, sweet, and mild-mannered, making them great companions to children, the elderly, or other pets, although they do well as only-dogs. Friendly and energetic, they need plenty of exercise, since they tend to be inactive indoors and can become couch potatoes.
Something to Bark About: Collies are meticulously clean dogs who are known for lacking that distinctive doggy odor!
Wags
• Collies are devoted family pets, especially with children.
• Despite the Rough Collie’s thick coat, they are fairly low maintenance and only need to be groomed about once week.
• Collies respond well to gentle, yet firm training, and are eager to learn new things.
Yelps
• Collies are herders, and will often try to herd humans and other animals. They should be trained at an early age not to do this.
• Because of their thick coats, Collies are sensitive to heat and should not be kept outdoors for extended periods of time.
To find an adoptable Collie near you, visit Collies Florida Rescue.