Collies 101

Herding group

Everyone knows a Collie when they see one – or do they? There's a lot more to Collies than most people know, starting with coat type (Rough and Smooth) and color combinations (many more than the classic "Lassie" look). This handsome breed with a smiling face may not get help if you fall in a well but don't count them out on that score, either. They love their families, are eager to please and are a lot noisier than most realize.

What we love about Collies

Easy-going breed that never goes unnoticed

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Talkative
  • As needed

Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently

Size

22 to 26 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 22 to 26 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years average

Weight

50 to 75 lbs

Weight: 50 to 75 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
Very vocal
Height
22 to 26 inches
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
50 to 75 lbs

The Collie stands 22 to 26 inches tall and weighs 50 to 75 lbs. Collies have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a very vocal bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Collies get?
Collies stand 22 to 26 inches tall and typically weigh between 50 and 75 pounds.
How long do Collies live?
The average lifespan of a Collie is 12 to 14 years.
Are Collies good for first-time dog owners?
Collies have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do Collies bark a lot?
Collies are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Collie health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Collie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Mid-life Collies should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Inflammatory bowel disease and Arthritis are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Arthritis
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk

Senior Collie

10+ years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Senior Collies face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk. Liver disease is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Liver disease
High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Collie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Collie puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Conjunctivitis and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Moderate Risk

Young adult Collie

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

As Collies grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Inflammatory bowel disease is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Collie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Mid-life Collies should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Inflammatory bowel disease and Arthritis are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Arthritis
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk

Senior Collie

10+ years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Senior Collies face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk. Liver disease is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Liver disease
High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Collie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Collie puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Conjunctivitis and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Moderate Risk

Young adult Collie

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

As Collies grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Inflammatory bowel disease is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Above Average Risk
Collie standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Collie's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Conjunctivitis: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Urinary tract infection: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 5 years)
Inflammatory bowel disease: Moderate Risk, Seizures: Above Average Risk, Conjunctivitis: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
Inflammatory bowel disease: Moderate Risk, Arthritis: Moderate Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk
Senior (10+ years)
Arthritis: Very High Risk, Liver disease: High Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Very High Risk
Image 1033

More than a century ago, the author Albert Payson Terhune's best-selling books about his Sunnybank collies made the breed popular. In his memory, Collie lovers gather annually near the old site of Sunnybank in Northern New Jersey to celebrate all things Collie. In 1982, when TV's "Lassie" was a hit show, the show's canine star became the first dog to have pet health insurance in the United States (from Nationwide, of course!).

Collie coat care and colors

Collies come in two varieties: the familiar long-haired version and a less common shorter-haired "smooth" type. Both types are double-coated, and both shed a decent amount. Both varieties “blow” coats in spring and fall, dropping their undercoats. Regular brushing and combing down to the skin will reduce shedding to a decent degree. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.

Collie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Compared to other herding breeds, the Collie is relatively laid-back. A brisk daily walk covers the basics.

Trainability

Trainability

Collies are eager to please but are known to be a little creative when it comes to doing as they're requested. Positive training will bring out the best in your Collie. Make sure you teach some of those "Lassie" tricks – such as shaking paws – to delight any children you meet.

Group 4648

Collie fun facts

Top girl names for Collies

100%

of Collies are female

0%

of Collies are male

Top boy names for Collies

Nationwide loves Collies of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Collie gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Collies insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Collie statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Collies

Best. Collie insurance. Ever.SM

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