Collies

Life span: 12-14 years

Temperament: Intelligent, Friendly, Loyal, Active, Protective, Gentle

Colors: White, Blue Merle, Tri-color, Sable & White, Sable Merle, Sable

Height: Male: 24-26 inches 

Female: 22-24 inches 

Weight: Male: 60-75 lbs 

Female: 50-65 lbs

The goal of ear taping is either to ensure your collie has an equal fold in both their ears. Collie standard is tipped ears. To ensure the standard collie ears, taping may be required until your puppy is done teething.

Energy Level: High energy level when outside, low energy level when indoors
Tendency to Drool: Low 

Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Moderate (prone to excessive barking if left indoors alone for long periods of time)
Tendency to Dig: Low 

Social/Attention Needs: High (loves people, children, and other animals, including cats)

The collie is part of the herding group. A rough  collie‘s personality is known to be smart, quick to learn, and very in tune to people.  Collies respond well to consistent, reward-based training, and they tend to enjoy the attention that comes with performing, whether doing tricks or competing in agility, obedience or herding events. Many collies make great therapy dogs as well, due to their calmness indoors and medium height.

Rough collies, like the one featured in Lassie, can at times be very vocal. When rough collie dogs are bored, their bark is a clear sign that they need attention. They also have a tendency to nip at peoples' heels in play, another indication of their herding background. It is important to train your rough collie to not nip, especially around children, as it may frighten little ones. Due to the rough collie's high intelligence level, he is easy to house train and learns tricks quickly. However, switch up training activities occasionally to prevent boredom. They are very smart, so you should get creative with their training!

The rough collie is family-oriented and loves playing with children. When he is outside, he will run as hard as he can, but as soon as he enters the house he'll be happy to relax with the rest of the family. Although the rough collie loves to be active outside, he is not an outdoor-only dog, and he can thrive in a small home or apartment as long as he gets daily exercise.

The rough collie is noted for his deep loyalty and nurturing personality, but he also has a fierce independent streak. Owners should try to work with his independent tendencies, rather than against them. Giving your rough collie some time to run around by himself in a fenced area each day may help.

A rough collie makes a great companion dog for a single person, but he will bond with all family members, not just the one who feeds him. The rough collie breed is known to learn the individual characteristics and behaviors of each person in the household. Again, this is why dedicated training of your rough collie is absolutely crucial. Rough collies are intelligent, and they are always watching people and learning, so it is important to train them early and often.

See above for collie description. If you are looking for a loyal, elegant, and family oriented dog, then a collie is right for you. If you are concerned about shedding please do not get a collie. Remember a puppy is for the lifetime of a dog! Please do your research before getting a dog!

The Rough and Smooth Collie are among the most intelligent, loyal, and gentle breeds in the canine world. They are known for their deep devotion to their families, intuitive nature, and remarkable adaptability. When responsibly bred and properly raised, Collies make exceptional companions for a wide range of households—from active families with children to quiet homes with experienced dog owners or retirees.

Why Collies Are a Good Fit for Many Homes

Collies are eager to please, highly trainable, and thrive on human companionship. They respond best to positive reinforcement and consistent guidance, quickly learning routines and commands. Their gentle, affectionate temperaments make them especially good with children and other animals when well-socialized.

While their heritage as herding dogs gives them a natural desire to be involved in family activities, Collies are also known for their sensitivity and calm demeanor. They adjust well to both suburban and rural environments, provided they receive daily exercise, mental stimulation, and time with their people.

Both coat varieties share the same wonderful temperament:

 • The Rough Collie, with its flowing double coat, is the classic image of elegance and grace. Regular brushing is required to maintain coat health and prevent matting.

 • The Smooth Collie, with its short, dense coat, offers the same intelligence and charm in a lower-maintenance form, ideal for those who prefer easier grooming.

Who Should Not Own a Collie

Although Collies fit well into many lifestyles, they are not suited for everyone. Prospective owners should carefully consider whether they can meet the breed’s emotional and physical needs.

Collies do not thrive in isolation. They are highly people-oriented dogs that crave companionship and inclusion in family life. Long hours of solitude or neglect can lead to stress, anxiety, or undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking.

Those seeking a low-shedding, low-maintenance dog should also note that Collies do shed, particularly seasonally, and require routine brushing. While Smooth Collies need less coat care, they still benefit from regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain skin health.

Because Collies are intelligent and sensitive, they do best in calm, structured homes that use gentle, positive training methods. Harsh corrections, yelling, or inconsistent handling can easily discourage or confuse them. Owners who prefer a dog that is highly independent, stoic, or self-directed may find the Collie’s emotional sensitivity challenging.

In Summary

The Rough and Smooth Collie are ideal for people who:

 • Enjoy including their dog in daily family activities.

 • Are willing to provide consistent training, socialization, and mental enrichment.

 • Can commit to regular grooming and exercise.

 • Appreciate a sensitive, loyal, and affectionate companion.

The Collie may not be a good fit for those who:

 • Work long hours and cannot provide daily companionship.

 • Prefer a completely low-shedding or “wash-and-wear” breed.

 • Use harsh or force-based training techniques.

 • Are unwilling to invest time in grooming, training, and engagement.

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In essence, the Collie is not just a beautiful dog—it is a devoted, intelligent partner. For individuals and families ready to return that loyalty with time, training, and affection, the Rough or Smooth Collie offers a lifetime of love and companionship that few breeds can match.