Collie — Breed Profile
"Intelligent, eager to please, active, gentle, loyal, sensitive"
Hollywood's favorite good boy
At a Glance
Breed Traits
Best For
Active families, experienced dog owners, homes with yards, those seeking intelligent and trainable companions, multi-pet households
Not Ideal For
Apartment dwellers, people with limited time, first-time owners without support, those unable to provide daily exercise, people with low tolerance for shedding
Health Considerations
Collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, dermatomyositis
Estimated annual vet cost: $800-$1,200
Breed History
Originated in Scotland and Northern England as herding dogs. Became a standardized breed in the 19th century. Rose to global fame through popular culture, particularly the Lassie franchise beginning in the 1940s.
Fun Facts
- Two coat varieties exist: the full-coated 'rough' Collie and the sleek 'smooth' Collie
- Many Collies have a distinctive white blaze over the shoulders
- Ranked 39th in AKC popularity out of 205 breeds
- Lassie's fame made Collies one of the world's most recognizable dog breeds
- Originally bred to herd sheep in challenging Scottish terrain
Famous Collies
Lassie (TV and film icon), Reveille (Texas A&M mascot)