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
Bark level
  • Very vocal
Size
22 to 26 inches tall
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
50 to 75 lbs

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Collie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Arthritis

Dental disease

Senior Collie

10+ years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Arthritis

Liver disease

Intervertebral disc disease

Collie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Conjunctivitis

Gastroenteritis

Urinary tract infection

Young adult Collie

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Seizures

Conjunctivitis

Mature adult Collie

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Arthritis

Dental disease

Senior Collie

10+ years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Arthritis

Liver disease

Intervertebral disc disease

Collie puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Conjunctivitis

Gastroenteritis

Urinary tract infection

Young adult Collie

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Collie conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease

Seizures

Conjunctivitis

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

Get your Collie’s health information in a free report

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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

Loves walks

Exercise level

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

Class clown

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.

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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

Other breeds like Collies

Best. Collie insurance. Ever.SM

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