Collie (Collie)

The Collie is a large dog belonging to the Herding Group. Originally from Scotland and Northern England, the breed carries that working heritage in its build and temperament. It currently ranks #39 in AKC registration popularity. Adults typically stand 22–26 inches (55.9–66 cm) at the shoulder and weigh 50–75 pounds (22.7–34 kg), with males at the upper end of those ranges.

Published breed data puts a typical Collie lifespan at 12–14 years. The main levers behind that number are body size (smaller dogs usually outlive bigger ones), genetics, and how consistently a dog stays lean, exercised and current on preventive veterinary care. For its size class this breed lands in the typical longevity band: neither notably fragile nor exceptionally long-lived. Owners who keep the weight off and the teeth clean reliably see the upper half of the range.

Energy is moderate: a daily walk plus some playtime keeps most of these dogs content. This breed is highly trainable and typically picks up new commands quickly. Gentle with kids by reputation — a classic family companion. Other dogs are usually accepted, particularly with early socialization.

Apartment suitability is high — size and temperament make compact living realistic. Twice a year the coat blows noticeably, and the rest of the year shedding stays tolerable. Grooming is moderate, with regular brushing and periodic baths keeping the coat healthy. No low-shedding claim applies here. Allergy sufferers should spend time with the breed before committing.

In our own database of 152 breeds, the Collie's average adult weight of 28.4 kg sits heavier than 74% of them. That position has practical weight, so to speak: food portions, crate sizing and dose-sensitive medications all scale with it. All figures on this page come from the AKC breed profile cited below, and the calculators linked here use those same numbers for feeding portions, crate sizing, age conversion and first-year costs. Because breed-specific health risks affect veterinary spending, comparing pet insurance while your dog is young and healthy is usually worthwhile.