| Height | 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Devoted / Proud / Graceful [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Scotland and Northern England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 39 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
While there are variations among individuals and families, Collies generally are quite active and require regular exercise. They need aerobic exercise and the chance to be able to run and play. Teaching them to fetch can provide good exercise, and having a fenced yard where they can run and going on daily walks help too. [1]
Grooming
Smooth Collies, while they won't mat, require regular grooming, as they have a double coat, and the undercoat needs brushing out during shedding periods. Rough Collies need attention to avoid matting, especially in certain areas such as behind the ears and elbows, and to remove loose undercoat. A weekly brushing down to the skin eliminates that problem and keeps the coat and skin healthy. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Collie Health Foundation has invested lots of research dollars to identify and solve health issues, and their website offers great information on health issues in the breed. The minimum requirement is for puppies between 6-8 weeks old to have an eye check by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for Collie eye anomaly, an inherited eye disease. Some Collies may also have a sensitivity to certain drugs, known as the MDR1 mutation. More information can be found on this at http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2 (PRA-rcd2) - DNA Test, Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) - DNA Test, Dermatomyositis (DMS) - DNA Test, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA, CH) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Collie in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 39 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 36 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Collie.” [1]
- The AKC lists Scotland and Northern England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2 (PRA-rcd2) - DNA Test, Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) - DNA Test. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do Collies live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Collie get?
AKC breed information lists height 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) and weight 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Collie?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Collie, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.