The Ultimate Guide to Collie Dogs: Characteristics, Care, and History

People usually look up “Collie” when they’re trying to confirm what a Collie should look like, how much exercise is realistic, and which health tests matter before choosing a puppy. It’s a sensible check: Collies are clever, responsive dogs, but their sensitivity and breed-specific conditions mean the right match (and the right breeder) makes a real difference.

Below is a clear, grounded guide to Collies in Australia—where they came from, how Rough and Smooth Collies differ, what daily life with one feels like, and the health issues worth screening for.

Collie snapshot

• Breed name: Collie (Rough Collie and Smooth Collie)
• Origin: Scotland (developed as a herding and farm dog)
• Height (at shoulder): Dogs 56–61 cm; bitches 51–56 cm¹
• Weight: Dogs 20.5–29.5 kg; bitches 18–25 kg¹
• Coat type: Double-coated; Rough Collie has a long outer coat, Smooth Collie has a short, flat outer coat (both with a dense undercoat)^{1, 2}
• Recognised colours: Sable and white, tricolour, blue merle (with typical white Collie markings)¹
• Temperament (typical): Bright, biddable, people-focused; often sensitive to harsh handling
• Life expectancy: Commonly around 12–14 years (varies with genetics, care, and luck)

Collie, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie: what the name means

“Collie” is a breed with two coat varieties: the Rough Collie (the classic long coat) and the Smooth Collie (a short, harsh-textured outer coat with a dense undercoat). They share the same overall type and temperament; the coat length is the obvious difference.^{1, 2}

The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is not a “type of Collie”. It’s a separate breed, even though it can resemble a smaller Rough Collie at a glance.⁶

History and origin

Collies come from Scotland, shaped by farm work—moving stock across open ground, keeping animals together, and responding to quiet direction at a distance. Over time, they also became well known as companion dogs, helped along by public fascination with the breed in the 19th century and later by popular media.

Physical characteristics: what you’re really looking at

A Collie is built for steady movement rather than brute strength: a balanced frame, a long, clean head, and an efficient, ground-covering stride. In the show standard, adult height is typically 56–61 cm for males and 51–56 cm for females.¹

Coat and colour are often what people notice first:

• Rough Collie: long, harsh outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat; the coat forms a noticeable mane and frill around the neck.²
• Smooth Collie: short, flat, harsh outer coat with a very dense undercoat—still a true double coat, just a cleaner outline.¹
• Colours: sable and white, tricolour, and blue merle, usually with typical white markings (collar, chest, legs, tail tip).¹

Temperament: bright, tuned-in, and sometimes easily rattled

Collies tend to watch their people closely. They’re often quick to learn patterns—routines, cues, the shape of a walk before it happens. That sensitivity is useful in training, but it can work against them if they’re handled roughly or left under-stimulated.

In day-to-day life, many Collies are:

• Responsive and biddable: they usually train well with calm consistency.
• Gentle with families: commonly steady around children when properly socialised and supervised.
• Vocal: some will “report” movement, visitors, or changes in routine; early training helps.

Training and exercise needs

A Collie doesn’t need constant high-intensity exercise, but they do need daily movement and something to think about. A bored Collie often invents a job—patrolling fences, barking at patterns, or herding whatever moves.

• Exercise: aim for a solid daily walk plus off-lead running where safe and legal, adjusted for age and health.
• Mental work: short training sessions, scent games, and puzzle feeders suit the breed well.
• Training style: reward-based methods tend to work best with Collies; they can shut down with harsh corrections.

Health concerns to know before you choose a puppy

No breed is risk-free. In Collies, a few inherited conditions are well recognised, which is exactly why good breeders test and keep records.

Collie eye anomaly (CEA)

CEA is an inherited developmental condition affecting the eye; severity varies from mild changes to more serious complications.³

Drug sensitivity (MDR1/ABCB1 mutation)

Some Collies carry a specific mutation (often discussed as MDR1/ABCB1) that increases sensitivity to certain drugs, including ivermectin at particular doses. DNA testing can identify affected dogs and carriers.⁴

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inherited inflammatory condition affecting skin and sometimes muscles, reported in Collies and related breeds. It can range from mild to more significant disease.⁵

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can occur in Collies, though some breed-based reporting suggests relatively low incidence compared with many other breeds. Screening through established schemes remains a sensible safeguard, particularly for breeding dogs.^{7, 8}

A practical puppy-buyer checklist

• Ask what health testing has been done for the parents (and ask to see results), especially CEA and MDR1/ABCB1.^{3, 4}
• Ask how puppies are socialised (surfaces, sounds, handling, visitors, car trips).
• Expect thoughtful questions back; good breeders are careful about placements.

Grooming and care

Collie coats are designed for weather. They shed, they trap dust, and they can mat behind the ears and around the legs if ignored.

• Rough Collie: plan for thorough brushing several times a week, more during seasonal shedding.
• Smooth Collie: still sheds; weekly brushing helps lift dead undercoat.
• Bathing: occasional, as needed; over-washing can dry the coat and skin.

Collies in pop culture (and the reality underneath)

The Rough Collie became a cultural shorthand for the ideal family dog—thanks largely to Lassie. It’s a flattering image, but real Collies still need training, routine, and enough company to feel settled.

References

1. Dogs Australia (ANKC) — Collie (Smooth) breed standard (size, weight, colours)
2. The Kennel Club (UK) — Collie (Rough) breed standard
3. Merck Veterinary Manual — Collie eye anomaly (CEA) (overview image and condition)
4. PubMed — Ivermectin sensitivity in collies associated with a deletion mutation of the mdr1 gene
5. Merck Veterinary Manual — Dermatomyositis (Collies and related breeds)
6. American Kennel Club — Collie vs Shetland Sheepdog (separate breeds)
7. Collie Health Foundation — Hip dysplasia (overview and notes on incidence reporting)
8. Collie Health Foundation — Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and health databases