Collie · Longevity

How Long Do Collies Live?

Collies live 12-14 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Collie more good years.

Collie
Lifespan 12-14 yearsHerding GroupAKC Ranks 39 of 208
The Collie, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy12-14 years
AKC groupHerding Group
Height24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
Energy3
Trainability4
Mental stimulation3
Watchdog / protective3
Affectionate with family4
Good with kids5
Good with other dogs3
Openness to strangers3
Playfulness4
Adaptability4
Barking5
Shedding3
Grooming frequency3
Drooling2

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At 60-75 pounds, the Collie is a large breed. Large breeds tend to age faster and live a few years less than small dogs, which its 12-14 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a Collie fit your life?

The Collie fits a family that wants a devoted, playful dog that's genuinely wonderful with kids. It's trainable and adapts well to different homes, and it brings a gentle, affectionate presence to a busy household. The biggest tradeoff is its voice, this breed tends to bark a good deal, which matters if neighbors are close.

A great match if you

  • You have kids at home, since this breed is exceptional with them.
  • You enjoy a dog with a playful streak.
  • You move or change routines occasionally, thanks to strong adaptability.
  • You want a dog that's easy to train.

Think twice if

  • You'll hear this dog vocalize often, since barking comes easily.
  • You'll want to budget real time for grooming, given that coat.
  • You should still supervise introductions with other dogs, since sociability there is only moderate.
  • You need real space, given this is a large dog.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the Collie

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Collie are Eye and vision (owners often watch for eye).

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Collie facts, quick answers

How long do Collies live?

Collies live 12-14 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do Collies get?

A full-grown Collie stands 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) and weighs 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the large-breed range.

What kind of dog is a Collie?

The Collie is a herding breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 39 of 208. It is a large dog that typically lives around 12-14 years.

Are Collies high-energy dogs?

Collies are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.

Are Collies easy to train?

Collies are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.

Do Collies shed a lot?

They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.

Do Collies bark a lot?

They are fairly vocal. They like to announce visitors and will bark when bored, so teaching a quiet cue early pays off.

Are Collies good with kids?

Collies are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.

Do Collies get along with other dogs?

Collies are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.

Are Collies good for first-time owners?

Collies are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.

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