Collie
Family-friendly and easily recognizable
Collies 101
Herding groupEveryone 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
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Collie
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Arthritis
Dental disease
Senior Collie
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Arthritis
Liver disease
Intervertebral disc disease
Collie puppy
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Conjunctivitis
Gastroenteritis
Urinary tract infection
Young adult Collie
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Seizures
Conjunctivitis
Mature adult Collie
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Arthritis
Dental disease
Senior Collie
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Arthritis
Liver disease
Intervertebral disc disease
Collie puppy
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Conjunctivitis
Gastroenteritis
Urinary tract infection
Young adult Collie
Risk level for common Collie conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease
Seizures
Conjunctivitis
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
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.
How often should I bathe my Collie?
Collies can be bathed monthly, weekly or as needed (if they roll in mud, for example!). Use a pet-specific shampoo and conditioner or an all-in-one product. If your dog’s coat or skin isn’t looking healthy, check with your veterinary healthcare team to see what might be causing the problem.
Should I cut my Collie’s hair?
Collies usually don't need haircuts. On the rare occasion that a Collie's soft undercoat gets extremely matted, being clipped short may be required. The breed's double coat will take a while to grow out, but it will eventually recover.
How often should I brush my Collie?
Weekly combing and brushing down to the skin will keep a Collie's coat in good shape. Because the Collie's double coat is thick, many get a professional grooming every two to three months, with regular at-home combing and brushing between appointments.
Collie exercise & training
Collie fun facts
Top girl names for Collies
of Collies are female
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
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free