Collie Mix

Canis Lupis Familiaris

Last updated: March 30, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Majonit/Shutterstock.com

Collies were a beloved dog breed by Queen Victoria.


Advertisement


Collie Mix Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis Lupis Familiaris

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Collie Mix Conservation Status

Collie Mix Locations

Collie Mix Facts

Name Of Young
Puppies
Fun Fact
Collies were a beloved dog breed by Queen Victoria.
Temperament
Loyal, hardworking, and playful
Diet
Omnivore
Slogan
Hardworking and playful herding dog

Collie Mix Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
  • Dark Brown
Skin Type
Fur
Lifespan
12-15 years on average
Weight
45-80 pounds
Height
18-28 inches

View all of the Collie Mix images!



Share on:

Collie mixes are most commonly known for their friendly and loyal temperament. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them great family pets. Collie mixes typically have a medium to long coat, which may require regular brushing to prevent matting. The origins of the collie breed date back to the 18th century in Europe, where they were originally bred as working dogs on farms. Today, collies are still used as working dogs in many parts of the world but have also become popular family pets. Collies belong to the herding group of dogs, which includes other popular breeds, such as German shepherds and border collies.

Border Collie with Kong toy

The origins of the collie breed date back to the 18th century in Europe, where they were originally bred as working dogs on farms.

©Tepepa79/Shutterstock.com

Fun Fact

Queen Victoria was a big fan of collies and even kept some as pets at her various residences. She loved their intelligence and playful nature and often remarked on how they were such loyal and devoted companions.

The Different Types of Collie Mixes

A beautiful old, German Shepherd - Border Collie Mix breed dog, Shollie, is sitting outside in the deciduous forest, listening with his ears perked up.

A beautiful old, German Shepherd – Border Collie Mix breed dog, or a “Shollie.”

©Christin Lola/Shutterstock.com

There are many different types of collie mixes. Some standouts include the afollie, the gollie, the German collie, and the sprollie. Each of these mixes has its own unique set of traits and characteristics that make it special.

The afollie is a mix between a collie and an Afghan hound. These mixed dogs are medium to large, and they will typically be larger than your average collie. The afollie requires a lot of grooming, thanks to its Afghan hound side. Although afollies are incredibly intelligent, they may be stubborn and refuse to train, so start training as soon as possible!

The gollie is a collie and golden retriever mix. It is a medium-sized dog with high exercise needs. They’re incredibly intelligent, agile, and obedient. Gollies tend to have loving personalities, but beware of its coat! It does require a lot of grooming, especially during shedding season.

The German collie is a German shepherd and collie mix. It is a medium to large dog, and it typically has a hardworking and active personality. As with the other collie mixes, the German collie does require a lot of grooming and brushing. This dog breed is incredibly intelligent, and they love to chase things.

The sprollie is a mix between the English springer spaniel and the collie. This is a loving and sweet dog with a lot of energy. This medium-sized mix is obedient, agile, and eager to please. Sprollies thrive best in homes where they can interact with their humans often.

Other types of collie mixes include:

The Best Dog Food For Collie Mixes 

Collie mixes are high-energy dogs that need much exercise to stay healthy and happy, so they must have a diet rich in nutrients. An unbalanced diet can lead to problems with their coat, skin, eyes, teeth, and overall health. An excellent food recommendation is Merrick Dry Dog Food. This grain-free dog food comes with healthy and natural ingredients, 70% of which comes from meat, and the rest comes from fresh produce! This dog food will also give your collie mix a high amount of omega-fatty acids to keep its coat looking sleek and healthy.

victor performance dog food

An excellent food recommendation for collies is Merrick Dry Dog Food.

©Dvorakova Veronika/Shutterstock.com

Owning a Collie Mix: 3 Pros and Cons

Pros!Cons!
A great family dog! Collie mixes are known to be great family dogs with their loving and sensitive nature. Those who own a collie breed will tell you how loving and loyal these dogs are.Hard to groom Collie mixes can usually have long and shaggy hair, which can be hard to groom for some people. They can get matted fur and collect dirt and debris when outside. Additionally, their fur will shed quite regularly, leaving fur throughout your home.
Playful and energetic! Collie mixes are very high energy and for some, this might be a huge pro. They love to play outside, go for walks and hikes with their owners, and play with the kids for hours.Loud Collie mixes can be quite loud at times. As collies are herding dogs, their relatives and ancestors would bark and run around livestock to round them up. While occasional barking for dogs is normal, collie mix barking may become excessive without training or an active outlet.
Smart and obedient! Collie mixes are known to be quite intelligent and can pick up new tricks and commands quickly. They will give you all their attention when learning new tricks and be eager to learn.Exercise needed! While a positive trait for many, a collie mixes’ high-energy drive can be challenging for others. Without regular exercise, collie mixes may get bored easily and become more irritable and destructive without a way to burn off their extra energy.
Collie beagler on rocks

Collie mixes love to play outside, go for walks and hikes with their owners, and play with the kids for hours.

©Carly Underwater/Shutterstock.com

Size and Weight 

Every dog grows at a different rate, just like humans do. And depending on what breed your collie mix is mixed with, height and size can vary. But generally, collie mixes may grow to be around 18 to 25 inches for females, and males are slightly larger at 20 to 28 inches tall. In terms of weight, a collie mix can weigh anywhere between 45 to 75 pounds for females and 50 to 80 pounds for fully-grown males.

Height (Male)20-28 inches
Height (Female)18-25 inches
Weight (Male)50-80 pounds
Weight (Female)45-75 pounds

Common Health Issues

One of the most common health problems for collies is Collie Eye Anomaly, a genetic disorder affecting the affected dogs’ eyesight. Seizures are also relatively common in collie mixes and can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, and illness. Hip Dysplasia is another condition that is seen fairly often in these dog breeds, which usually occurs due to genetics.

While these health problems can be daunting, it’s important to remember that mixed-breed dogs are generally quite hardy and resilient, and your pet may not have any of these issues. With proper care and attention, your dog will likely enjoy a long and healthy life!

Common health issues in collie mixes:

  • Seizures
  • Eye anomaly
  • Hip dysplasia

Temperament and Behavior

Generally speaking, collie mixes also tend to be very loyal and protective of their family. They are also known for being intelligent and easy to train. Some of the more specific behavioral traits that are common in collie mixes include:

  • Behavior: Collie mixes are typically very well-behaved dogs. They are not prone to excessive barking or chewing when trained from a young age, and they usually have a calm demeanor as they age. But since they are high-energy, you need to ensure the collie mix has an outlet.
  • Personality: Collie mixes are often described as being friendly and good-natured. They typically get along well with other animals and people and make great companions.
  • Energy: Collie mixes tend to be very active and energetic dogs. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation, so they may not be the best choice for someone who is looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Dog, Plastic Disc, Catching, Jumping, Collie

Collie mixes tend to be very active and energetic dogs. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation.

©iStock.com/eAlisa

How to Take Care of Collie Mixes

When preparing to bring home your puppy for the first time, you may be wondering about the best ways to care for your new pet, such as how to groom them, how to train them, and even how much to walk them. It’s always best to research these queries before bringing home your new pet to give them the best possible start.

Maintenance and Grooming

Collie mixes will need to be brushed regularly to avoid mats and tangles. They must also be bathed as needed – typically every few weeks – using a gentle shampoo. It’s essential to avoid getting water in their ears, as this can lead to infection.

Collie mixes are moderate shedders so that you can expect some hair around your home. However, they don’t usually require any special grooming beyond regular brushing and bathing.

Some common skin or fur problems that collie mixes may experience include allergies, hot spots, and dry skin. If you notice any of these issues with your dog, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for treatment options.

Training 

First and foremost, it is essential to remember that every dog is different and will therefore have different levels of intelligence and trainability. That said, collie mixes are generally considered very intelligent dogs, so while there are no guarantees, they are often easier to train than other breeds. They can understand commands quickly and retain information well.

Furthermore, they are typically eager to please their owners, making them easier to train. They want to make their humans happy, so they will work hard to learn whatever you are trying to teach them.

Exercise 

They are an active dog breed that needs daily exercise. They’ll do best in a home with a large backyard where they can run and play. A daily walk or run is also necessary for this breed, as are some interactive games like fetch or catch. Ideally, a collie mix should be walked at least twice daily for 30 minutes to an hour each time. However, this will vary depending on the individual dog’s energy level and exercise needs. Some may need more or less exercise than others.

Puppies 

One of the most important things to remember is that they are usually bred as working dogs, requiring much exercise. This means collie mix puppies can be quite energetic. A good rule of thumb is to give your puppy at least 30 minutes of vigorous daily activity. This can be in the form of walks, runs, or even games of fetch – anything that gets their heart rate up and tires them out!

In addition to exercise, it is also essential to begin training your puppy as soon as possible. Because they are intelligent dogs, collies pick up on commands quickly. However, without proper training, they can become easily bored and destructive. Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Once your pup has mastered these basics, you can move on to more advanced tricks or behaviors.

Raising a collie mix puppy can be much work but also gratifying! These pups are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners and will surely shower you with love and affection.

Types of Service Dogs

The collie mix is an amiable breed of dog that loves to play and be around people, especially kids.

©iStock.com/friedgreenbeans

Collie Mix And Children

The collie mix is an amiable breed of dog that loves to play and be around people, especially kids. They are known for being gentle and loving dogs that make great family pets. However, they may try to herd small children by nipping at their heels because they are a herding breed. This is not aggressive behavior, but it can be scary and confusing for young children.

It is essential to train them to avoid this behavior and be aware of their body language so you can intervene if necessary. Overall, they are a great dog breed for families with small children. They are loving and gentle dogs that bring great joy to your home.         

  • Bruno
  • Comet
  • Lassie
  • Pepper
  • Winston
  • Lady
  • Belle
  • Mia
  • Zeus
  • Molly
  • Miles
  • Maggie
  • Daisy
  • Finn
  • Abby

Famous Collie Mixes

There may not be any famous collie mixes, but there are a few notable ones. One of the most famous collies is Lassie, a character in several movies, TV shows, and books. Lassie was known for her loyalty and intelligence, and she is so famous that she has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Queen Victoria also famously owned collies.

View all 235 animals that start with C

Share on:
About the Author

Lev is a writer at AZ Animals who primarily covers topics on animals, geography, and plants. He has been writing for more than 4 years and loves researching topics and learning new things. His three biggest loves in the world are music, travel, and animals. He has his diving license and loves sea creatures. His favorite animal in the world is the manta ray.

Collie Mix FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does a collie mix cost to own?

Collie mix puppies can range from $100 upwards to a few thousand dollars to purchase, depending on what breed the collie is mixed with. It’s important to factor in vet and food bills as well.

Are collie mixes good with kids?

Collie mixes are known to be great family dogs who are good around kids, although it’s always best to teach small children how to behave appropriately around dogs.

How long does a collie mix live?

A collie mixes lifespan can vary from dog to dog, but on average, they can live for 12-15 years.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Newly Added Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.