Herding dog Large size 22-34 kg

Long Haired Collie

A gentle, highly trainable herding dog that makes a devoted family companion - the trade-off is a heavy coat that needs regular grooming and a sensitivity to a common drug reaction.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
22-34 kg, 51-61 cm tall
Moderate-high
Activity
Active herder; enjoys daily exercise
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company but copes with routine
Excellent
Trainability
Very smart and eager to please
High
Coat care
Long double coat needs regular brushing
Excellent
Fit with kids
Gentle, patient family dog
Good
Other pets
Sociable; may herd other animals
Light
Health burden
Generally healthy; eyes and MDR1 to watch

The Long Haired Collie typically weighs 22-34 kg, stands 51-61 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a gentle, trainable family dog that bonds closely,
you can give it a daily walk plus play or training,
you will brush a heavy double coat every week,
you want a sensitive, biddable dog for sport or obedience.

Do not consider this breed if…

you cannot keep up with regular brushing and seasonal shedding,
you want a bold guard dog; this breed is soft and often reserved,
the dog would be alone for long full days most weekdays,
you will not test for MDR1 or warn your vet about drug sensitivity.

A typical day with a Long Haired Collie

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Walk or off-leash run to start the day
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Chew or puzzle, then rests near you
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk and a training refresher
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Play or a game of fetch in the yard
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk or a family activity
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Quick brush-through, then settles down

Temperament and training

Trainability Very high
Sensitivity High
Sociability High
Herding instinct High
Guarding tendency Low
Vocality Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Letting the double coat mat instead of brushing it weekly · Giving a smart, sensitive dog no mental work · Skipping the MDR1 test before common medications or wormers

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Gentle and patient; a classic family dog.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats Good
Fine when raised together; may try to herd.
Apartment Conditional
Possible with enough daily exercise and can bark.
House with a yard Ideal
Space to move suits this active herder.
City Manages
Copes with enough exercise; can be vocal.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and a job to do.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Collie eye anomaly Inherited; screening available
MDR1 drug sensitivity Reacts to some drugs; DNA test guides dosing
Hip dysplasia Screened in breeding stock
Progressive retinal atrophy Inherited; DNA testing available

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Smaller collie type with a similar look and temperament
Shetland Sheepdog
A bright, sensitive small herder with a Border Collie work ethic in a manageable package - just be ready for the shedding and the barking.
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Same breed with an easier-care coat
Smooth Collie
A sensitive, easy-to-groom herding dog that is devoted and biddable - great for active families who can meet its need for company.
View profile →
Related herder with far higher drive
Border Collie
An exceptionally quick-learning working dog that needs daily physical and mental work - without it, it invents a "job" of its own.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Long Haired Collie cost in the US?
Pups from reputable breeders commonly run $800-$2,000, with health-tested show lines costing more. Over a 12-14 year life, food, grooming and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more, and a chronic eye or joint problem can add thousands on top.
How much grooming does a Long Haired Collie need?
A lot. The long double coat needs brushing at least once a week, more during the twice-yearly heavy shed, to prevent mats behind the ears and legs. Budget time or professional grooming; this is not a wash-and-go breed.
What is MDR1 and why does it matter?
Many collie-type dogs carry an MDR1 gene variant that makes them sensitive to certain common drugs, including some parasite treatments and anesthetics. A simple DNA test tells you the status, and you should share it with your vet before medicating. It is manageable once you know.
Are Long Haired Collies good family dogs?
Yes, they are one of the gentler, more patient herding breeds and bond closely with children. They can be reserved with strangers and vocal, and they still need daily exercise and mental work to stay content.