Collie Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Collie lives 12–14 years, with a median of 13 years.
The Collie is an elegant, intelligent herding breed made famous by the fictional Lassie, and the real dog lives up to much of the legend. Available in Rough (long-coated) and Smooth (short-coated) varieties, Collies are gentle, loyal, and remarkably intuitive with their families. They are one of the most family-friendly breeds in existence, combining intelligence and trainability with a sensitive, devoted temperament that makes them outstanding companions and therapy dogs.
12–14
years lifespan
60–75
lbs (male)
24–26
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
How Long Do Collies Live?
Collies have a lifespan of 12–14 years, with a median of 13 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Collie lives:
- MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity)
- Collie eye anomaly
- progressive retinal atrophy
- dermatomyositis (breed-specific skin disease)
- bloat in deep-chested individuals
Temperament
How Old Is Your Collie in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Collie Age CalculatorCollie Size & Weight
60–75 lbs
Male weight
50–65 lbs
Female weight
24–26″
Male height
22–24″
Female height
Size category: large · Group: Herding
Common Collie Health Problems
MDR1 Gene Mutation (Multi-Drug Resistance 1)
Approximately 70% of Collies carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes a defective blood-brain barrier that allows certain drugs to accumulate to toxic levels in the brain. Affected dogs can experience severe neurological reactions — including seizures, coma, and death — from common medications including ivermectin (at high doses), loperamide, and certain anaesthetics, sedatives, and chemotherapy drugs. This is the most important breed-specific health concern for Collie owners to understand.
Typical onset: 0–0 years
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Collie Eye Anomaly is an inherited developmental condition affecting the choroid (blood vessel layer) of the eye. It ranges from mild choroidal hypoplasia (often not clinically significant) to severe colobomas and retinal detachments that can cause blindness. CEA is present from birth and does not progress after about 8 weeks of age, meaning the severity at the initial examination is the lifetime severity. Approximately 70-90% of Collies are affected to some degree.
Typical onset: 0–0 years
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA — rcd2 form)
Rod-cone dysplasia type 2 (rcd2) is the form of progressive retinal atrophy specific to Collies. It causes degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the retina, beginning with rod cells (causing night blindness) and eventually affecting cone cells (causing complete blindness). Unlike CEA, PRA is progressive and eventually leads to total vision loss. However, dogs typically adapt well over the gradual course of the disease.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Dermatomyositis (DMS)
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin and muscles that is unique to Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. It causes skin lesions (crusting, hair loss, scarring) typically on the face, ears, tail tip, and bony prominences, along with muscle inflammation that can cause difficulty eating and moving. The condition ranges from mild skin-only involvement to severe systemic disease. It is hereditary but triggered by environmental factors including UV exposure and viral infections.
Typical onset: 0.25–1 years
Bloat/Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Collies have a moderately deep chest that places them at elevated risk for bloat, though not at the extreme levels of giant or very deep-chested breeds. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and potentially rotates, cutting off blood supply. It is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention. The risk increases with age and is higher in dogs that eat rapidly, exercise near mealtimes, or eat one large daily meal.
Typical onset: 5–12 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Collies:
- MDR1 DNA test
- CEA/CH DNA test and ophthalmologic examination
- PRA (rcd2) DNA test
- DMS DNA test
- Hip evaluation (OFA radiographs)
- Thyroid panel
Typical Veterinary Costs
Collies are generally rated medium on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Routine wellness care plus budget for breed-specific screening tests.
When Is a Collie Considered Senior?
Collies are generally considered senior at around 9 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Collie’s age in human years →Collie Exercise Needs
Adult Collies need 45–90 minutes of exercise per day. Adult Collies have moderate exercise needs by herding breed standards — they are not as demanding as Border Collies or Australian Shepherds. A 45-90 minute combination of physical and mental exercise daily keeps them happy. They excel at canine sports including agility, herding, obedience, and rally. Collies that lack sufficient exercise and mental stimulation may develop nuisance barking or herding behaviour directed at family members.
Cautions: Rough Collies overheat more easily than Smooth Collies — adjust for weather; never shave a Rough Collie's coat (it provides insulation both ways); avoid midday exercise in summer; provide shade and water on all outings
Collie Diet & Nutrition
Adult Collies typically eat 2–3 cups of high-quality adult formula with skin and coat support per day, split into 2 meals. Adult Collies do well on a high-quality adult formula with emphasis on skin and coat nutrition. Rough Collies in particular benefit from omega fatty acid supplementation for coat condition. Feed two measured meals daily — Collies are not typically food-obsessed but can gain weight if overfed and under-exercised. Choose a formula appropriate for the dog's activity level.
Key nutrients: lean animal protein for muscle maintenance, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, glucosamine for joint support, vitamin E for skin health, probiotics for digestive health
Collies should maintain a lean, athletic build throughout life. The Rough Collie's thick coat can disguise weight gain, so hands-on body condition assessment is essential — run your hands along the sides to feel the ribs, which should be palpable with light pressure. An overweight Collie is at increased risk for joint problems and decreased stamina. Collies are generally moderate eaters compared to many breeds, but reduced exercise without reduced food intake leads to gradual weight gain. Adjust portions based on activity level and body condition rather than following package guidelines alone.
Collie Dental Care
Collies generally have good dental architecture thanks to their long, well-proportioned muzzle, which provides adequate spacing for teeth. Dental disease progression tends to be moderate compared to brachycephalic or toy breeds. However, consistent home care is still important. A critical consideration is that MDR1-affected Collies require modified anaesthetic protocols for professional dental cleanings — ensure your veterinarian is aware of your dog's MDR1 status before any procedure requiring sedation or anaesthesia. Regular brushing is well-tolerated by this cooperative breed and reduces the frequency of professional cleanings.
Collie Coat & Grooming
Coat type
Rough variety: long, abundant double coat with harsh outer coat and soft undercoat. Smooth variety: short, dense, flat double coat.
Shedding
very high
Energy
moderate
Collie Trainability
Collies are rated easy to train. They typically calm down around 24 months of age.