Collie Mix
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Collie mixes typically inherit herding instincts, intelligence, and medium-to-large size from Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, or Rough Collie ancestry. These energetic dogs usually need active homes with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and may show herding behaviors like nipping at heels or trying to control household movement.
Quick Facts
Group
Herding Mix
Life Expectancy
10-14 years
Height
16-22 in
Weight
25-60 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
90 min/day
Herding Mix context: Mixed-breed profile with strongest traits in the Herding lineage. Herding breeds were selected to move livestock. They are usually smart, energetic, and motion-sensitive.
Finding Your Collie Mix
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Collie Mixs are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Collie Mixs in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. Mixed breeds often have fewer health issues and make wonderful companions!
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Varies depending on mix lineage, but most do best with daily walks, play, and short training sessions.
Very High
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Health outlook is variable in mixes and depends on lineage, structure, and preventive care. Routine screening and weight control improve long-term outcomes.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Collie Mixs generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Very High
High
~6h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
High
Very High
High
Moderate
High
Training & Behavior
Very High
Moderate
High
High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
High
High
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
High
Moderate
High
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
High
High
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Collie Mix originated in Mixed.
Original Purpose
Collie Mix lines were developed for herding livestock. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Mixed. Mixed-breed profile with strongest traits in the Herding lineage. Herding breeds were selected to move livestock. They are usually smart, energetic, and motion-sensitive.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Collie Mixes combine Collies (usually rough or smooth coat varieties) with other breeds, attempting to create herding dogs with improved health.
These hybrid breeds inherit varying amounts of Collie temperament and work drive depending on the parent breed mix.
Collie Mixes can suffer from hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) if the Collie parent carries these genetic conditions.
The popularity of Collie Mixes has led to indiscriminate breeding, sometimes resulting in genetic problems that exceed those of purebred Collies.
Collie Mixes require careful health screening to identify potential hip dysplasia or eye conditions from their Collie parent.
Famous Collie Mix Dogs
Notable representatives
This breed has notable examples across working roles, sport, and companionship media.
Modern ambassadors
Current visibility is usually driven by active owners, trainers, and rescue advocacy.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Collie Mixs
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Channel high energy into structured exercise and activities
Recommended Products
Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Is Collie Mix right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Collie Mix compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Collie Mix are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance