Discover Everything About British Collie
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
British Collie overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The British Collie receives a grade C because the breed is affected by several known hereditary conditions. In particular, the MDR1 defect (drug sensitivity) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) are widespread in the population and require careful breeding selection. In addition, hip dysplasia (HD) should be ruled out in advance through appropriate mandatory health tests.
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Height
51–61 cm
Weight
18–29 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Medium length, dense, undercoat present
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- Black-white
- red-white
- gray-white
- completely white
- all colors
- patterns allowed
- diverse
- including blue
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a British Collie, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the British Collie right for you?
The British Collie is an elegant, extremely sensitive Hütehund (herding dog) — bred for close, vocal cooperation with sheep, which makes them a highly sensitive companion today that mirrors your every mood.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a responsive dog that bonds closely with you and reacts to subtle cues – harshness will instantly destroy the trust of this sensitive herding dog.
- You enjoy quiet, collaborative mental work like trick training or scent games without needing to perform athletic feats every single day.
- You live in a harmonious environment, as constant arguments or chaos in the house stress this breed immensely.
- You don't mind that they like to comment on their surroundings – Collies often use their voice as an outlet when they are excited.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that can walk stoically through loud crowds – their herding genetics compel them to constantly scan the movements and stimuli in their environment.
- You are looking for a tireless sports partner for intense agility or hours of cycling – the modern British type is often built too leisurely for that.
- You have to leave your dog alone for many hours regularly, as isolation is a real punishment for this extremely pack-oriented companion.
- You are looking for a tough guard dog to defend your home and property – while a Collie will alert you, they are more likely to back down in the face of a real threat.
The real vibes check
A British Collie is like a highly sensitive antenna in your living room: they register a bad day before you have even taken off your shoes. You aren't getting a stubborn order-follower, but a soft, thoughtful shadow that values harmony above all else – and for that very reason, they need calm, confident leadership so they don't crumble in our loud world.
Breed Profile
The British Collie is a versatile and intelligent dog breed, particularly distinguished by its eagerness to work and adaptability. Originally bred in Great Britain as a herding dog, the British Collie belongs to the group of herding and driving dogs. Its appearance is characterized by a medium-sized, athletic build, an expressive face with almond-shaped eyes, and erect ears. The dense, weather-resistant coat can come in various colors and protects it while working outdoors. Within the breed, there are different lines that may vary slightly in temperament and appearance, with all variants known for their intelligence, willingness to learn, and loyalty. The British Collie is an excellent companion for active people who are looking for a hardworking and loyal dog.
| Height | 51 - 56 cm (Female), 56 - 61 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 25 kg (Female), 20 - 29 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Character | Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive |
| Coat | Medium length, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Black-white, red-white, gray-white, and completely white; all colors and patterns allowed; diverse, including blue, red, brindle, black, brown, leopard-colored |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the British Collie begins in the 19th century in Great Britain. Originally, these dogs were used as versatile working dogs on farms, where they helped herd sheep and other livestock. Through selective breeding, special emphasis was placed on intelligence, endurance, and a friendly nature. British nobles and farmers valued the Collie for its adaptability and work ethic. Over time, the British Collie developed into an independent breed that is popular both as a working dog and as a family pet. Official recognition was granted in the early 20th century by the Kennel Club in Great Britain.
The British Collie was bred as a sheep herding dog in Scotland and northern England.
Great Britain
1800
Character & Temperament
The British Collie is an intelligent and versatile dog with a balanced temperament. It is characterized by its close bond with the family and is both friendly and attentive. Due to its origin as a herding dog, it has a strong work drive and therefore requires regular mental and physical exercise. The British Collie learns quickly and is very motivated to please its owner. It is excellent for various activities such as obedience training, agility, or scent work. Despite its active nature, it can adapt well to family life if sufficiently challenged. Being alone is easier for it if it is accustomed to it early on. Its prey drive and herding behavior are shown in a natural interest in moving objects, which is why consistent training and a stable bond are important. The British Collie is alert without being aggressive and is well suited as a family and companion dog that appreciates both calm and activity.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
British Collie: The British Collie is known for its impressive coat, which not only looks beautiful but also protects it in wind and weather – perfect for long walks in nature. Additionally, they are so smart and eager to learn that they often excel in dog sports and as loyal family companions.
What Awaits You
The British Collie is an intelligent and hardworking dog, characterized by its willingness to learn and endurance. It requires meaningful activity and plenty of exercise to remain balanced. The British Collie is alert and loyal, well suited as a family dog, and shows a close bond with its people. Its medium-length coat is easy to care for and also protects it in adverse weather conditions.
Housing & Care
British Collies are extremely intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that form a close bond with their family. They are very attentive and sensitive, making them excellent companions for active people. Due to their strong work drive, they require a lot of mental and physical exercise, which makes them especially suitable for families or individuals who can dedicate a lot of time to training and shared activities. When interacting with children, British Collies usually show a friendly and patient nature, although a careful introduction and supervision with small children is advisable. They generally get along well with other dogs and pets if socialized early. Purely apartment living is only conditionally suitable, as the Collie needs a lot of movement and activity to remain balanced and content.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
British Collies are extremely eager to learn and attentive dogs that enjoy being challenged. Their pronounced work and exercise drive makes it important to provide them with both mental and physical activity. Similar to German Shepherds, they benefit from varied training that appeals to their intelligence and work enthusiasm. Training should always be positive and consistent to strengthen the close bond between you and your Collie. Due to their sensitive nature, they respond particularly well to gentle, reward-based methods. Early socialization and learning frustration tolerance are essential to control unwanted behaviors such as excessive herding or prey drive. British Collies are excellent for dog sports like obedience, agility, or mantrailing, where they can demonstrate their versatility and work enthusiasm. It is important to ensure that you do not overwhelm the dog but also allow it rest periods. Overall, the British Collie requires committed training and clear leadership but rewards you with a loyal, intelligent, and versatile companion that, with the right support, develops into a balanced family dog.
Nutrition & Care
British Collie: The British Collie requires a balanced diet that supports its active lifestyle. High-quality dog food with a good proportion of proteins and essential nutrients is ideal to strengthen its muscles and maintain its energy. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as the Collie can easily gain weight otherwise. The coat of the British Collie is dense and weather-resistant, with a thick undercoat that protects it from the cold. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, is important to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Especially during the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, they shed more heavily, so more intensive coat care is necessary then. The British Collie adapts well to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are also very important for this intelligent and active breed.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The British Collie receives a grade C because the breed is affected by several known hereditary conditions. In particular, the MDR1 defect (drug sensitivity) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) are widespread in the population and require careful breeding selection. In addition, hip dysplasia (HD) should be ruled out in advance through appropriate mandatory health tests.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should inform your vet about their potential medication sensitivity before any anesthesia or treatment, ensure they get joint-friendly exercise, and schedule regular eye check-ups.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips and eyes tested and pay strict attention to the genetic markers for neurological conditions and medication tolerance to reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the British Collie
Sabine M., Halterin aus NRW (Hündin, seit 2021)
Unsere Britische Collie-Hündin ist die Sanftmut in Person. Sie will uns immer gefallen und lernt unglaublich schnell. Diese extreme Sensibilität und „Führerweichheit“ hat aber auch eine Kehrseite: Wenn man mal in einem etwas strengeren Ton spricht, bezieht sie das sofort auf sich und zieht sich verunsichert zurück. Druck oder Härte in der Erziehung verbieten sich bei dieser Rasse von selbst.
Ein weiteres Thema, das wir anfangs unterschätzt haben, ist ihre Geräuschempfindlichkeit. Gewitter, Silvesterböller oder auch nur das plötzliche Zischen einer Kaffeemaschine machen ihr manchmal Angst. Man muss im Alltag sehr feinfühlig agieren und ihr viel Sicherheit geben. Dafür ist sie im Haus absolut ruhig, kuschelt gerne (wenn auch nicht aufdringlich) und ist draußen eine tolle Begleiterin.
Christian B., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2018)
Wer sich einen Britischen Collie anschafft, sollte wissen, dass diese Hunde sehr mitteilsam sein können. Unser Rüde kommentiert gefühlt jede Alltagssituation mit einem Fiepen, Brummen oder auch mal einem hellen Bellen. Collies neigen durchaus dazu, recht gesprächig zu sein, und man muss von Anfang an konsequent darauf achten, dass das Anschlagen an der Tür oder beim Spielen nicht ausartet.
Ein ganz wichtiges Thema für uns war die Gesundheit, speziell der MDR1-Defekt, der bei der Rasse leider sehr verbreitet ist. Unser Rüde wurde darauf getestet und wir müssen bei Medikamenten, Wurmkuren und sogar bestimmten Flohmitteln extrem aufpassen, da manche Wirkstoffe für ihn lebensgefährlich sein können. Auch die Fellpflege erfordert Disziplin: Wenn man nicht mindestens alle paar Tage gründlich bürstet, verfilzt die feine Unterwolle – besonders hinter den Ohren – extrem schnell.
Janina K., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2022)
Vor dem Kauf haben uns viele Leute gewarnt, dass ein Hütehund doch viel zu anstrengend sei und permanente Beschäftigung brauche. Das kann ich für unseren Briten absolut nicht bestätigen. Er ist unglaublich anpassungsfähig. Wenn wir am Wochenende wandern gehen, läuft er problemlos kilometerweit mit, aber wenn wir unter der Woche mal weniger Zeit haben, reichen ihm auch normale Spaziergänge, ohne dass er die Wohnung umdekoriert. Er braucht definitiv keine Schafe, um glücklich zu sein.
Was man allerdings wissen sollte: Er ist Fremden gegenüber recht reserviert. Er ist kein Hund, der schwanzwedelnd auf jeden Passanten zuläuft, sondern weicht fremden Händen lieber dezent aus. Für uns ist das im Alltag eigentlich sehr angenehm, aber wer einen „Jedermanns-Freund“ sucht, wird mit dem typischen Collie-Charakter vielleicht nicht ganz glücklich.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
Sell British Collie Puppies
Breeding British Collie? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Frequently asked questions about the British Collie
Is a British Collie the right dog for me?
The British Collie is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a British Collie live?
The average life expectancy of a British Collie is 10-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a British Collie need?
British Collie grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a British Collie good for families with children?
The British Collie can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
British Collie Breeders Near You
Find verified British Collie breeders in your region
Popular puppy searches
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.