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Scotch Collie Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Scotch Collie so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank500
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Scotch Collie dog profile picture
OriginScotland flagScotland
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Scotch Collie known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Old Farm CollieScottish CollieFarm Collie
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Scotch Collie? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Scotch Collie Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Scotch Collie? Learn how big the Scotch Collie breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Scotch Collie weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Scotch Collie breed.
Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Scotch Collie?
Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Scotch Collie? Scotch Collie height:
Male: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Scotch Collie?
Male: 22.5 inches (57 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Scotch Collie Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Scotch Collie puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Scotch Collie costs.
$700-$900
If you choose to purchase the Scotch Collie, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Scotch Collie for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Scotch Collie gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Scotch Collie? How many Scotch Collie are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Scotch Collie Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Scotch Collie? Discover the Scotch Collie's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Scotch Collie dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Scotch Collie is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Scotch Collie? Learn about the Scotch Collie's trainability and response to training methods.
Scotch Collie dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Scotch Collie as a watchdog? Learn about the Scotch Collie's alertness and guarding instincts.
Scotch Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Scotch Collie dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Scotch Collie protective of its territory? Learn about the Scotch Collie's guarding instincts and behavior.
Scotch Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Scotch Collie can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Scotch Collie will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Scotch Collie Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Scotch Collie have? Learn about characteristic Scotch Collie temperament and behavior traits.
ProtectiveIntelligentFriendlyResponsiveLoyalGentleSocial
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Scotch Collie sensitivity:
Sensitive: Scotch Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Scotch Collie a good family dog?
High: Scotch Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Old Farm Collie need? Scotch Collie social needs:
Scotch Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Scotch Collie to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Scotch Collie roam?
Scotch Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Scotch Collie have high prey drive?
Scotch Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Scotch Collie dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Scotch Collie Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Scotch Collie bark a lot? Learn about typical Scotch Collie vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Scotch Collie is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Scotch Collie? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Scotch Collie breed.
The Scotch Collie is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Scotch Collie live in an apartment? Learn about the Scotch Collie's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Scotch Collie indoors.

Scotch Collie Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Scotch Collie to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Scotch Collie's flexibility to new situations.
Scotch Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Scotch Collie be left alone? Learn about the Scotch Collie's tolerance to solitude.
Scotch Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Scotch Collie Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Scotch Collie biting potential? Learn about the Scotch Collie's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Scotch Collie has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Scotch Collie mouthy? Learn about the Scotch Collie's tendency to use mouth during play.
Scotch Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Scotch Collie dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Scotch Collie bite? Learn about the Scotch Collie's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Scotch Collie bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Scotch Collie measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Scotch Collie is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Scotch Collie bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Scotch Collie bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Scotch Collie puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Scotch Collie, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Scotch Collie bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Scotch Collie can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Scotch Collie Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Scotch Collie live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Scotch Collie breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Scotch Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Scotch Collie handle different weather? Learn about the Scotch Collie's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Scotch Collie? Discover typical conditions affecting the Scotch Collie breed.
The Scotch Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Scotch Collie need vet visits? Learn about the Scotch Collie's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Scotch Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Scotch Collie Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Scotch Collie? Understand daily activity needs of the Scotch Collie breed.
Scotch Collie dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Scotch Collie need? How much exercise do Scotch Collie dogs require per day?

Do Scotch Collie dogs need a lot of exercises?

Scotch Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Scotch Collie breed need?
Scotch Collie dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Scotch Collie Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Scotch Collie prone to weight gain? Learn about the Scotch Collie's obesity risks.
Average: The Scotch Collie has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Scotch Collie weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Scotch Collie need daily? Learn about the Scotch Collie's feeding requirements.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Scotch Collie Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Scotch Collie hypoallergenic? Learn about the Scotch Collie's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Scotch Collie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Scotch Collie come in? Discover all possible Scotch Collie color variations.
White SableBlue & Merle Black & White
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Scotch Collie need? Learn about Scotch Collie coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Scotch Collie requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Scotch Collie a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Scotch Collie, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Scotch Collie drool a lot? Learn about the Scotch Collie's drooling habits.
The Scotch Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Scotch Collie could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Scotch Collie.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Scotch Collie smell bad? Learn about the Scotch Collie's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Scotch Collie has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Scotch Collie have? Learn about the Scotch Collie's fur characteristics.
DenseThickFlat
Bathing Needs
How often does a Scotch Collie need baths? Learn about the Scotch Collie's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Scotch Collie dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Old Farm Collie? Do Scotch Collie dogs shed a lot?
Scotch Collie dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Scotch Collie Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Scotch Collie good with children? Learn about the Scotch Collie's behavior around kids of different ages.
Scotch Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Scotch Collie get along with other pets? Discover the Scotch Collie's compatibility with other animals.
Scotch Collie dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Scotch Collie temperament with other people:
Scotch Collie dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Scotch Collie dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Scotch Collie breed live with a cat?
Scotch Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Scotch Collie good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Scotch Collie dogs get along with other dogs?
Scotch Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Scotch Collie can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Scotch Collie breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Scotch Collie breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Scotch Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Scotch Collie dogs good office canines? Do Scotch Collie dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Scotch Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Scotch Collie dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Old Farm Collie temperament with senior people? Are Scotch Collie dogs good for elderly owners?
Scotch Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Scotch Collie As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Scotch Collie be a service dog? Learn about the Scotch Collie's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Scotch Collie is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Scotch Collie good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Scotch Collie's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Scotch Collie is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Scotch Collie good at detection work? Learn about the Scotch Collie's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Scotch Collie is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Scotch Collie do search and rescue? Learn about the Scotch Collie's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Scotch Collie is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Scotch Collie good on boats? Learn about the Scotch Collie's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Scotch Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Scotch Collie pull carts? Learn about the Scotch Collie's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Scotch Collie is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Scotch Collie used in military service? Learn about the Scotch Collie's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Scotch Collie Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Scotch Collie usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
8-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Scotch Collie pregnant? Learn about the Scotch Collie's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Scotch Collie: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Scotch Collie have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Scotch Collie Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Scotch Collie in? Learn about the Scotch Collie's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Scotch Collie in? Learn about the Scotch Collie's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Scotch Collie? Learn about the Scotch Collie's official recognition.
Dog Registry of America Inc.

Scotch Collie Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Scotch Collie dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: Scotch Collie dogs are very easy to train.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Scotch Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Scotch Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Scotch Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Scotch Collie dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Scotch Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Scotch Collie dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Scotch Collie dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Scotch Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Scotch Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Scotch Collie dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Scotch Collie requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Scotch Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Scotch Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Scotch Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Scotch Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Scotch Collie History

The Scotch Collie is a Collie dog that is thought to be naturally developed over many centuries in Scotland. The Scotch Collie is also referred to simply as Collie in parts of Scotland, and also as Old Farm Collie, for the reason being that the breed was first extensively used by farmers. The breed was mostly valued for their farmyard abilities, including guarding and shepherding livestock, thus the Scotch Collie was considered to be a quintessential farm dog.

It is widely believed that Collie’s ancestors were brought to Scotland nearly 2000 years, by the Romans during their conquest of Britain in the first century of the Common Era. Over multiple centuries, the Roman herding stock was cross-bred with local breeds. Sometimes within this long period of undocumented history, a stout-hearted shepherding dog, with great resemblance to the Collie, came into the focus of both breeders and farmers as the ideal working companion. Queen Victoria was the first famous royal, who got charmed by the breed. Her abiding love for the Scotch Collie made a lasting impact on Collie’s history. During her extended stays at the Balmoral Castle, on the Scottish Highlands, she always surrounded herself with these loving dogs. By the second half of the 19th century, thanks to Queen Victoria’s efforts, she managed to popularize the breed. Her enthusiasm for Collies led the breed to become a worldwide canine superstar.

In the early 1800s, the breed got exported to the United States of America and to Canada, where they also stole the hearts of both the city and the farmer people. However, the breed mostly was used around farms, as a multi-purpose shepherding dog, who could also keep the number of mice and rats down in the sheds and barns. The Scotch Collie was portrayed in several paintings in the early 1800s, by artists Sir Edwin Henry Landseer and by Richard Ansdell. In 1885, one year after the AKC (American Kennel Club) was established, it recognized the breed, nevertheless, later, the Club changed the Collie classifications to Rough Collie and Smooth Collie, consequently pushing the original Scotch Collie to the side. These varieties of the Collie were a product of crossbreeding the Scotch Collie with either the Borzoi or the Greyhound. The Scotch Collie is also considered as a foundation of the Broder Collie and the Australian Shepherd. As time passed by, the Scotch Collie’s popularity declined and got replaced with the modern varieties. The breed’s numbers decreased to the point when it was fearful that the breed will be lost. In the 1990s, there was a movement in the United States, focusing on the restoration and the revitalization of the breed. This renewed type of Collie is referred to as Old-Time Farm Shepherds or Old-Fashioned Collies to avoid confusion.

Nowadays the breed’s numbers are around 200, so it is safe to say, that the breed remains in rarity, even though the breed is extremely well-known in pop culture. In the 20th century in America, an author and dog enthusiast named Albert Payson Terhune popularized the Scotch Collie for generations when he wrote the Adventures of the Sunnybank Collies. Later, in 1940, a British author, Eric Knight one of the most famous pop-culture franchises of all time with his novel Lassie Come Home. Because of Knight’s books, many spin-off movies, series were made in the name of Lassie, who stole the younglings’ hearts.

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