Types of Collie Dog Breeds: Complete Guide to Every Collie Variant
Explore all types of collie dog breeds including Rough, Smooth, Border, Bearded, and more.
When people hear "collie," most picture the long-nosed, flowing-coated Rough Collie made famous by Lassie. But the collie family extends far beyond that single image. The word "collie" itself likely derives from the Old Celtic word for "useful" or the Anglo-Saxon "colley" referring to black-faced sheep, and over centuries, distinct collie types have been developed across the British Isles and beyond for herding, companionship, and working roles.
This guide covers every recognized type of collie dog breed — from the iconic Rough Collie to lesser-known varieties like the Bearded Collie and the Smooth Collie — so you can understand what unites them, what sets them apart, and which might fit your household.
Selection Criteria: What Qualifies a Breed for This List
To be included in this roundup, a breed must meet all of the following:
- Collie lineage or designation: The breed must carry "collie" in its name or be recognized by major kennel clubs (AKC, UKC, FCI, or The Kennel Club UK) as part of the collie/herding dog family with documented collie ancestry.
- Active breed population: The breed must have a living, breeding population with registry data available — not an extinct or purely historical type.
- Distinct breed standard: The breed must be distinguishable from other collie types through a written breed standard, not merely a color or coat variant of another breed.
- Ownership viability: The breed must be obtainable through responsible breeders or breed-specific rescues in North America or Europe.
Using these criteria, we've identified 8 distinct collie breeds and 2 honorable mentions worth knowing about.
The 8 Recognized Types of Collie Dog Breeds
We've organized these breeds by their primary modern role — companion/show breeds first, then working/herding breeds — because that distinction drives most of the practical differences prospective owners need to understand.
1. Rough Collie
Size Class: Large (50–75 lb / 23–34 kg; 22–26 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: The iconic long-coated collie — elegant, moderately energetic, and deeply bonded to family
The Rough Collie is what most people envision when they think of collies. Originally developed in the Scottish Highlands as an all-purpose farm and herding dog, the breed was refined during the Victorian era into the show-ring stunner we know today. Rough Collies are intelligent and trainable but tend toward sensitivity — they respond poorly to harsh corrections and thrive under positive reinforcement methods. Expect 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and a serious grooming commitment: their double coat requires thorough brushing 3–4 times per week, with heavy seasonal shedding twice yearly. Health screening should include ophthalmologist evaluations for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), MDR1 drug sensitivity testing, and hip evaluations. Typical puppy pricing from an AKC-registered responsible breeder ranges from $1,800 to $3,500.
2. Smooth Collie
Size Class: Large (50–75 lb / 23–34 kg; 22–26 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: Identical temperament and build to the Rough Collie but with a short, low-maintenance coat
The Smooth Collie and Rough Collie are technically the same breed in many registries — they differ only in coat length, and both coat types can appear in the same litter. In the AKC, they are shown as separate varieties of the Collie breed. Smooth Collies offer the same gentle, trainable personality and family devotion as their rough-coated counterparts but with dramatically less grooming: a weekly brush and occasional bath suffice. They remain uncommon in the United States (the AKC registers far fewer Smooths than Roughs each year), which can make finding a responsible breeder more challenging. Expect the same health testing requirements and a similar price range of $1,800–$3,000.
3. Border Collie
Size Class: Medium (30–55 lb / 14–25 kg; 18–22 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: Widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed — an intense, high-drive working dog that demands a job
The Border Collie originated along the Anglo-Scottish border and was selectively bred purely for herding ability rather than appearance. The result is a dog of extraordinary intelligence and work ethic that consistently tops canine intelligence rankings. This breed is not for casual owners. Border Collies need 90–120+ minutes of vigorous daily activity — not just walks, but running, agility, flyball, herding trials, or advanced obedience work. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they develop destructive behaviors, obsessive habits (shadow chasing, light fixation), and anxiety. They excel in dog sports and are phenomenal partners for active owners, runners, hikers, and farmers. Health screening should cover hip dysplasia, CEA, epilepsy, and MDR1 sensitivity. Puppy prices from working-line breeders typically run $1,200–$2,500; show-line puppies may reach $3,000+.
4. Bearded Collie
Size Class: Medium-Large (45–55 lb / 20–25 kg; 20–22 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: Bouncy, exuberant, and shaggy-coated — the most overtly "happy-go-lucky" of the collie family
Often called "Beardies," these dogs were developed in Scotland as droving dogs capable of working independently across rough Highland terrain. They are notably bouncier and more physically expressive than other collie types — a Beardie greeting involves whole-body wiggling. Their long, shaggy double coat requires brushing every 2–3 days to prevent matting, and many owners opt for a shorter "puppy clip" for easier maintenance. Bearded Collies are generally healthy but have documented predispositions to hip dysplasia, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease), and certain eye conditions. They need 60–90 minutes of daily exercise and do best with owners who appreciate a dog that remains playfully immature well into adulthood. Expect to pay $1,500–$2,800 from a responsible breeder.
5. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Size Class: Small-Medium (15–25 lb / 7–11 kg; 13–16 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: A miniature Rough Collie in appearance with an outsized personality — vocal, alert, and eager to work
Shetland Sheepdogs originated on Scotland's Shetland Islands, where smaller dogs were preferred for the limited resources available. Though they resemble miniature Rough Collies, Shelties have distinct ancestry that includes Spitz-type dogs crossed with early collies. They are highly intelligent (ranking 6th in Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings), extremely trainable, and excel in agility and obedience competition. The trade-off is vocalization: Shelties are notably alert barkers and will announce visitors, passersby, and unusual sounds with enthusiasm. Early training to manage barking is essential. They need 30–60 minutes of daily exercise plus mental challenges. Health screening should cover hip dysplasia, eye diseases, thyroid conditions, and the MDR1 gene mutation. Puppy pricing runs $1,200–$2,500 from AKC-registered breeders.
6. Welsh Sheepdog (Welsh Collie)
Size Class: Medium (35–55 lb / 16–25 kg; 18–21 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: A loose-eyed herding dog with strong independent thinking — less well-known outside the UK
The Welsh Sheepdog is a landrace herding breed — meaning it developed naturally through functional selection in Wales rather than being shaped by show-ring standards. Unlike the Border Collie's characteristic "eye" (crouching stare used to control livestock), Welsh Sheepdogs are "loose-eyed" or "strong-eyed" workers who use their physical presence and voice to move stock. They tend to be more independent and strong-willed than Border Collies, which can make training more challenging for inexperienced handlers. Their coats vary from smooth to rough, and they come in black, black-and-white, merle, and red-and-white. This breed remains uncommon outside the UK; finding one in North America typically requires importing or connecting with the small number of US-based breeders working to preserve the type. Pricing is highly variable due to rarity.
7. Old English Sheepdog
Size Class: Large (60–100 lb / 27–45 kg; 21–22+ inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: The heaviest and most substantial of the collie-type breeds — a shaggy, clownish droving dog
While not always the first breed people associate with "collie," the Old English Sheepdog shares the herding-dog ancestry that defines the collie family. Originally bred as a drover's dog in southwest England, OES were used to drive cattle and sheep to market. They are notably larger and more heavily built than other collie types, with a profuse double coat that covers their entire body including their face. Grooming demands are significant: expect 3–5 hours per week of brushing and coat care, or professional grooming every 4–6 weeks at $80–$120 per session. OES are generally good-natured, adaptable, and less intense than Border Collies, but they do need 45–60 minutes of daily exercise. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, cerebellar degeneration, hypothyroidism, and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Puppy prices range from $2,000 to $3,500.
8. Australian Koolie (German Coolie)
Size Class: Medium (30–50 lb / 14–23 kg; 17–22 inches at shoulder)
Key Trait: An Australian working collie with exceptional endurance and heat tolerance — bred for outback conditions
The Australian Koolie (also spelled Coolie) descended from British collies imported to Australia in the 1800s and was further developed by crossing with other working breeds to create a dog suited to harsh Australian station conditions. They are not recognized by the AKC but are registered through the Australian Koolie Association and the International All Breed Canine Association. Koolies are upright, loose-eyed herders known for their stamina, intelligence, and ability to work in extreme heat. They are typically easier to live with than Border Collies — still energetic and driven, but with a somewhat more "off switch" at home. Coat types range from smooth to medium-length. Finding a Koolie outside Australia requires effort; most US-based owners have imported dogs or adopted from Australian working-dog rescues. Pricing varies widely by region and lineage.
Breed-by-Breed Comparison Table
| Breed | Weight (lb/kg) | Daily Exercise | Grooming Level | Good with Kids | Apartment OK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Collie | 50–75 / 23–34 | 45–60 min | High | Yes | Possible |
| Smooth Collie | 50–75 / 23–34 | 45–60 min | Low | Yes | Possible |
| Border Collie | 30–55 / 14–25 | 90–120+ min | Moderate | Yes (supervised) | No |
| Bearded Collie | 45–55 / 20–25 | 60–90 min | High | Yes | Possible |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 15–25 / 7–11 | 30–60 min | High | Yes | Yes |
| Welsh Sheepdog | 35–55 / 16–25 | 60–90 min | Moderate | Yes (supervised) | No |
| Old English Sheepdog | 60–100 / 27–45 | 45–60 min | Very High | Yes | Possible |
| Australian Koolie | 30–50 / 14–23 | 60–90 min | Low–Moderate | Yes (supervised) | No |
Ranking Rationale: Why Each Breed Made This List
Each of these eight breeds earned its place based on documented collie heritage, a distinct breed identity, and relevance to prospective owners searching for collie-type dogs. Here's the specific reasoning:
- Rough Collie — The archetypal collie; essential to any list of collie types. Still the most registered collie breed in the AKC and the primary reference point for the public's understanding of the word "collie."
- Smooth Collie — Included because many prospective owners don't realize this low-maintenance coat variant exists. It solves the #1 objection to Rough Collies (grooming demands) without sacrificing temperament.
- Border Collie — The most popular working collie worldwide and the breed most frequently confused with Rough Collies by the general public. Must be included to clarify the vast temperament and energy differences between the two.
- Bearded Collie — A distinct collie breed with unique temperament traits (bounciness, prolonged puppy-like behavior) that differentiate it meaningfully from other collies. Growing popularity in the US warrants inclusion.
- Shetland Sheepdog — Fills the small-dog niche within the collie family. Essential for apartment dwellers and families who want collie temperament in a compact package.
- Welsh Sheepdog — Included for completeness and for readers interested in landrace/herding-preservation breeds. Represents the less "refined" working collie tradition that predates modern breed standards.
- Old English Sheepdog — While sometimes classified separately, the OES shares the British herding-dog lineage that defines the collie family. Its substantial size fills a gap no other collie breed occupies.
- Australian Koolie — Represents the Southern Hemisphere evolution of British collie stock. Included for readers seeking a working collie adapted to hot climates and less intense than a Border Collie.
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Consider Carefully
Honorable Mentions
English Shepherd: An American farm dog descended from British collies brought by early settlers. Not AKC-registered but maintained by dedicated breeders through the English Shepherd Club. Excellent multipurpose farm dogs with moderate energy and strong family bonds. They didn't make the primary list because they lack "collie" in their name and formal kennel club recognition, but they are genetically and functionally a collie-type breed.
McNab Shepherd (McNab Collie): Developed in Northern California by Alexander McNab using Scottish collies crossed with other herding breeds. Recognized by some registries as the McNab Collie. Known for exceptional endurance and heat tolerance. Extremely rare outside the western US.
North American Shepherd: A developing breed type from North American working collie stock. Not yet recognized by major kennel clubs but maintained by working-dog registries.
Breeds to Consider Carefully Before Choosing
Border Collie for first-time owners: We include Border Collies on this list because they are an essential collie type, but we want to be direct: Border Collies are not suitable for first-time dog owners, apartment dwellers, or anyone who cannot commit to 90+ minutes of vigorous daily activity plus structured mental stimulation. The Merck Veterinary Manual documents the behavioral consequences of under-stimulated herding breeds — obsessive-compulsive behaviors, destructive chewing, excessive barking, and herding attempts directed at children or vehicles. If your lifestyle cannot accommodate this breed's needs, choose a Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, or Shetland Sheepdog instead.
Old English Sheepdog for budget-conscious owners: The grooming costs alone ($80–$120 per professional session, every 4–6 weeks) add $1,000–$1,800 annually. Combined with the breed's size-related food costs and predisposition to expensive conditions like bloat (emergency surgery: $3,000–$7,000), total first-year ownership costs can exceed $6,000. If this strains your budget, the Rough Collie or Bearded Collie offer similar temperaments at lower grooming costs.
Decision Framework: How to Choose the Right Collie for Your Situation
The "best" collie breed depends entirely on your living situation, time availability, experience level, and priorities. Use this framework to narrow your options:
Step 1: Assess Your Daily Time Commitment
Can you commit 90+ minutes of active exercise daily?
→ YES: Border Collie, Welsh Sheepdog, or Australian Koolie are viable options.
→ NO, but you can do 60–90 minutes: Bearded Collie or Australian Koolie.
→ NO, you can manage 30–60 minutes: Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, or Old English Sheepdog.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Living Space
Do you live in an apartment or have no yard?
→ YES: Shetland Sheepdog is the strongest apartment-compatible collie. A Smooth Collie or Rough Collie can adapt with committed daily walks and outings.
→ NO, you have a fenced yard: All breeds are viable.
→ You have acreage or a farm: Border Collie, Welsh Sheepdog, Australian Koolie, or Bearded Collie will thrive with space to work.
Step 3: Consider Grooming Tolerance
How much coat care are you willing to do?
→ Minimal (weekly brush at most): Smooth Collie or Australian Koolie.
→ Moderate (brushing 2–3 times weekly): Border Collie, Welsh Sheepdog.
→ High (daily or near-daily brushing, professional grooming): Rough Collie, Bearded Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog.
Step 4: Factor in Household Composition
Young children in the home?
→ YES: Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Old English Sheepdog are the most reliably gentle and patient with young children. Border Collies and Welsh Sheepdogs may attempt to herd running children (nipping at heels), which requires active management and training.
→ Older children/teens only: All breeds are suitable with proper socialization.
Step 5: First-Time Owner Check
Is this your first dog?
→ YES: Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, or Shetland Sheepdog. These breeds are forgiving of training mistakes, responsive to positive reinforcement, and generally less demanding than working-line herding breeds.
→ NO, you have herding-dog experience: Any breed on this list is viable, but working breeds (Border Collie, Welsh Sheepdog, Australian Koolie) will reward experienced handlers with exceptional partnership.
Quick-Pick Summary
| Your Situation | Top Pick | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living, moderate energy | Shetland Sheepdog | Smooth Collie |
| Family with young kids, suburban home | Rough Collie | Old English Sheepdog |
| Active single owner, dog sports interest | Border Collie | Australian Koolie |
| Low grooming tolerance, large dog preferred | Smooth Collie | Australian Koolie |
| Farm/ranch, working dog needed | Border Collie | Welsh Sheepdog |
| First-time owner, wants collie temperament | Rough Collie | Shetland Sheepdog |
Health Considerations Across Collie Breeds
Several health conditions appear across multiple collie breeds due to shared ancestry. If you're considering any collie-type dog, discuss these with your veterinarian and ensure breeders provide documented health clearances:
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): A congenital eye defect affecting the choroid, retina, and sclera. Present in Rough Collies, Smooth Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds. DNA testing is available; responsible breeders test breeding stock. Severity ranges from mild (no vision impact) to severe (blindness).
- MDR1 Gene Mutation: A mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene that makes affected dogs dangerously sensitive to certain medications including ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium), and several others. Prevalent in Rough Collies (approximately 70% carry at least one copy), Smooth Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds. A simple cheek-swab DNA test through Washington State University's Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Lab costs approximately $70 and should be done before any medication is administered.
- Hip Dysplasia: Present across all larger collie breeds (Rough, Smooth, Bearded, OES, Border Collie). OFA or PennHIP screening of breeding stock is standard practice for responsible breeders.
- Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease affecting skin and muscle, primarily seen in Rough Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Lesions typically appear on the face, ears, and bony prominences.
- Bloat (GDV): Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a life-threatening emergency primarily affecting deep-chested breeds. Old English Sheepdogs and Rough Collies are at elevated risk. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian if you choose one of these breeds.
Always consult your veterinarian before making health decisions for your dog. Breed-specific health screening recommendations should be discussed during your puppy's first wellness visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collie Breeds
What is the difference between a Rough Collie and a Border Collie?
Despite both carrying "collie" in their names, Rough Collies and Border Collies are distinctly different breeds. Rough Collies are larger (50–75 lb vs. 30–55 lb), have a much heavier coat, and were bred primarily for show and companionship since the late 1800s. Border Collies remain working-line dogs bred for herding ability above all else. Temperament-wise, Rough Collies are calmer and more adaptable to sedentary lifestyles; Border Collies require intense daily physical and mental stimulation. A Rough Collie needs 45–60 minutes of exercise; a Border Collie needs 90–120+ minutes of vigorous activity plus structured mental work.
Are Shetland Sheepdogs actually a type of collie?
Yes, functionally and historically. Shelties were developed by crossing small collies from the Scottish mainland with Spitz-type dogs on the Shetland Islands. The original name was "Shetland Collie," but Rough Collie breeders objected to the name, leading to the change to "Shetland Sheepdog." They share the collie family's intelligence, trainability, and herding instinct in a smaller package.
Which collie breed sheds the least?
The Smooth Collie sheds the least among collie breeds, though all dogs shed to some degree. The Australian Koolie (smooth-coated variety) is also relatively low-shedding. If minimal shedding is your top priority, the Smooth Collie is the clear choice within the collie family — you get the full Rough Collie temperament without the daily tumbleweeds of fur.
Can collie breeds live in hot climates?
It depends on the breed and coat type. The Australian Koolie was specifically developed for Australian outback conditions and handles heat well. Smooth Collies manage heat better than their rough-coated counterparts. Rough Collies, Bearded Collies, and Old English Sheepdogs can live in warm climates but require air-conditioned indoor environments, exercise during cool hours, and careful monitoring for heat stress. Never shave a double-coated collie breed — the undercoat actually provides insulation against heat as well as cold.
What is the rarest collie breed?
Among the breeds listed here, the Welsh Sheepdog and Australian Koolie are the rarest in North America. The Welsh Sheepdog has no established breeding population in the US and must typically be imported from the UK. The Australian Koolie has a small but growing presence in the US. The Smooth Collie, while recognized by the AKC, is also uncommon — the AKC registers roughly 10–20 times fewer Smooth Collies than Rough Collies annually.
How much does a collie puppy cost?
Pricing varies by breed and breeder quality. Here are typical ranges from AKC-registered or equivalent responsible breeders in 2026:
- Rough Collie: $1,800–$3,500
- Smooth Collie: $1,800–$3,000
- Border Collie: $1,200–$3,000
- Bearded Collie: $1,500–$2,800
- Shetland Sheepdog: $1,200–$2,500
- Old English Sheepdog: $2,000–$3,500
- Welsh Sheepdog: Variable (import costs may add $1,500–$3,000)
- Australian Koolie: $1,000–$2,500 AUD (import costs additional)
Always verify that breeders perform recommended health testing (OFA/PennHIP hips, CERF/OFA eyes, MDR1 DNA test where applicable) and offer a written health guarantee and take-back clause. Breed-specific rescues are also an excellent option — adult collies needing rehoming are available through organizations like Collie Rescue Foundation and regional breed rescues.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
