# Collie (*Canis lupus familiaris*) Collies are friendly and smart dogs! They have beautiful fur and love to play with families and friends. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Rough Collie, Smooth Collie ![Collie](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424236/objects/4433.jpg) ## Appearance The Collie is an elegant dog known for its beautiful, long, flowing double coat, which can be sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, or pure white. It has a distinctive refined, long muzzle and expressive, almond-shaped eyes that give it a gentle appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Collies can have fur in four amazing color patterns, making each one unique. - Collies were once popular with Queen Victoria, making them royal companions! - The famous dog star Lassie was a Collie, known for her incredible bravery! - Their long, thick coats help them stay warm even in very chilly weather. ## Special abilities - **Master Herder:** Collie can guide flocks because of their strong herding instinct that helps them manage livestock efficiently. - **Quick Learner:** Collie has a highly intelligent brain that helps them quickly learn complex commands and tasks during training. - **Sensitive Hearing:** Collie can detect subtle sounds with their sharp hearing, which helps them notice distant movements or danger. - **Remarkable Stamina:** Collie has strong, agile legs and great endurance that helps them work long hours or run far distances. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 56-66 cm - **Weight:** 18-30 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-14 years - **Speed:** 48 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-8 - **Gestation:** 60-63 days ## Diet & Feeding Collies thrive on a balanced diet of quality dog food, typically including meat and vegetables. - **Age differences:** Puppies need specific high-energy food for growth; older dogs may require fewer calories and joint support. - **Primary Foods:** commercial dog kibble, cooked lean meats, vegetables, fruits, dog treats - **Foraging Method:** Null ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Humans provide care, Collies offer companionship and work. - **Depends on:** Domestic Sheep (*Ovis aries*) — Collies herd and protect sheep, aiding farmers in livestock management. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas can live on Collies, feeding on their blood. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always be gentle and kind to Collies. They love to be petted and played with! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Collie? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Collie? 56-66 cm ### How much does Collie weigh? 18-30 kg ### How long does Collie live? 10-14 years ### How fast can Collie move? 48 km/h ### What does Collie eat? Collies thrive on a balanced diet of quality dog food, typically including meat and vegetables. ### How does Collie hunt? Null ### How many babies does Collie usually have? 4-8 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Collie: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collie)