How big does a Collie get?

A full-grown Collie typically stands 51–61 cm (20.1–24.0 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 27–34 kg (59.5–75.0 lbs). Collie is a medium breed and usually reaches full size by 12 months.

What is the lifespan of a Collie?

The average lifespan of a Collie is 12–14 years. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care can help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Collie?

Collie are known for being devoted, graceful, intelligent, proud. They are generally good with children and make excellent family dogs. They are highly trainable and eager to please. They need plenty of space and exercise, making them better suited for homes with yards.

Is a Collie a good choice for apartments and families?

A Collie is a medium breed that typically needs more space and exercise, so they may not be ideal for small apartments. They are generally good with kids and make great family companions. Be prepared for significant shedding — regular brushing 2–3 times per week is recommended. They are easy to train, making them great for first-time dog owners.

What are common health issues for medium breed dogs like the Collie?

Medium breeds like the Collie may be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and certain eye conditions. Regular vet checkups help catch issues early. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Collie Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Collie need per day?

A typical adult Collie weighing about 31 kg needs approximately 1454–1817 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Medium Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Collie weighs 27–34 kg (59.5–75.0 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 5–6 months and full weight by 12–14 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

27–34 kg

(59.5–75.0 lbs)

Size Category

medium

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~1454–1817 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

27 kgto34 kg

59.5 lbsto75.0 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

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Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

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How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Collie Health & Weight Management

Collies are elegant, intelligent herding dogs with a beautiful rough or smooth coat. Their deep chests make them prone to bloat (GDV), and excess weight compounds this risk. Collies carry the MDR1 gene mutation that affects drug metabolism — maintaining lean body condition helps overall health resilience. Hip dysplasia and collie nose (nasal dermatositis) are also concerns.

Exercise: 45–60 minutes of daily exercise — long walks, running, and herding activities. Collies thrive when given a job. They excel at agility, obedience, and herding trials. Mental exercise through training and puzzle toys is equally important.

Feeding tips: Feed measured meals twice daily using a large-breed formula. Avoid elevated feeders and exercising right before/after meals to reduce bloat risk. Collies are food-motivated but not typically greedy — still, avoid "just a little more" syndrome.

Keeping your Collie at a healthy 60–75 lbs (27–34 kg) supports joint health and reduces bloat risk. Use PawScale’s calorie calculator for Collies to set daily limits, check body condition with our BCS tool, and follow the crate size calculator.

Data source: AKC breed standard

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-12

Is your Collie at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Collie Calorie Calculator

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Life Stage

Activity Level

Neuter/Spay Status

Full Calorie Calculator

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Feeding Guide

Personalized feeding plan with portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Collie weigh?

The ideal weight for a Collie is 27–34 kg (59.5–75.0 lbs). Weight can vary based on gender, age, and individual build. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Collie need per day?

A typical adult Collie weighing 31 kg needs approximately 1454–1817 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Collie overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Collie's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Collie reach full adult weight?

Collie puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 5–6 months and typically reach full adult weight by 12–14 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Collie need?

A Collie typically needs a 36-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Collie. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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