The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Scotch Collie

Information and Pictures

Front view - A pointy perk eared, brown, tan and white Scotch Collie dog is standing on a driveway and it is looking forward.

Cody the Farm Collie

Other Names
  • Farm Collie
  • Old Farm Collie
  • Old Scotch Farm Collie
  • Scottish Collie
Pronunciation

skoch kol-ee

Description

The Scotch Collie is being bred more for its working ability than its looks.

Temperament

Scotch Collies are very multi-purpose. There is one line that is being bred towards a "Squirrel Dog" type, though it still has the traditional look and temperament of the Scotch Collie. Most Scotch Collies can be used as hunting dogs; however their primary focus is as a herding dog, and are nowadays kept as a house pet by some. They are excellent with children. Scotch Collies generally get along with other dogs and are usually good with non-canine pets. Depending on the individual dog and the humans that surround him, they are friendly to reserved and/or aloof with strangers. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans must be higher up in the order than the dog in order to have a successful human/dog relationship.

Height, Weight

Height: Males 21 - 24 inches (53 - 61 cm) Females 19 - 22 inches (48 - 56 cm)
Weight: Males 45 - 70 pounds (21 - 32 kg) Females 40 - 60 pounds (18 - 27 kg)

Health Problems

The Collie is a very healthy breed that suffers from very little medical problems. HD is not a noticeable concern.

Living Conditions

Scotch Collies have lived very successfully in apartments, though they do need daily exercise. There is no need to crate the Scotch Collie as it is seldom destructive and enjoys free roam of the house/yard. Kenneling is also not suggested, unless you have a large run. The Scotch Collie does wonderfully on farms and enjoys having room to roam.

Exercise

The Scotch Collie needs plenty of exercise, including a dailywalk or jog. They are not nearly as active as Border Collies, but are not couch potatoes and will NOT be okay with just access to the yard. They will also enjoy a game of Frisbee in the park, etc. Provided they get their daily walk or jog, they will not be hyper and will usually be content to watch over the house while you are gone.

Life Expectancy

Depends on the dogs and its lines, but 12-16 years is average.

Litter Size

About 3-8 puppies

Grooming

The coat should be brushed every one to two weeks. If the coat has a BIG mat, the mat may need to be cut out, as opposed to combed out, as to avoid pain to the dog. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.

Origin

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Group

Herding

Recognition
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Side view of a thick, long haired tricolor dog with ears that fold out to the sides, a tail that curls up over his back with long fringe hair hanging from it, brown eyes, a black nose, a pink long tongue hanging out and a smile on his face standing on a porch.

"Random is an Old Scotch Farm Collie rescue. He is 10 years old and 70 pounds in this picture. He talks and signs to show me things all the time. He is amazing!!"

Close up head shot of a tricolor long haired dog with a very thick coat and brown eyes sitting down in a garden next to pink roses

Random the Old Scotch Farm Collie rescue dog at 7 years old weighing 70 pounds

A tricolor, large breed Collie dog herding three sheep with a man standing next to them with farm fencing all around

Random the Old Scotch Farm Collie rescue dog at 7 years old practicing his herding skills.

A tan with white Soctch Collie is standing on a stone step, it is looking down and to the left. The dogs small ears stick out and hang down to the sides.

Brenda, a year-old Scotch Collie female from the Pacific NW, where the Scotch Collie is often called a "Farm Collie"

Right Profile - A brown and white Scotch Collie dog is standing in grass and they are looking to the right. Its mouth is open and tongue is out. There is a house next to it. The dog has perk ears and a long fringe tail that is up in the air.

Cookie, an adult Scotch Collie—"She is intelligent, lovingly watchful and very athletic." Photo courtesy of DreamDancer Collies

Close up head shot - A brown and white Scotch Collie is turning its head forward, its mouth is open and it looks like it is smiling. Its ears are pinned back.

Cookie, an adult Scotch Collie, photo courtesy of DreamDancer Collies

Close up front view - A fuzzy black with tan and white Scotch Collie puppy is being held in the air by a person that is outside. Its eyes look sleepy.

Mokie, a male Scotch Collie puppy, photo courtesy of DreamDancer Collies

Close up head and shoulder shot - The back left side of a black with tan and white Scotch Collie puppy that is laying on a concrete surface. It is looking forward.

Justice as a puppy—he lives on a farm, doing what a magnificent Farm Collie loves to do. Photo courtesy of DreamDancer Collies

Front side view - A brown with white Scotch Collie puppy is laying across a wooden log, it is looking down and it is looking to the right. It has fuzzy hair on its head.

Tyson, a male Scotch Collie as a puppy, photo courtesy of DreamDancer Collies

See more examples of the Scotch Collie