Collie

MDR1 is a gene mutation found in about 70% of Collies that makes certain common drugs — including some heartworm/mange ivermectin products, the anti-diarrheal loperamide, and several anesthetics and chemo agents — toxic at normal doses, sometimes fatally. Yes, test your Collie. It is a one-time cheek swab costing roughly $60. Put the result on file at your vet and any emergency clinic. This single test is the most important health decision you make for this breed.

A healthy Collie typically lives 12-14 years, which is good longevity for a dog this size. The main lifespan risks are not age-related decline but preventable events: an adverse drug reaction in an untested MDR1-positive dog, and gastric bloat. Both are largely avoidable with MDR1 testing and feeding two smaller measured meals rather than one large one, with no hard exercise immediately before or after eating.

Yes — the Collie is one of the more reliably child-friendly breeds, gentle, patient, and protective by herding instinct rather than aggression. The realistic caveats: they are sensitive dogs that dislike rough handling and chaos, and they are vocal, so a busy household of toddlers means a barking dog. Supervise young children, teach them not to corner or grab the dog, and give the Collie a quiet retreat space.

Plan on 2-3 brushing sessions a week, 15-20 minutes each, targeting the mat-prone areas behind the ears, the elbows, and the rear 'pants.' Twice a year the Collie blows its undercoat heavily — increase to every other day for 3-4 weeks during those sheds. If you want the same temperament with a fraction of the work, the smooth Collie needs only a weekly 10-minute brush and is genuinely worth considering.

Yes, more than most breeds. The Collie's herding-watchdog background makes it alert and vocal — it will announce visitors, wildlife, and changes in routine. This is trainable down but not out. If you live in an apartment or close to neighbors, budget for training time and mental enrichment, because a bored or under-exercised Collie barks more, not less. Anyone wanting a quiet dog should choose a different breed.

About 60-90 minutes a day, and it must include a thinking component — a long walk alone is not enough for this herding brain. Pair physical exercise with training games, fetch, herding balls, or scent work. An under-stimulated Collie becomes anxious and noisy rather than aggressive. They also overheat in the heavy rough coat, so exercise in the cool parts of the day in warm weather and provide shade and water.