Gollie Dogs are a remarkable hybrid breed, combining the intelligence and loyalty of Border Collies with the friendly and playful nature of Golden Retrievers.
With their blend of traits from both parent breeds, they make exceptional companions for families and individuals. They are highly trainable, friendly, and possess a sturdy build with a variety of coat colors.
Join us as we explore the world of Gollie Dogs and discover why they capture dog enthusiasts’ hearts worldwide.
A Brief Overview of Gollie
| Common Names | Golden Collie, Gollie |
| Purpose | Companion, Family dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight Range | 45-75 pounds |
| Height Range | 20-26 inches |
| Coat Colors | Yellow, cream, sable, merle, tricolor |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Puppy Costs | $700-$1,800 |
What is Gollie?
A Gollie is a delightful combination of the Golden Retriever and Rough Collie, earning its name from these two beloved breeds. It is a famous designer dog breed known for its adorable appearance and playful nature.
The Gollie captures the best qualities of both parent breeds, making it a cherished companion for dog lovers.
Parent Breeds Of Golden Retriever and Rough Collie
When understanding a dog’s characteristics, experts emphasize the importance of considering the parent breeds. Genetics significantly influence a dog’s physical and mental attributes.
Let’s explore the parent breeds of the Golden Retriever Mix with Collie. Understanding their backgrounds will provide valuable insights into the hybrid species.
History of Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have an exciting history as game dogs. They were specifically bred to retrieve birds and ducks, which explains their name.
It was developed in Scotland by Dudley Marjoribanks. The breed gained recognition from the Kennel Club in 1913 and was officially named Golden Retrievers in the 1920s.
Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs, typically standing 20 to 24 inches tall and weighing 55 to 75 pounds. They have sturdy builds, distinct heads, wide-set eyes, and prominent muzzles with large black noses.
One of their notable features is their double coat, consisting of a wavy or flat top coat and a dense undercoat. Golden Retrievers come in shades of yellow, gold, and cream, with the coat color often lightening as they age.
In terms of temperament, Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate, gentle, and intelligent nature. Their history as game dogs has made them highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They make excellent family pets, tolerant of young children and other animals.
However, it’s important to note that Golden Retrievers typically have little to no guarding instincts.
History of Rough Collie
Rough Collies, also Long-haired Collies, were initially bred in Scotland for their herding abilities. Through cross-breeding Scottish and Welsh herding dogs, the Collie breed was developed.
During the 1860s, Rough Collies made a notable entry into the dog show scene, capturing attention and admiration. They are recognized by their tapered head, rounded muzzle, folded ears, and almond-shaped eyes. With long-haired double coats, their top coats consist of rough-textured long hairs, while the undercoat is thick and weather-resistant.
Rough Collies come in various coat colors, including sable and white, merle, tricolor, and color-headed white, which features an overall white fur with a blue, dark, or tricolor head.
Known for their calm and gentle nature, Rough Collies may initially exhibit shyness and require early socialization to prevent reclusiveness. While they can be vocal due to their herding background, training can help curb excessive barking. They excel as family companions, being excellent with children. These loyal and easily trainable dogs are entirely non-aggressive.
What Does a Gollie Look Like?
The physical appearance of the Golden Collie combines features from both parent breeds.
- They fall into the medium-sized category, like Rough Collies and Golden Retrievers, and possess well-muscled bodies, powerful hind legs, and plumed tails.
- In terms of their heads, Golden Collies have a rounded shape, differing from the more elongated skulls of Rough Collies.
- However, their muzzles are longer compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Their eyes are wide-set, and their noses are large and black.
- While their ears are typically high-set and hanging like Retrievers, occasionally, they may have folded ears resembling those of Rough Collies.
Size, height, and Weight
The Gollie falls into the medium-sized dog category. As with any newer mixed breed, size standards can vary.
Typically, Gollies weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall. Female Gollies may be slightly smaller than males.
| Height Range | Weight Range | Length Range | |
| Male | 22-26 inches | 60-75 pounds | 40-43 inches |
| Female | 20-24 inches | 45-60 pounds | 38-40 inches |
Coat colors and Types
Their fur comes in various captivating colors, including black, brown, gold, and white. The coat can display a single shade or a delightful combination of hues.
The Gollie has a long, straight coat that feels dense. It’s important to note that this mixed breed sheds quite a bit. Regular brushing is essential to maintain healthy skin and prevent matting.
When it comes to climate, Gollies are generally adaptable. However, consider dressing your dog in a stylish canine coat in colder weather. And during hotter months, always ensure your Gollie has access to fresh water and shade to keep them comfortable.
Temperament and Personality
The Gollie breed is known for its exceptional loyalty to its owners, which can sometimes result in clinginess. But don’t worry, their affectionate nature means you’ll receive plenty of slobbery kisses and licks as a testament to their love.
Their exuberant nature can make them boisterous, often expressing themselves through frequent barking. When meeting strangers, they may jump in excitement to say hello. However, with proper training, they can learn to be calmer and follow commands when their enthusiasm improves. Exercise can help them channel their energy in a more controlled manner.
Training and Exercise Requirements
The Gollie breed is highly trainable, showcasing their natural ability to learn and follow commands quickly. Training serves as a valuable opportunity for mental stimulation and skill development. It also plays a crucial role in preventing behavioral issues and addressing social situations, ensuring a well-rounded and obedient dog.
As your Gollie matures into adulthood, providing them with daily exercise is essential for their overall strength and well-being. Engaging them in at least 1 hour of physical activity daily is recommended. However, given their susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia, closely monitoring their joints and bones as they age is essential. To minimize strain, incorporating gentle, slow-paced walks is advisable, allowing them to stay active while protecting their joints.
Dedicating time to training and exercise will nurture your dog’s mental and physical abilities, creating a harmonious bond and a happy, healthy companion for years.
Grooming and Cleaning
Gollies require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
- Daily brushing is necessary to manage their fine hair, which tends to shed and cling to surfaces. To ensure your puppy looks their best, it’s recommended to take them to professional groomers who can provide a tapered trim for their coat and take care of their nails.
- Outdoor adventures can leave their skin dirty, so bathing them once a week is advisable to keep them clean and prevent unpleasant odors.
- If brushing your dog’s teeth proves challenging, there are alternatives to toothpaste. Dental treats or natural options like celery and carrots can help remove plaque and maintain dental health.
By prioritizing grooming for your Gollie, including brushing, professional grooming, regular bathing, and oral care, you’ll keep their coat shiny, minimize shedding, and promote good overall hygiene.
| Grooming Needs | Frequency |
| Hair Brushing | Daily, 15 minutes |
| Bathing | Every two to four weeks |
| Nail Trimming | As needed |
| Teeth Brushing | Four times per week |
| Eye Care | Once a week |
| Ear Care | Once a week |
Food and Diet
The Gollie has a hearty appetite and may tend to overindulge, leading to potential weight gain. To maintain their well-being, offering them nutrition that supports a healthy metabolism and boosts their immune system is crucial. Whether you choose dry kibble or wet food, prioritize options that contain:
- Abundant protein
- Nourishing fats and carbohydrates
- Fiber for digestive health
- Essential minerals and vitamins
If you need more clarification about selecting the food for your Gollie, consult your local veterinarian for a comprehensive assessment. They can evaluate your dog’s Weight and provide personalized feeding guidelines to prevent excessive weight gain.
Life Expectancy and Common Health Issues
Gollie dogs are generally healthy. The average lifespan of a Gollie dog ranges from 12 to 15 years. Being a hybrid breed means they can inherit health issues from either the Golden Retriever or the Collie. Some of the common health concerns for Gollies include:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
- Arthritis
- Skin allergies
- Heart disease
These conditions may manifest as your dog ages. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or illness and promptly seek veterinary care for your dog if needed. Regular check-ups and monitoring their well-being can help ensure your furry friend’s happy and healthy life.
How Much Do Gollies Cost?
The price of a Golden Retriever Collie Mix puppy typically ranges from $700 to $1,800.
The cost can vary based on the breeder’s reputation, location, coat color, demand, and whether the parent dogs were show dogs.
Is a Gollie the Right Dog for You?
The Golden Retriever Collie Mix can be an excellent choice for the right owner. With their loving, loyal, and gentle nature, they make great companions and family pets.
It’s important to note that they have specific grooming and exercise requirements. They need regular brushing and physical activity to stay happy and healthy. Additionally, they thrive in households with multiple family members to prevent them from being left alone for long periods.
If you are a dedicated pet parent willing to invest time and effort into meeting their needs, theyes can be an excellent choice, especially for first-time dog owners looking for a unique hybrid breed.
List of dogs that are similar to Gollie
- Golden Retriever-Border Collie Mix
- Golden Retriever-Chihuahua Mix
- Golden Retriever-Great Dane Mix
- Great Pyrenees-Golden Retriever Mix
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Gollies Rare?
Yes, the Golden Border Collie is a relatively rare hybrid breed. While Golden Retrievers, Rough Collies, and Border Collies are popular, Gollies have gained attention more recently. They are less common than their parent breeds, and finding Gollie puppies or adults for sale can be challenging due to limited breeders.
Are Gollies Intelligent?
Yes, the Gollie dog is intelligent, and their hard-working nature contributes to their skillfulness and obedience.
Do Gollies Shed A Lot?
Yes, Golden Collies do shed. As a hybrid breed, Golden Collies experience moderate to high shedding. Their double-layered fur coats undergo shedding cycles to adapt to changing seasons.
In addition to seasonal shedding, they also have regular, ongoing shedding throughout the year as old hair falls out and is replaced by new hair.
Are Gollies hypoallergenic?
No, the Golden Retriever Collie Mix is not hypoallergenic. Like many other double-coated breeds, Gollies shed their fur. This can make them less suitable for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to dander, dust, or loose skin in the air.
Are Gollies good with kids?
Yes, Gollies are excellent companions for kids. Their playful and tolerant nature allows them to develop close bonds with young children.
However, it’s essential to establish proper socialization early to ensure that the dog and children understand boundaries. Supervision during playtime between kids and dogs is always recommended.
Are Gollies get along with other pets?
Yes. In general, Gollies tend to get along well with other pets in the household. Setting boundaries early and closely supervising initial interactions is essential to ensure a harmonious relationship between your Gollie and other pets.
Early socialization is critical for Gollies. By rewarding good behavior and implementing a consistent training routine, you can help your dog become a well-adjusted family member.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gollie Dogs bring together the best of both worlds, combining the intelligence and work ethic of Border Collies with the friendly and affectionate nature of Golden Retrievers. These unique hybrid breeds make exceptional companions as beloved family pets or dedicated working partners.
With their trainability, sociability, and unique physical attributes, Gollie Dogs have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the globe. Embracing a Gollie Dog in your life means welcoming a loyal, intelligent, and loving companion who will bring joy and companionship for years to come.
Experience the extraordinary bond that Gollie Dogs can offer and discover the joys of having this exceptional hybrid breed by your side.