Gollie Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

22.6-34 kg

Height

43-61 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Gollie

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Gollie dogs, or Golden Collie dogs, are the best of the best. This mixed breed brings together the loving nature of the Golden Retriever with the intelligence and clever wits of the Border Collie.

The combination of these parent breeds gives you a cuddly, high-energy dog with plenty of love and devotion.

What is the history & origin of the Gollie?

Designer dog breeds are essentially mixed-breed dogs that were purposefully created.

The Gollie is a mixed-breed dog created b grossing a Golden Retriever with a Collie. There is not much known about the origin of this loveable designer pup, but we can take a look at the history of its parent breeds.

Collie breed

Collies were originally bred for herding sheep in Scotland. When Queen Victoria paid a visit to Scotland in 1860, she discovered the Collie and was instantly in love. Because of the approval of the Queen, the popularity of the Collies soared over the next few years.

This breed eventually crossed the ocean to the United States and from there spread across the world.

Colies are much-loved companion animals, working dogs and service dogs. They work with police across the world, are still used to herd sheep, and are also used as therapy dogs.

Golden Retriever breed

The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland and was used as a hunting dog. They have water-proof coats and webbed toes, which help them to swim powerfully to hunt and retrieve water birds.

Today Golden Retrievers are some of the most popular companion dogs and family pets around the world.

Gollie Dogs

Gollie dogs are not purebred, and as such, they are not recognised by the American Kennel Club.

These hybrid dogs are recognised by the following clubs and registries:

American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America, Inc.
International Designer Canine Registry
Designer Breed Registry

What is a Gollie breed?

Gollie puppies certainly take after their Golden Retriever parents. They are gentle, loving and loyal and make excellent family dogs. Their gentle nature makes them great with kids of all ages. They are also eager to please and very devoted to their families.

These dogs also inherited some amazing traits from their Collie parent. They are hard workers and brilliant watchdogs. They will alert their family to danger with a few barks, but of course, then the Golden Retriever genes take over, and they will love any stranger that is introduced to them.

A Gollie’s coat is long, dense and straight. Their coats can be a variety of colours: black, brown, gold or white. They can also be a mix-and-match of two or three of these colours.

Who is a Gollie best for?

These dogs get along well with almost everyone. They make excellent service dogs, they are brilliant with children, and they are devoted to their people.

They bond very closely with their families and often sense the emotions of whoever is closest to them, which makes them great therapy dogs.

They are social animals and do not enjoy being left home alone for long. They will do best in a family where someone is at home with them during the day, or they are able to join their person at the office for the day (they make brilliant office dogs!).

Because of their active nature, they do not cope well in apartments. They require a yard to run in and are also well-suited to life on a farm. Keeping your Gollie cooped up indoors will result in destructive behaviour and can also give your dog anxiety.

Gollies are not only great with kids, but they are also great with other dogs. They are averagely friendly towards cats and other non-dog pets, but their herding instinct might kick in and result in a chase of smaller animals if not properly introduced and socialised.

Gollie Grooming & Shedding

Since they are a Golden Retriever-Collie mix, you can expect a lot of intensive grooming to manage the shedding of your Gollie.

Their long hair tends to shed a lot, especially during shedding season. Your Gollie will require frequent brushing to get rid of loose hairs and to manage knots and tangles.

Although they are relatively clean, they will require a bath every 2 to three months to moisturise their skin and get rid of any trapped debris.

You should monitor the length of your Gollie’s nails and trim them as required. Also, check their floppy ears frequently for infection and clean any wax or dirt you notice in the ears.

Do Gollies bark a lot?

Gollies have a low to average tendency to bark. They very rarely bark unless they have a good reason for it. They will bark when they are frightened, bored, or when greeting you when you get home. They may also bark when they first see a stranger, but once introduced, they will be very friendly.

What is the average weight & height of a Gollie dog?

Gollies are one of the large dog breeds.

Weight: 22.6 – 34 kgs
Height: Up to 61 cm

Are Gollies easy to train?

Gollies thrive with obedience training. They are very eager to please and respond extremely well to positive reinforcement training methods.

They are highly intelligent and will quickly pick up new commands and tricks.

These high-energy dogs also do well in dog sports like hunting, herding and agility training. These types of sports will get rid of some of your dog’s energy and is also a great bonding experience.

How do Gollies behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Gollies are extremely friendly dogs. They are loving and devoted animals and absolutely adore their families. These affectionate animals express their love by licking, cuddling, and wanting to be near their humans at all times. There are very patient with small children tugging on their fur or climbing all over them.

Your Gollie might not be a great guard dog, but it will still be protective of you. Although not aggressive, it will warn you about the arrival of a stranger with a single knock. It might initially be wary of a stranger, but after a quick sniff, it will immediately welcome the stranger like it would a best friend.

Does the Gollie have any common health issues?

Gollies are healthy dogs. These breeds benefit from “hybrid vigour”, which is a situation where hybrid dogs and a designer dog breed do not suffer from the same ailments as their purebred parent breeds.

However, your Gollie might still inherit some genetic health problems from its parents.

Common Golden Retriever health conditions include:

Cataracts: Can lead to vision impairment.
Skin Allergies: May cause itching and discomfort.
Elbow Dysplasia: A genetic joint issue affecting mobility.
Heart Problems: Various cardiac conditions can arise.
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures.

Common Collie health conditions include:

Gastric Torsion (Bloat): A serious condition that can cause the stomach to twist and requires immediate attention.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye condition that can lead to blindness.
Arthritis: Joint inflammation that can affect mobility.
Dermatomyositis: A skin condition that can cause lesions and hair loss.
Neutropenia: A condition that can affect white blood cell counts.

Both the Collie and the Retriever suffer from:

Hip Dysplasia: Both parent breeds are prone to this condition, which can lead to joint pain and mobility issues.

If you suspect any of the conditions, contact your vet, who will provide veterinary advice.

What is the lifespan of a Gollie?

The average life span of a Gollie is 12 to 15 years.

How much does a Gollie need to be fed?

Gollies have plenty of energy, so they require high-quality food that will provide them with all the nutrients they require to live a healthy, happy and active life.

On average, a Gollie will require 2 1/2 to 3 cups of good quality dry food, split over two meals. Gollies love their food and can easily become obese if their diets are not carefully monitored. Always give treats sparingly, and do not overfeed your Gollie.

Always make sure your Gollie has access to fresh water.

How much can you expect to pay for a Gollie in Australia?

Gollies can cost anywhere between $450 and $975. The price of the Gollie will depend on the parents’ bloodlines, the breeder and the age of the puppy.

Gollie FAQs

Is a Gollie ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes, Gollies are great for first-time dog owners because of their great personalities and trainability.

Do Gollies require a lot of exercise?

Gollies have a lot of energy and will require plenty of time outside to run and get rid of their energy.

They will require daily walks or runs, as well as engaging play during the day. Since they get on well with other dogs, they will thrive at the dog park.

Are Gollies hypoallergenic dogs?

No, Gollies are not hypoallergenic. These dogs shed a lot, and along with the hair, they are also shedding dander which can trigger allergies. Gollies also show their love by licking, so people allergic to dog saliva will have a hard time with this breed.

Will a Gollie need professional grooming?

The services of a professional groomer are not required.

Gollies will require plenty of brushing and the occasional bath. You can groom your Gollie yourself, but if you feel like you don’t have the time or energy, then enlisting the help of a groomer will be beneficial, especially during shedding seasons.