Gollie

55-65 lbs
22-24"
Unknown
Golden Retriever
Collie
Golden Collie

The Gollie is loyal, loving, people dog that is a mix between the good natured Golden Retriever and the intelligent Collie. As this is a new designer hybrid, the exact details of its origins still remains a mystery, but as most designer breeds were developed during the last 20 to 30 years, it can be assumed that these dogs may have originated within this time frame (1980 to 2017). This breed is highly energetic, very clever and thrives when living in suburban and rural areas with fenced yards and plenty of space to roam. They are not suited to apartments - they will find the space too restricting. They are average to heavy shedders so be prepared for regular brushing. Owners of the Gollie say he is fun and helps to keep one in excellent shape!

purpose Purpose
Companion, Herding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Golden Retriever and Collie

Gollie Health

Average Size
Male Gollie size stats
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 60-75 lbs
Female Gollie size stats
Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 55-65 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Dermatomyositis
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Ivermectin Sensitivity
  • Genetic Deafness
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Blood Chemistry

Gollie Breed History

Both the Collie and the Golden Retriever are breeds that originated in Scotland during the 1800s’. The Collie breed can come in two variations, rough or smooth coated. These breeds were originally used by shepherds to herd livestock over the hills and dales of the country. Proficient at herding cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, Not much is known about the ancestry of the Collie, but it currently thought that the early Collie breeds were crossed with a hound-type dog known as the Borzoi, which contributed to the breed's slender musculature. Queen Victoria of England, while on a visit to Scotland, fell in love with the beautiful Collie and soon they could be found in England as well. Shortly after their arrival there, they were entered in a conformation show as the Scotch Sheepdog. The Collie become widely known in America after the release of the famous family movie called Lassie, which came out in 1945. The Golden Retriever is an athletic breed that was designed to be the ideal hunting and retrieving canine for a Scottish baron named Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a yellow retriever-like dog with a Tweed Water Spaniel in search of a helpmate who could also be a loyal companion. The progeny of this cross was eventually further crossed with another Tweed Water Spaniel, a Red Setter and a Flat-coated Retriever. Like the Collie, the Golden Retriever is a Hollywood star; he has been on the film screen as well in shows such as Drew Carey, and in the movie Air Bud, where the Golden was a basketball star.

Gollie Breed Appearance

The Gollie is breed that can either be smooth or rough coated. He will have long fur and the coat will be dense. The water and weather resistant feature found in the Golden Retriever may or may not be present. This hybrid  stands tall and is muscular. If your Gollie inherits more of the Retriever build, he may have a heavier, more compact build with wide, broadened features. A Gollie that inherits more Collie may be finer built, with narrower features. His head is long and slightly inclined downwards, whereas the muzzle tends to be longer and slightly pinched at the end.  His eyes are often deep set and almond to oval in shape, and the eye color is often light to dark brown. The Gollie's legs are long and lean,  as is his body. His chest is typically deep and wide, more so if the Retriever traits are inherited. The tail is long and muscular and may have a very slight curve. 

Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Gollie eyes
Hazel
brown Gollie eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Gollie nose
Black
brown Gollie nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
blue Gollie coat
Blue
sable Gollie coat
Sable
white Gollie coat
White
black Gollie coat
Black
brown Gollie coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Gollie straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Gollie Breed Maintenance

The Gollie will have thick, long fur and will shed constantly. Due to the high shedding level, it is recommended that your dog be brushed daily in order to reduce the shedding load, prevent matting, and clear off dirt from his coat. These breeds can suffer from wet-dog odor if they swim a lot, which is a trait common in Golden Retrievers meaning you may need to bathe your hybrid at least once a month. As with all dogs, ears should be cleaned and checked on a regular basis in case there is a proliferation of yeast or bacteria. His teeth should be brushed a few times per week and nails should be trimmed when necessary, if not worn down through play.

Brushes for Gollie
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Gollie requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Gollie Temperament

These dogs can be quite alert and hard workers, but at home they can be quite laid back and aloof. When socialized at a young age, they do well with other pets and younger children. The Gollie will tolerate rough play with children but as all dogs are different, you need to monitor your children when they play with this large hybrid. They aren’t guard dogs and are likely to “attack” a stranger with a lot of licking and playful behavior; however, some Gollies may be shy or cautious and may bark when a stranger approaches. The Gollie is an intelligent breed that is often quite easy to train, and they make good companions for energetic, active families.

Gollie Activity Requirements

Considered active dogs, this hybrid will require a lot of running, plenty of play time and plenty of training. They are people pleasers and thrive in environments that will constantly engage them and enable them to learn and show off their skill. They will do well in activities involving agility, coursing trials, learning new tricks and obedience training. Not to be left alone for long periods of time, the family who adopts the Gollie should be prepared to let him tag along wherever they go. He'll do best with 60 minutes at the minimum of activity per day and will be eager and willing to go for more. The Gollie needs a safe, enclosed back yard space in which to explore and play, under your careful supervision.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Gollie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Gollie Owner Experiences

Yogi
2 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So loving and he knows before we do when going to bed and as I get in bed first and my wife approx 10 mins later he always jumps up for snuggles and jumps down when he hears my wife on her way
5 years, 10 months ago
buster
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love my dog, he's just perfect for me. Their a very energetic dog, he does need grooming, but you can see the difference after you've brushed it. They need daily walking/running and they love to play. Also great with other dogs or kids. They tend to come back to their owners when their afraid.But, if not brought on a walk or no playing with, they like to bring themselves on a walk, more so if you live in the county side. But, saying that they are the most loving, sweet dog you could ever ask for!
5 years, 8 months ago
Mack
8 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Cuddling
Playing Ball
Mack is a very happy dog. Can be riotous, jumps up, pulls on the lead, got thrown out of puppy class (for disruption)shed lots of hair, is very affectionate, loves cuddles, loves to run, roll and swim. Shows some aptitude for herding sheep. Can be really friendly to other dogs and some he just does not like. Has a bromance with Pip, a working collie. Loves to finish off a cup of tea. Loves to come out in the car. Just loves to be with us. Hates the bath. Sleeps under the bed and sometimes puts himself to bed if it gets too late. Loves to sit at the gate & bark at passers by and cars. Barks at sirens and fireworks, anything flying over, anything in his garden. Has a mind of his own.Knows what he wants and is good at nagging.
4 years, 3 months ago
Bailey
16 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Beach
Go to Park
Walk
Run
Playdate
Look out the window
Learn a new trick
Catch treats
Play
Nap
Chase
Fetch
cuddle
High Five
Hide & Seek
Tug-of-war
Speak
Eating Snacks
Laying in the sun
Bailey has taught us a lot about patience. She LOVES everyone she meets and hates to be apart from the family.
3 years, 11 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd