Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Collies Live. Collie Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Collie Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Collie, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Collies
- How Old is Your Collie in Human Years
- How Long Do Collies Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Collie Live Long
- Conclusion on Collie Life Expectancy
How Long Collies Live. Collie Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Collie is from 10 to 14 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Collie. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 79 pet Collies lived.
From the study, it was found that Collies have a average lifespan of 12.6 years. Furthermore, the study found that Collies can live for as long as 17.0 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Collies.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Collies are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Respiratory Disease: Problems with lungs and breathing
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Collie to make your Collie live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Collie have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Collie is in human years? Then, check out our Collie age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Collie Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Collie compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Miniature Poodle Lifespan | 13.90 |
| Italian Greyhound Lifespan | 13.50 |
| West Highland White Terrier Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Collie Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Dalmatian Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Samoyed Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Labrador Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Maltese Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Sealyham Terrier Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Standard Schnauzer Lifespan | 11.90 |
| Affenpinscher Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Pekingese Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Basset Hound Lifespan | 11.20 |
| Norfolk Terrier Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Gordon Setter Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Old English Sheepdog Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Pomeranian Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Saint Bernard Lifespan | 7.00 |
| Kooikerhondje Lifespan | 3.92 |
Common Causes of Death in Collie, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Collie, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Collie.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Collies
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 26.5 percent of all deaths in Collies.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Collie
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Collies
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Collies (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Collies is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Collies is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Collies is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Collies with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Collie. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Collie`s gums look pale.
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Trauma in Collies
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 12.7 percent of all deaths in Collies.
Causes of Trauma in Collie
One of the most common causes of trauma in Collies is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Collies
The best way to keep your Collie from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Collie from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Collie from traumatic accidents.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Collies
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 12.4 percent of all deaths in Collies.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Collie
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Collie eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Collie stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Collie is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Collie has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Collies
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Collie`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Respiratory Disease in Collies
Respiratory diseases includes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. May also be related to left-sided heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Disease is responsible for 11.4 percent of all deaths in Collies.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in Collie
Some lung conditions can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other lung conditions, such as asthma, can be related to allergies and genetic conditions. Some breeds (called brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to breathing problems. These breeds appear to have their noses and snouts kind of squished into their faces. Although they are very cute, these breeds can have serious breathing problems throughout their lives which may require surgery. Additionally, dogs and cats can often get colds and other upper respiratory infections because of stress. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, thunderstorms and other loud noises, the introduction of other animals into the home, and more.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disease in Collies
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your Collie, by making sure you feed your Collie a good, nutritious dog food brand, give them plenty of exercises, and help them live in a stress-free environment. There are several options for supplements and therapies that can help reduce stress in your Collie. Some Collie do really well with thundershirts, which are snug shirts that swaddle the dogs and help them calm down during thunderstorms and other stressful events. Furthermore, Collies that are anxious with loud sounds might also benefit from calming supplements, such as Anxiety TFLN. For general anxiety, the supplement Composure or Composure Pro might help calm your Collie`s nervousness. Some Collies do really well with supplements, but just like with people, supplements do not work for everyone. If you are not seeing results after a few weeks of putting your Collie on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Collies
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 10.2 percent of all deaths in Collies.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Collie
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Collies are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Collies can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Collies
One way that you can help improve your Collie`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Collie joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Collie to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Collies a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Collie`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Collie eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Collie is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Collie is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Collie on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Collies
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Collie is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Collie`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Collie`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Collie offsprings by only breeding Collie that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Collie breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Collie has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Collie for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Collie a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Collies for:
How Old is Your Collie in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Collie. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Collie is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.6 years.
Collies are medium-sized dogs. Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Collie in converting Collie age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Collie`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Collie`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Collie`s human age. If you do not know your Collie`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Collie is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Collie`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Collie`s up-to-date human age.
Collie Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Collie age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Collie`s human age based on your Collie`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Collie`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Collie Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 26 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 37 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 46 |
| 8 | 50 |
| 9 | 54 |
| 10 | 58 |
| 11 | 62 |
| 12 | 66 |
| 13 | 71 |
| 14 | 75 |
| 15 | 80 |
| 16 | 85 |
How Long Do Collies Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.6 years. In human years, the Collie lives for 69 years.
How Old is 5-year-old Collie in Human Years?
A 5-year old Collie is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 6-year-old Collie in Human Years?
A 6-year old Collie is 42 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old Collie in Human Years?
A 7-year old Collie is 46 years old in human years.
How Old is 8-year-old Collie in Human Years?
A 8-year old Collie is 50 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Collie Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Collie live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Collie fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Collie does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Collie will have a shorter lifespan than a Collie that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Collie high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Collie. Check out our Collie feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Collie from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Collie existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Collie has access to clean water whenever your Collie needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Collie. See our Collie water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Collie.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Collie might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Collie.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Collie is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Collie’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Collie teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Collie Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Collie`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.