General Appearance

The Gollie is a graceful and athletic dog with a balanced and proportionate build. It combines the Collie's refined elegance with the Golden Retriever's robust and sturdy frame. The breed's friendly and intelligent expression reflects its loving and social temperament.

Size

• Weight: 50–75 pounds.

• Height: 20–26 inches at the shoulder.

Coat

• Texture: Dense and soft, with a double coat that may be straight, slightly wavy, or smooth.

• Length: Medium to long.

• Colors: Common colors include gold, cream, black, sable, merle, tricolor, or bicolor patterns. A ruff of longer hair around the neck may be present.

Head

• Skull: Moderately broad with a slight dome, blending smoothly into the muzzle.

• Muzzle: Long and well-proportioned, tapering slightly toward the nose.

• Nose: Black or brown, depending on coat color.

• Eyes: Almond-shaped, expressive, and medium-sized. Colors range from dark brown to hazel, conveying intelligence and warmth.

• Ears: Medium-sized and set high, folding forward or standing semi-erect, depending on the Collie influence.

Body

• Neck: Strong, slightly arched, and blending smoothly into the shoulders.

• Chest: Deep and well-developed, with ribs that are well-sprung but not barrel-shaped.

• Back: Straight, firm, and level, with a slight slope at the croup.

• Tail: Long and feathered, carried low when at rest but may be raised when in motion or alert.

Legs

• Forequarters: Straight and well-boned, with strong shoulders and an upright stance.

• Hindquarters: Muscular with well-angled stifles and strong hocks, providing drive and agility.

• Feet: Oval-shaped with well-arched toes and thick, durable pads.

Movement

The Gollie moves with a smooth, fluid, and efficient gait. Its stride is ground-covering, with good reach in the front and strong drive from the rear, reflecting the athleticism of its parent breeds.

Temperament

• Personality: Intelligent, affectionate, and social. The Gollie is a devoted companion known for its gentle demeanor and eagerness to please.

• Energy Level: Moderate to high. This breed thrives on daily physical and mental stimulation and enjoys activities like obedience training, agility, or hiking.

• Trainability: Highly intelligent and quick to learn, the Gollie responds well to positive reinforcement and excels in various canine roles, from family pet to therapy or service work.

Faults

• Shyness or excessive timidity.

• Aggression or overly dominant behavior.

• Unbalanced or exaggerated features that compromise the breed's elegance and functionality.

• Poor coat quality or excessive shedding outside seasonal norms.

Care Requirements

• Grooming: Regular brushing is necessary to manage shedding and maintain coat health. More frequent grooming is required during seasonal shedding periods.

• Exercise: The Gollie requires daily exercise, such as long walks, playtime, or training sessions, to maintain its physical and mental well-being.

• Diet: A high-quality, balanced diet tailored to its activity level is essential for maintaining optimal health.

Ideal Owner

The Gollie is best suited for active families, individuals who enjoy outdoor activities, or those seeking a loyal and intelligent companion. While adaptable to various living environments, the Gollie thrives in homes with ample space to exercise and where it can be an integral part of family life.

​

The Gollie — also known as the Golden Collie, Goldie-Collie, and Golden Retriever Collie Mix — is a designer breed created by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Collie. DogBreedInfo documents the first official Gollie litter in 2006, with the sire being an AKC Rough Coated Collie named "Gabe." Dogtime confirms Gollies are also sometimes known as Golden Collies. The Gollie exists in two variants depending on the Collie parent: the Golden Retriever × Rough Collie (the original documented cross, producing a longer-coated dog with the Collie's distinctive ruff) and the Golden Retriever × Border Collie (sometimes called a Golden Border Retriever, noted for its intense herding instinct and athletic build). Both variants are recognized by DKC and registered under the Gollie breed name. Dogster confirms the Gollie combines the energy and intuitive qualities of Collie and Golden Retriever parents, producing a highly trainable, affectionate companion suited to active families. Dog Breed Info + 2

​

Puppyfinder confirms AKC does not register Gollies and specifically warns against claims of "AKC registered Gollies" — only purebred dogs of AKC-recognized breeds can be AKC registered. AKC registers purebred Rough Collies, Border Collies, and Golden Retrievers individually, but any cross between a Collie and a Golden Retriever is permanently ineligible for AKC registration regardless of which Collie parent is used. Designer Kennel Club (DKC) was built specifically to serve Gollie owners and breeders who need official registration papers and cannot obtain them through AKC. Puppy Finder

​

Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for Gollies, Golden Collies, Goldie-Collies, and Golden Retriever Collie Mixes — including both the Rough Collie and Border Collie variants — with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Gollie without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

​

Registering your Gollie or Golden Collie with Designer Kennel Club establishes an official record of breed, ownership, and identification accepted for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, apartment and housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.