DogMatchUp

Pekingese vs Collie

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Pekingese
Toy

Pekingese

Toy Group

Collie
Medium

Collie

Herding Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Pekingese Toy
Collie Medium

Lifespan

Pekingese 12-14 years
Collie 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Pekingese 2/5
Collie 3/5

Grooming Needs

Pekingese 4/5
Collie 4/5

Breed Overview

Pekingese Overview

Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Toy
Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner

Collie Overview

Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Pekingeses are less energetic than Collies, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Pekingeses require less grooming attention compared to Collies.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pekingeses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Collies.
  • Trainability: Pekingeses may be slightly easier to train due to their Pekingese's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Pekingeses adapt better to apartment living, while Collies typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pekingese and Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Pekingese Collie
Size Toy Medium
Life Expectancy 12-14 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Toy Group Herding Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Pekingese Collie
Height
6-9 inches
15-23 cm
22-26 inches
56-66 cm
Weight
14-14 lbs
6-6 kg
50-75 lbs
23-34 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Medium coat
Coat Length Short Medium
Shedding Seasonal Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Pekingese Collie
Temperament Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner Devoted, Graceful, Proud
Energy Level
2/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Pekingese Collie
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
4/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Pekingese Temperament

Affectionate Loyal Regal in Manner

The Pekingese is known for being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.

Collie Temperament

Devoted Graceful Proud

The Collie is characterized by being devoted, graceful, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Pekingese and Collie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Pekingese
3/5
Collie
3/5

Good with Children

Pekingese
3/5
Collie
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Pekingese

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Collie

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Pekingese

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Collie

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Pekingese

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Collie

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Pekingese

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Collie

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Pekingese

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Collie

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Pekingese Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

2/5

Pekingeses require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Pekingeses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.

Collie Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Collies need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their medium coat coat, Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.

Health & Lifespan

Pekingese Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Brachycephalic syndrome
  • Patellar luxation
  • Heart murmurs
  • Eye problems
  • Spinal disc issues

Collie Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • CEA
  • PRA
  • MDR1
  • Bloat

Pros & Cons

Pekingese

Pros

  • Excellent apartment dogs
  • Loyal and devoted
  • Low exercise needs
  • Independent nature

Cons

  • Stubborn and challenging to train
  • Regular grooming required
  • Heat sensitive
  • Can be aloof with strangers

Collie

Pros

  • Highly intelligent and trainable
  • Excellent family companion
  • Good with children
  • Loyal and protective
  • Elegant appearance

Cons

  • Heavy shedding
  • Regular grooming required
  • Can be vocal
  • Sensitive personality
  • Needs consistent exercise

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Pekingese and Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.