Shollie

• Energy Level

• Exercise Requirements

• Playfulness

• Affection Level

• Friendliness to Dogs

• Friendliness to Other Pets

• Friendliness to Strangers

• Watchfulness

• Ease of Training

• Grooming Requirements

• Heat Sensitivity

• Vocality

As a cross-breed, it’s important to remember that a Shollie is likely to exhibit the temperament of either or both of its originating breeds. A Shollie’s parent breeds are both smart and affectionate, so this hybrid dog is likely eager to learn, highly driven, protective of their families and very loving.

The German Shepherd Dog can be wary of strangers though incredibly devoted to their pet parents. Their strong personality may prove assertive toward other dogs but is generally accepting of other pets.

The Collie is more mild-mannered in temper but equally willing to please. Like the German Shepherd Dog, the Collie can be stubborn. Collies and other herding breeds may even nip at the heels during play. The nipping is related to their herding drive; it’s something they naturally do as herding breeds round up sheep and other livestock. Some Collies are known for their love of speaking and may bark more than other breeds.

Exercise and room to run, play and explore are needed for the Shollie, so they aren’t often suitable for someone with a small apartment. Whether walking, jogging, excelling in herding trials, or working in military or police roles, the Shollie’s temperament packs an energetic punch.

Shollies are also likely to be extremely intelligent, so any family considering this mix-breed should plan ways to keep their dog’s brains active and entertained. Food-puzzles, positive-reinforcement training exercises done daily or other dog-friendly sports will help keep your Shollie from finding their own fun.

Shollies tend to have longer, thicker coats and regular brushing is required. As they likely will shed more twice a year, brush more often. Like all breeds, baths are needed and nails should be clipped regularly. Regular teeth brushing and ear maintenance will help keep your Shollie happy and healthy in addition to regular veterinary care.

As both parent breeds are herders, channeling a Shollie’s inner herding drive is a wonderful form of exercise. Learning games and mental stimulation are a must for this highly motivated dog. With a healthy diet and frequent physical activity, a Shollie’s healthy weight can be maintained.

• Major Concerns: Bloat, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
• Minor Concerns: Allergies, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism
• Occasionally Seen: Seizures, congenital deafness, cherry eye, cataracts, skin disorders, GI disorders
• Suggested Tests: Hip and elbow dysplasia (DNA for myelopathy), eye, (DNA for CEA), DNA for PRA, DNA for drug sensitivity
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Notes: Collies may be sensitive to ivermectin. Homozygous merles may have visual or hearing problems. German Shepherd Dogs are especially susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic fungal infection from Aspergillus.

The exact date when the Shollie was first created is uncertain. It’s likely the two breeds were combined and labeled as a mixed-breed dog long before the term “Shollie” was first coined. With gaining popularity, now when combined, a Collie and German Shepherd Dog have offspring that fall into the “designer dog mix” category: A Shollie.

With both parent breeds known as smart, athletic and strong herders, a Shollie cross-bred dog is likely to exemplify these traits.