Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Bolognese.

Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022

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Collie Versus Bolognese: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie and the Bolognese? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Collie and the Bolognese better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Collie and the Bolognese.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie and the Bolognese is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Collie and for the Bolognese. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Collie and the Bolognese.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Collie or the Bolognese.

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Bolognese.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Bolognese

Collie versus Bolognese: Overview

A very important difference between the Collie and the Bolognese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Bolognese is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Bolognese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Collie versus Bolognese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie to the Bolognese based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Collie and the Bolognese

FactorCollieBolognese
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/55/5
Life Span10 to 14 years12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Easy To Groom2/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
General Health3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/52/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Potential For Playfulness4/53/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Does NOT Shed1/55/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds8 to 14 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1480$1810
Price Range$1000 – $1800$1500 – $2162
Temperament Score80.8 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Bolognese. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bolognese is 85 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Bolognese, we still believe that the Collie is a better pet than the Bolognese.

    This is because Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Collie :-). We are for the Collie. So get a Collie!

    Collie versus Bolognese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Bolognese

    Below is a list of where the Collie and the Bolognese are most different:

  • Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Bologneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Bolognese

    The Collie and the Bolognese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the Bolognese are most similar:

  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are very playful.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Bolognese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Bolognese

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the Bolognese.

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Bolognese weighs 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. The Bolognese is 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Bolognese

    Lifespan of Collie versus Bolognese

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Bolognese is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Bolognese is 13.0 years.

    The Bolognese live longer than the Collie.

    Temperament of the Collie Versus the Bolognese

    The Bolognese has a better temperament than the Collie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bolognese is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 80.8 percent, the Collie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Bolognese has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Collie and the Bolognese by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 1 Bologneses.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Bolognese

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Bolognese puppy is $1810. The price of the Bolognese typically ranges from $1500 – $2162. However, the price of the Bolognese can be as low as $1500 and as high as $2300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 6 Bolognese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bolognese is more expensive than the Collie.

    Collie Bolognese
    Average Price $1480 $1810
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1500 to $2162

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and Bolognese. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many Bolognese puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bologneses

    A breakdown of the prices of Bologneses

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Collie puppy or the Bolognese puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Bolognese

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Bologneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Bologneses?

    Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Bologneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Bolognese?

    Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bologneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Bolognese?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Bologneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Bologneses?

    Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Bologneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Bolognese?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Bologneses are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Bolognese

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bologneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Bologneses?

    Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Bologneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bolognese?

    Collies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Bologneses have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Bologneses?

    Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Bologneses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bologneses Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bologneses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Bolognese

    Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Bologneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bologneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Bologneses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Bolognese?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Bologneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the Bolognese?

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Bologneses are OK for new dog owners.

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Bolognese. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:

    Collie versus Briard     Collie versus Irish Setter     Collie versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Collie versus Afador     Collie versus Belgian Tervuren     Collie versus Beagle     Collie versus Norwich Terrier     Collie versus Field Spaniel     Collie versus Yorkshire Terrier     Collie versus Belgian Malinois     Collie versus Yorkipoo     Collie versus Cocker Spaniel     Collie versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Collie versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Collie versus Lhasapoo     Collie versus Papipoo     Collie versus Shiba Inu     Collie versus Bracco Italiano     Collie versus Dachshund     

    Conclusion: Collie versus Bolognese. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Collie and the Bolognese better suits you and your family.