Collie versus Carolina Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Collie Versus Carolina Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie and the Carolina Dog? 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie and the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog.

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 Carolina Dog.

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 Carolina Dog.

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 Carolina Dog

Collie versus Carolina Dog: Overview

Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog are similar in size. The Collie and the Carolina Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Collie versus Carolina Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog

FactorCollieCarolina Dog
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/53/5
Life Span10 to 14 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder18 to 20 inches at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
General Health3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/52/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/53/5
Easygoing1/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/52/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Does NOT Shed1/52/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds33 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1480$500
Price Range$1000 – $1800$500 – $500
Temperament Score80.8 percent66.7 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Collie is a better pet than the Carolina Dog. So, you should get a Collie!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Carolina Dog

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

  • Collies do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Carolina Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Collies 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. However, Carolina Dogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. However, Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Carolina Dog

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

  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Collie and the Carolina Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Carolina Dog

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

    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 Carolina Dog weighs 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. The Carolina Dog is 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Collie versus Size of Carolina Dog

    Lifespan of Collie versus Carolina Dog

    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 Carolina Dog is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Carolina Dog is 13.5 years.

    The Carolina Dog live longer than the Collie.

    Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Collie

    The Collie has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Collie and the Carolina Dog by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 3 Carolina Dogs.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Carolina Dog

    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 Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of the Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 19 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Collie is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    Collie Carolina Dog
    Average Price $1480 $500
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $500 to $500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and Carolina Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Collie puppy or the Carolina Dog 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

    Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Carolina Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Collies and many Carolina Dogs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Collie named Marty that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Marty on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Collies, Carolina Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, A1146530 is a Male Carolina Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Carolina Dogs like A1146530 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Collie and the Carolina Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Kamino is an adorable Male Carolina Dog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Collies and Carolina Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Carolina Dog

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Carolina Dog?

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

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Carolina Dog?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Carolina Dog

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Carolina Dog?

    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.

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Carolina Dog

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

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Carolina Dog?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

    Carolina Dogs are not the best dogs 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 Carolina Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:

    Collie versus Goldador     Collie versus Mal Shi     Collie versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Collie versus American Foxhound     Collie versus Xoloitzcuintli     Collie versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Collie versus Sealyham Terrier     Collie versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Collie versus Afador     Collie versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Collie versus Chorkie     Collie versus Bracco Italiano     Collie versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer     Collie versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Collie versus Dogo Argentino     Collie versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Collie versus Miniature Schnauzer     Collie versus Boxerdoodle     Collie versus Standard Schnauzer     

    Conclusion: Collie versus Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog better suits you and your family.