Collie
AKA: Scottish Collie
Description: The Collie is an active and agile long-coated sheepdog that comes as a rough variety or a smooth one. The rough variety has an abundant double coat that forms a mane around its neck and chest. The smooth variety has a one-inch coat that doesn’t need that much grooming. The hair on the head and legs of both varieties, however, are similarly short and smooth.
Its head is lean, blunted, and wedge-shaped, with the top of it flat. The muzzle is long, smooth, well-rounded, and blunt. The ears are slightly erect, the tips folding forward. It has a black nose and the eyes are almond-shaped and dark. In the case of blue merle collies, however, the eyes are blue or merle.
The body of the Collie is trim and muscular. It is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a strong and fairly wide chest, and its tail hangs down to the hocks.
Dynamics: The Collie is a nobly intelligent dog. It is easy to train and can be house-trained in about a week (when it is about 10-12 weeks old). The Collie is sensitive, kind, and loyal. It is known to be a breed that is very devoted and protective of its loved ones. It is excellent with children and are good-natured and friendly dogs.
The Collie is an energetic dog outdoors. A puppy may exhibit herding behavior (nipping at people’s heels and running around) but this is outgrown when it turns into an adult. The Collie tend to be suspicious of strangers and the people it does not like. It has a great sense of protectiveness, especially for its family’s children.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: males 60-75 lbs (27-34 kg), females 50-65 lbs (23-29 kg)
Height: males 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), females 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Color: Both the rough and smooth variety can come in sable and white, tricolor black-white-and-tan, blue merle or predominantly white with sable, tricolor or blue merle markings.
Country of Origin: The Collie originated in Britain. The Rough Coated Collie actually originated in Scotland. But it was Queen Victoria’s interest in the breed that sparked its popularity. The Collie was then mixed with the Borzoi, and the result was a Collie used as a show dog. The working Collie was branched out from the show type and is more popular as a Scottish Collie. The show type Collie has to have the Borzoi influence, and the flatter faces, in order to be accepted in the show rings. The Collie was first presented at a dog show in 1860.
Activities: The Collie needs a lot of exercise and their time outdoors. It enjoys some runs and romps off the leash. The breed has been used as sheepdogs for centuries, and are used as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, a movie star (Lassie), and a guard dog.
Grooming: Thoroughly brushing the coat of a Collie will keep it in good condition. Extra care should be given when it sheds its soft dense undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. The long-coated variety may have a big matt that needs to be cut out and not combed to avoid hurting the Collie. For the smooth variety, brushing should be done every one to two weeks.
Other Info: The Collie’s life expectancy is about 14-16 years. It is prone to PRA, eye defects, and hip problems that could lead to acute lameness and arthritis. But this breed is generally healthy. The Collie will be fine in an apartment, but it has to be taken out from time to time and exercised. It is relatively inactive outdoors. It is sensitive to the heat, especially its nose. It has to be provided with plenty of shade and fresh water in warm weather.
