Description

A lovely, active, and agile, long-coated sheepdog made famous by the movie star, Lassie. The lean, blunted, wedge-shaped head gives an impression of lightness. The top of the head is flat. The face is chiseled. The long, smooth, well-rounded, blunt muzzle tapers to a black nose. The ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark except in the case of blue merles that may have blue or merle eyes. The trim, but muscular, body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is strong and fairly wide. The tailbone hangs down to the dog's hocks. In the Rough variety, an abundant double coat forms a mane around the neck and chest. The coat needs regular weekly grooming to look its best. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat that needs very little grooming. With both varieties the hair on the head and legs is short and smooth. They both come in sable and white, tri-color (black, white & tan), blue merle or predominantly white with sable, tri-color or blue merle markings.

Origin

For centuries the Rough Coated Collie was hardly known outside Scotland, but it is now one of the world's most popular breeds. Descended from generations of hard- working herding dogs, it is a conscientious creature of immense intelligence. They are used as water rescue dogs and have served man as sheepdogs for centuries, guarding and herding flocks. The breed's name probably comes from its charge; the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Early Rough Collies were smaller, with broader heads and shorter muzzles. The Collie is so intelligent that he has been trained for many purposes, as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star, and as a guard dog. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and her interest launched the breed's subsequent popularity. J.P. Morgan and other members of the upper class have owned Collies. At this point Collies were mixed with the Borzoi, and *ALL* show dogs had to have the Borzoi influence for them to win in the show ring. The working dogs separated, Collie remaining) and the show type became what we see now, the large dogs with flatter faces. The Collies great beauty has made them a favorite show dog and family companion. The Smooth Collie is more popular as a companion dog in Great Britain than in the United States, though he is gaining popularity in the U.S. today. The Smooth Collie is the same as the Rough Collie, but without the long coat. The AKC considers the Rough and Smooth Collies as varieties of the same breed. They are judged by the same standard with the exception of the coat. The first Collie was presented at a dog show in 1860.

Temperament

A noble, highly intelligent dog. Sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. Usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. Very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. One Collie travelled received the Ken-L-Ration Hero Dog award 5 times. An excellent children's companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. Can be willful and must be trained gently or he will refuse to cooperate. Some exhibit herding behavior as puppies, nipping at people's heels. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behavior. Collie puppies housetrain quickly, generally in about a week (after about 10-12 weeks old). They are good-natured, friendly, dogs. They are energetic outdoors. They can be wary of strangers, stubborn and indolent. It has a fairly good sense of protectiveness for its master, especially for children. They are not aggressive, but they do tend to be suspicious of people they do not like.

Height

Height: Dogs 24-26 inches (61-66cm.) Bitches 22-24 inches (56-61cm.)

Weight

Weight: Dogs 60-75 pounds (27-34kg.) Bitches 50-65 pounds (23-29kg.)

Known Health Problems

Generally healthy dogs. Some lines are prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems leading to acute lameness and arthritis. Seeing your veterinarian is advisable for a clearance certificate before purchasing a puppy. The tip of a Collies nose can be sensitive to the sun. Buy only from a reputable breeder. The Collie is a very popular breed resulting in the sale of many inferior animals with poor health and/or temperaments.

Conditions for Living

The Collie will dog okay in an apartment as long as they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Sensitive to the heat. Provide plenty of shade and fresh water in warm weather.

Exercise Requirments

walk. In addition, they would enjoy some romps off the leash in a safe area.

Life Expectancy

About 14-16 years

Grooming

The spectacular stiff coat sheds dirt readily and a thorough weekly brushing will keep it in good condition. Take extra care when the soft dense undercoat is being shed. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat and should be brushed every one to two weeks. If the long coated variety has a BIG matt, and the dog is not being used for show, the matt may need to be cut out, as opposed to combed out, as to avoid pain to the dog. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. This breed sheds heavily twice a year.

Group

Herding, AKC Herding