Sign-in to your account

Collie

Origin: Great Britain

AKC Group: Herding

Height: 22 inches (Male)

Weight: 50 pounds (Male)

Back >

Origin:

Great Britain

Male height:

22 inches

Male weight:

50 pounds

Coat:

There are two varieties of Collie based on coat type: Rough and Smooth. The Rough Collie has a long and dense coat with a thick undercoat, and the thick fur forms a mane around the neck. The Smooth Collie's coat is short and smooth with a thick undercoat.

Colors:

Sable and white, tricolor, blue merle and white.

History:

It's amazing to think that the Collie, now recognizable around the world, was once little known outside his native Scotland. That all changed with the television show Lassie, starring a Rough Collie, which premiered in 1954 and ran for 20 years. Both the Rough and Smooth Collies were developed centuries ago as hardworking herding and guarding dogs. It is believed that the name
"Collie" came from the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley that the breed was assigned to watch. Queen Victoria took an interest in the breed, which increased its popularity in England and eventually in other parts of the world. The Collie Club in England was formed in 1881, and in 1886, the Collie Club of America (CCA) was organized. In the 20th century, breeders in both England and the United States continued to refine the breed, moving away from the heavier-boned and thicker-headed dogs used to maintain the flocks. The Rough and Smooth Collies share the same breed standard in both countries. The Rough Collie is more popular in the United States, and the Smooth is more popular in the United Kingdom.

Personality:

Extremely intelligent, kindhearted, affectionate and noble, Collies can be the "heroes" for their families just as Lassie was for hers. As herders/guardians, they were asked to think on their own, and there can be a trace of stubbornness in them. That said, Collies have earned the reputation as an extremely loyal and brave breed.

At home:

Collies are not overly energetic indoors and can do well in apartments if given enough exercise. One of the Collie's finest qualities is his desire to bond with and please his owner. Denied the opportunity to do so, he can become an excessive barker and exhibit other problem behaviors. This is not a breed that does well when left alone for long periods.

Recommended activities:

Collies are truly versatile and can participate in just about any activity, including herding, obedience, agility, canine freestyle, flyball and therapy.

Exercise:

The Collie is an athletic dog who benefits tremendously from plenty of exercise - long walks, romps in the woods and any opportunity to work as a herder or guardian.

Feeding:

Collies need a high-quality, nutritious diet to keep their coats shiny and active bodies in working order.

Training:

The Collie is a joy to train when approached properly, which is with a positive and respectful manner. He will shut down if treated harshly. He should be socialized from puppyhood to help overcome potential shyness, but he thrives with the kind of positive attention he will get out in the world.

Compatibility:

Collies are famous for getting along well with children, but keep in mind that children still need to be taught the proper way to handle a dog. They get along well with other dogs and pets.

Health:

The average life span of the Collie is 14 to 16 years. A generally healthy breed, health problems associated with the breed include Collie eye anomaly (CEA); epilepsy; hip dysplasia; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Fun fact:

Legend has it that a Collie named Bobbie traveled 2,000 miles (3,219 km) to find his family after becoming lost on vacation.

Grooming blurb:

The Rough Collie has a profuse coat that needs regular brushing and combing. The soft, dense undercoat does shed, and if not cared for, can mat. The Smooth Collie has a dense coat as well and also needs regular brushing to look (and feel) his best. Both varieties are seasonally heavy shedders.

Disclaimer:

Copyright by T.F.H. Publications, Inc. This document has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every reasonable precaution has been taken in preparation of this document, the author and publisher expressly disclaim responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader's discretion.