| Breed Description Scottish Collie) The Collie is a long-coated sheepdog with a muscular body that is slightly longer than it is tall. They have a comparatively wide, strong chest and a tailbone that reaches the dog’s hocks. They have a blunt, wedge-shaped head with a lean, lightweight appearance. The top of the Collie’s head is flat, and the facial features are well-defined. They have a long, rounded, blunt muzzle that is tapered and features a black nose. The breed’s almond-shaped eyes are usually dark, except in the blue merle variety of Collie. The ears are erect and have tips that fold forward. There are two types of Collies, the Rough Collie, and the Smooth Collie. The Smooth variety of Collie has a short-haired coat, while the Rough variety has a thick double coat that forms a mane over the chest and neck. Both varieties of Collie come in a variety of colors including sable and white, blue merle, and tri- color. They may also be predominately white with sable, tri-color, or blue merle markings. |
| Character The Collie is highly intelligent, easy to train, and wonderfully personable. They are loyal, sensitive, gentle, and kind, and they are almost always good with other pets and animals. They are rarely dog aggressive. They are hopelessly devoted to their friends and family, and they make excellent companion dogs. They are great with children, and they are very playful and patient. Collies can be strong-willed, and they require gentle training to ensure the dog’s cooperation. Some puppies of this breed may exhibit herding behavior like nipping at the heels of people and animals. They usually housetrain quickly, but they can be stubborn and leery of strangers. They are protective over their owner(s) and family, and they tend to be suspicious of people they don’t care for. In general, these dogs are sociable, outgoing, and good-natured. |
| Size 22 – 26 inches Weight 50 – 75 pounds History The Rough-Coated Collie was virtually unknown outside of Scotland for many years. Today, the breed is one of the most popular in the world. The Collie is a descendant of generations of hard-working herding breeds. The name is thought to have come from the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Because of their high intelligence, the Collie has been trained and utilized for many purposes including search & rescue, guide work, guarding, and even acting. Many people are familiar with the movie star Collie named Lassie. Many notable people have owned Collies, from Queen Victoria to J.P. Morgan. Many Collies have been mixed with the Borzoi. This influence was actually a standard that was set for Collies to win in the show ring. The working Collies were separated and became different breeds. The Collies with the Borzoi influence became the type of Collie we see today. The first Collie was presented in a dog show in the year 1860. Both the Rough and Smooth varieties are recognized as the same breed. Maintenance The Collie’s coat will shed unwanted dirt, so a simple weekly brushing is all that’s needed to keep it in good condition. Extra care should be given by owners of this breed when the dog is shedding its soft undercoat. The Collie should be bathed and dry shampooed only as necessary. Mats should be clipped out instead of combed to avoid causing the dog unnecessary pain. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder. Ideal Environment Collies are content to live in a small household or apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. This breed is comparatively inactive indoors and is happiest with at least an average-sized yard. They are sensitive to the heat, so owners should always ensure they have plenty of fresh water and shade. |
| Rough Collie Information |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |