Occasionally seen: PDA, deafness, cerebellar abiotrophy (Rough)
Minor concerns: Distichiasis, pyotraumatic dermatitis
Major concerns: CEA
Suggested tests: Eye, (cardiac), (hearing)
Life Span: 8 – 12 years
Avg Size of Female: Height: 22 – 24 inches, Weight: 60 – 65 pounds
Avg Size of Male: Height: 24 – 26 inches, Weight: 60 – 75 pounds
Note: Often sensitive to ivermectin. Merles should not be bred to merles because homozygous merle is lethal or detrimental to health.
Brief History on Collie Origin
This particular breed has been known to be used for herding sheep for many centuries. The Collie began to build a reputation for itself in the late 19th century, that was when Queen Victoria fell in love with them while on a trip to Scotland. She then decided to take several back with her to Windsor Castle. The Collie’s popularity blossomed due to her promoting the breed. The upper classes, as well as dog enthusiasts, took a liking to the dog at this point in time. Sometime in 1867, “Old Cockie” was born and featured many of the characteristics associated with the breed, especially those of the Rough Collie variety. Collies would later come in a variety of colors. Including red, buff, and even sables. The most popular colors included tan and white, black, black and white, and what is referred to now as “blue merles.” The “Scotch” collies, a rough-coated variety, were also bred sometime during the 1800s. While the smooth-coated varieties were used to drive cattle or sheep, the rough-coated variety were able to withstand all weather climates, so were normally trained and used as guard dogs.
Collie Breed Appearance
The Collie is a breed known to personify the meaning of grace, speed, and agility. The front legs of this dog are muscular, thin and straight. The hindquarters feature toned, athletic thighs. The feet are oval in shape and rather small. They feature protective, tough pads and well-arched toes. The head is described as wedge-shaped, and it is very well proportioned to the rest of the dog’s body. The smooth, well-rounded muzzle ends bluntly, and features teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The almond-shaped eyes are normally dark in color, and offer an expression of understanding and intelligence. The ears are proportionate to this breed’s head. The body of the Collie is firm and lean, and it is slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is moderately long and carried low when the dog is at rest, and carried happily when the dog is alert or active. The gait of the Collie can best be described as effortless and graceful. The coat of this breed consists of an outer coat which is harsh and straight, and an undercoat that is soft and dense. The mane and frill of this dog is abundant while the face is very smooth. There is copious amounts of hair on the tail, and the hair on the hips is long and fluffy. There are four recognized coat varieties for the Collie. Sable and white, tri-color, blue merle, and white. The smooth-coated variety of the Collie features a coat that is short and dense, with an abundant undercoat.
Collie Breed Temperament
A amiable and faithful companion, the Collie is truly an intelligent dog that is eager to please it’s master. It is a superb breed for a family with children, and it normally gets along just fine with other dogs and non-canine pets in the household. The Collie can be withdrawn and cautious with strangers, making it a good watch dog. Although its natural friendliness can prevent it from being a useful guard dog. Puppies will often times exhibit inherent herding behavior by nipping at heels, but they usually grow out of this. The Collie puppy is known to be quite easy to housetrain. Sometimes this breed can be a bit headstrong, and at times excessively bark. The Collie is a loyal, warm hearted dog that is faithful to its family.
Collie Breed Maintenance
The smooth-coated variety of Collie requires very minimal maintenance, an occasional brushing is all that is required to keep them looking good. Although the rough-coated variety takes much more time and care to keep it in it’s best condition. Their coat should be brushed or combed two to three times per week at minimum, and even more often during shedding seasons. Shedding season normally takes place twice a year. The rough-coat variety sheds dirt relatively easily, though you can bathe or use dry shampoo as necessary. The Collie is know to be a very active and energetic breed, therefor going on a run or walk, or playing an intense game of fetch in the yard is required daily to keep this dog happy and stress free. An average fenced-in yard would be ideal for this type of dog. Unfortunately, it is not recommended to live in apartment dwellings because of its tendency to bark, sometimes excessively. This breed is considered to be sensitive to heat, so if taken out be sure there is plenty of shady areas for him or her to rest, and also plenty of water to drink. As with most other breeds, obedience or behavioral training should begin early on in life while they are still young. The collie is quick to learn, and it responds well to firm, loving and consistent training.
via Whisker Therapy