Dog Breeds > Collie

The Collie

Rough Collies have shorter muzzles and they were mainly use in herding, guiding sheep and cows, and as water rescuers. In contemporary society rough and smooth Collies have been widely infamous for their ability to easily follow instructions. See If you want to trained this breed.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

Collies have made an indelible mark when it has been featured in the movie “Lassie”, with a rough collie as the main character. The rough and smooth coated collie came from the same breed. Ever since they were associated with acting abilities, herding, rescue operations and effective guards.

Physical Appearance

This breed is fairly built, with upright or partly upright ears. They have pointy snout which creates a foxy like appearance. Their fur could be short, long, or flat, and they have full or docked tails. Some are naturally bobtailed or tailless. The shade of their coat includes black, black-and-tan, red, red-and-tan, or sable, with white patches on the neck, under the belly and on the face and legs. They have rough and smooth coat.

The average Collie weighs 60-75 pounds, and with a height of 24-26 inches.

Grooming

Collies should be regularly brushed since their coat could easily breed parasites. The smooth variety should be washed at least once per two weeks, or better yet once in a week. The matt may be cut out when the dog is not use for a show. The smooth collie shed regularly while the rough one sheds annually.

Mood

This breed is well mannered, sociable and protective of their owners. They are nice towards other house pets. They are very energetic, affectionate and playful. However they tend to become anxious around people they perceived as dangerous. The owner should train them in a gentle yet authoritative manner, since they occasionally become stubborn. This breed is a great outdoor companion, who would enjoy long treks in mountains.

This breed has a great herding instinct, which explains their tendency to dump people.
This could be addressed through proper training.

With Children

Children are generally safe around Collies. This breed has non-violent and mild mannered characteristics around people they sensed as harmless. They tend to be caring and protective. Children would greatly enjoy their company.

Training & Exercise

Collie needs daily longs walks, jog and run. In safe area they would love some romps off the leash. They need constant physical and mental stimulation, since they have a great reserve of energy. They enjoy being in the water.

Health & Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Collie is 14-16 years. They are generally healthy.  They may develop eye defects, PRA (Collie eye syndrome), and hip problems.  It is advisable to use sun block on their nose, since they are sensitive to the sun. They should be constantly given drinking water in hot weather.

Dog Breeds by Grouping | Dog Breeds A - F | Dog Breeds G - N | Dog Breeds O - Z