Dog Breeds - Collie

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards family members or familiar individuals can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved and aloof with everyone except their owners, while others exhibit a friendly and affectionate demeanor towards everyone they know treating them like their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It is crucial to supervise dogs at all times when they are around young children or children who have little experience with dogs, regardless of the breed.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
Breed temperaments can influence how dogs interact with others of their kind. While it's important to supervise and carefully manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to have a greater inclination towards getting along with other dogs, whether it's in a home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary greatly. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing to manage their shedding may potentially trigger allergies in certain individuals and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks can vary from breed to breed. When considering a breed, it's important to assess the time, patience and budget you have available for such grooming requirements. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity for drooling can vary among different breeds. If you value cleanliness and find excessive drooling undesirable, it may be best to avoid breeds that tend to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes. Assessing the drooling tendencies of a breed can help you make a suitable choice if you are particularly concerned about maintaining cleanliness.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth, Rough
COAT LENGTH +
Short, Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The receptiveness of a breed towards strangers can differ. Certain breeds may show reserve or caution around strangers irrespective of the environment, while others are generally open and happy to meet new people whenever an opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm for play can differ among breeds even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds tend to have a high energy level and enjoy interactive playtime. On the other hand, certain breeds may be content with relaxed activities preferring to spend quality time lounging on the couch with their owners most of the time. Understanding a breed's inclination towards playfulness can help you choose a dog that aligns well with your preferences and activity level.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Breed tendencies regarding alerting their owners to the presence of strangers can vary. Some breeds are more prone to react to any potential threat, such as the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds remain vigilant and are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life, including living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedules, and other variations, can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and adaptable, adjusting relatively easily to changes in their environment, routines, and external factors. Other breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change, requiring more time and support to adapt to new situations. Taking into consideration a breed's ability to handle change can be helpful in ensuring their well-being and overall compatibility with your lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners making them more receptive to training and quick to learn new commands or tasks. These breeds tend to be motivated by positive reinforcement and enjoy engaging with their owners. Conversely, certain breeds may display more independence and be less inclined to follow commands or engage in training sessions. These breeds may require more patience and consistency in training approaches. Considering a breed's trainability and willingness to learn can help you choose a dog that aligns with your training preferences and goals.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed can vary significantly. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and always ready for their next adventure. They thrive on regular exercise and engage in activities such as running, jumping, and playing to expend their energy. These breeds generally require a substantial amount of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent boredom and maintain their well-being. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more relaxed and content with a less active lifestyle. They tend to be more laid-back and will often be satisfied with moderate exercise and quieter activities. Although they still require regular exercise to stay healthy, their exercise needs may be less demanding compared to high-energy breeds. Understanding the exercise and mental stimulation needs of different breeds can help you select a dog that fits well with your lifestyle and activity level. It's important to ensure that you can provide them
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency at which this particular breed vocalizes, be it through barks or howls, deserves attention. While some breeds exhibit a tendency to bark incessantly at every passer-by or bird by the window, others only engage in barking under specific circumstances. Furthermore, there are breeds without barking tendencies that still find means to express themselves through alternative vocalizations.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The frequency at which this particular breed vocalizes, be it through barks or howls, deserves attention. While some breeds exhibit a tendency to bark incessantly at every passer-by or bird by the window, others only engage in barking under specific circumstances. Furthermore, there are breeds without barking tendencies that still find means to express themselves through alternative vocalizations.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards family members or familiar individuals can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved and aloof with everyone except their owners, while others exhibit a friendly and affectionate demeanor towards everyone they know treating them like their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children, as well as its overall family-friendly nature, can vary. It is crucial to supervise dogs at all times when they are around young children or children who have little experience with dogs, regardless of the breed.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

Breed temperaments can influence how dogs interact with others of their kind. While it's important to supervise and carefully manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions, certain breeds tend to have a greater inclination towards getting along with other dogs, whether it's in a home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary greatly. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will require more frequent brushing to manage their shedding may potentially trigger allergies in certain individuals and will likely necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to keep the environment clean.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance tasks can vary from breed to breed. When considering a breed, it's important to assess the time, patience and budget you have available for such grooming requirements. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity for drooling can vary among different breeds. If you value cleanliness and find excessive drooling undesirable, it may be best to avoid breeds that tend to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes. Assessing the drooling tendencies of a breed can help you make a suitable choice if you are particularly concerned about maintaining cleanliness.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth, Rough

COAT SPECTRUM

Short, Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The receptiveness of a breed towards strangers can differ. Certain breeds may show reserve or caution around strangers irrespective of the environment, while others are generally open and happy to meet new people whenever an opportunity arises.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm for play can differ among breeds even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. These breeds tend to have a high energy level and enjoy interactive playtime. On the other hand, certain breeds may be content with relaxed activities preferring to spend quality time lounging on the couch with their owners most of the time. Understanding a breed's inclination towards playfulness can help you choose a dog that aligns well with your preferences and activity level.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Breed tendencies regarding alerting their owners to the presence of strangers can vary. Some breeds are more prone to react to any potential threat, such as the arrival of the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds remain vigilant and are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life, including living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedules, and other variations, can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and adaptable, adjusting relatively easily to changes in their environment, routines, and external factors. Other breeds may be more sensitive or resistant to change, requiring more time and support to adapt to new situations. Taking into consideration a breed's ability to handle change can be helpful in ensuring their well-being and overall compatibility with your lifestyle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners making them more receptive to training and quick to learn new commands or tasks. These breeds tend to be motivated by positive reinforcement and enjoy engaging with their owners. Conversely, certain breeds may display more independence and be less inclined to follow commands or engage in training sessions. These breeds may require more patience and consistency in training approaches. Considering a breed's trainability and willingness to learn can help you choose a dog that aligns with your training preferences and goals.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed can vary significantly. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and always ready for their next adventure. They thrive on regular exercise and engage in activities such as running, jumping, and playing to expend their energy. These breeds generally require a substantial amount of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent boredom and maintain their well-being. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more relaxed and content with a less active lifestyle. They tend to be more laid-back and will often be satisfied with moderate exercise and quieter activities. Although they still require regular exercise to stay healthy, their exercise needs may be less demanding compared to high-energy breeds. Understanding the exercise and mental stimulation needs of different breeds can help you select a dog that fits well with your lifestyle and activity level. It's important to ensure that you can provide them

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Frequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The frequency at which this particular breed vocalizes, be it through barks or howls, deserves attention. While some breeds exhibit a tendency to bark incessantly at every passer-by or bird by the window, others only engage in barking under specific circumstances. Furthermore, there are breeds without barking tendencies that still find means to express themselves through alternative vocalizations.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black White & Tan	034
Blue Merle	050
Blue Merle & White	051
Blue Merle White & Tan	052
Sable	164
Sable & White	165
Sable Merle	166
Sable Merle & White	277
White	199
White Merle	311

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black & Tan Markings	039
Blue Merle Markings	033
Sable	026
Sable Merle Markings	032

About The Breed

Renowned for its enduring popularity and widespread recognition, the majestic Collie is unquestionably one of the most adored dog breeds worldwide. There are two distinct variations: the well-known "rough" Collie with its abundant, voluminous coat, and the sleeker "smooth" Collie. Displaying a harmonious blend of size and agility, this herding breed typically stands between 22 to 26 inches tall. While the rough Collie captivates with its strikingly flamboyant fur, the smooth Collie exhibits a more understated yet equally delightful allure. Coat colors in both variants encompass sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and white.

Collie enthusiasts take great pride in the breed's graceful wedge-shaped head accentuated by expressive almond eyes and mobile ears, which effortlessly convey an array of emotions. Revered for their affectionate disposition towards children, Collies are cherished companions and superb additions to any family. These swift and athletic dogs thrive on the bonds of companionship and regular physical activity. With their receptive nature, Collies readily and enthusiastically respond to gentle training. The breed's unwavering loyalty, exceptional intelligence, and impeccable character have solidified its place in the realm of legends.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A COLLIE

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Collie: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Collie Health Foundation has made substantial investments in research to identify and address health issues concerning the breed. Their website serves as an excellent resource offering valuable information on various health conditions affecting Collies. One crucial requirement is for puppies aged between 6-8 weeks to undergo an eye examination conducted by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to detect Collie eye anomaly an inherited eye disease prevalent in the breed. It's worth noting that some Collies may exhibit sensitivity to specific medications due to the MDR1 mutation. While Collies generally enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 14 years and are considered fairly healthy overall, it is still advisable for prospective buyers to conduct thorough research. They should inquire with breeders about any health concerns and seek a clear understanding of the health guarantees that can be provided. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2 (PRA-rcd2) - DNA Test Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) - DNA Test Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA, CH) - DNA Test Dermatomyositis (DMS) - DNA Test

Grooming

	Smooth Collies, although they don't face the issue of matting still require regular grooming due to their double coat. During shedding periods, it becomes necessary to brush out the undercoat to maintain a healthy coat and skin. On the other hand, rough Collies demand particular attention to prevent matting particularly in specific areas like behind the ears and elbows. Moreover, removing loose undercoat is also crucial for their coat's health. Performing a thorough weekly brushing down to the skin effectively mitigates these concerns. It's worth noting that if female Collies are spayed, they experience a significant shed once a year. Conversely, if they remain intact, females tend to shed approximately three months after their heat cycle, while males shed around their birthday. These shedding periods require a bit of additional grooming to manage effectively.

Exercise

	Collies, in general, exhibit a noteworthy level of activity and therefore necessitate regular exercise. Engaging in aerobic activities and providing opportunities for them to run and play are essential. Teaching Collies to play fetch is a beneficial exercise option and having a fenced yard where they can freely run and going on daily walks also contribute to their exercise needs. It is crucial not to confine Collies to the backyard for extended periods, as they may develop boredom-induced barking. Collies are inherently people-oriented and prioritize being in the company of their owners. Ideally, a well-rounded Collie will be energetic and ready for activity when it's time to go, while also capable of relaxing and being calm when it's time to relax.

Training

	Collies are highly intelligent and have a natural aptitude for learning making them easy to train. It is highly recommended to enroll Collie puppies in puppy classes to facilitate their socialization and overall training. However, the training journey should not end there. Collies possess a genuine love for training and acquiring new skills, which not only enhances their capabilities but also strengthens the bond with their owners and family. Collies respond particularly well to positive reinforcement training methods. They excel in various disciplines, including obedience, agility, herding, and even activities like barn hunt and lure coursing. Owners of Collies will find a plethora of enjoyable and engaging activities to partake in with their furry companions. By exploring these avenues, owners can unleash the full potential of their Collies and foster a fulfilling and dynamic relationship with their canine companions.

Nutrition

	Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a Collie's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. As a foundation for their health, owners should prioritize providing a high-quality and balanced diet. Collies tend to thrive on dog foods that consist primarily of meat-based ingredients, with fewer grains. It is worth noting that many breed experts suggest avoiding dog foods that contain corn or soy. Additionally, Collies are susceptible to bloat, a potentially serious condition. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to feed Collies two or multiple smaller meals per day, rather than one large meal. Adding some meat to their food has been shown to help reduce the chances of bloat.

Historiography

Queen Victoria's deep affection for Scotland had a profound and lasting impact on the history of the Collie breed. During her frequent visits to Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, Victoria developed a strong fondness for the local herding breed. Her enthusiasm for Collies led to their increased popularity among her courtiers and subjects in the latter half of the 19th century, transforming them from humble shepherd dogs to global canine superstars.

Historical evidence suggests that the Collie's ancestors arrived in Scotland nearly 2,000 years prior to Victoria's time, likely brought by the Romans during their conquest of Britain in the 1st century AD. Over several centuries, the Roman herding stock interbred with local dogs resulting in the development of a resilient and capable sheepherding dog that we now recognize as the Collie. Interestingly, one theory suggests that the name "Collie" originated from a specific strain of black-faced sheep known as "colleys."

Although the Collie breed made its appearance in written records around 1800, it was during Victoria's era, in the latter part of the 19th century, that the breed's familiar characteristics were solidified. In the 20th century, American author and dog breeder Albert Payson Terhune further popularized Collies through his stories about the Sunnybank Collies, captivating generations of young readers. Additionally, British author Eric Knight catapulted the Collie to iconic status with his novel "Lassie Come-Home" in 1940, which spawned spin-off movies and a long-running television show. Lassie's heroic adventures firmly established Collies as the ideal canine companions in the realm of every child's imagination.