Collie Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Collie is a medium-large dog that belongs to the shepherd group. The dog will be from 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder with the bitch 2 inches less. The weight of the dog is 60 to 75 pounds, and the bitch 50 to 65. Under all that hair is actually a fairly lean, athletic dog. The coat is most commonly found in tri-color, sable and white, blue merle, and white. The hair of the outer coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is dense and fine. It has a wedge shaped head with a pointed snout. The tips of the ears fold over. The Collie can live for up to 16 years. It is also called the Rough Collie.

History: The Collie is a shepherding dog that originated in the British Isles, in Wales and Scotland. It was used as a herding dog for sheep. The Scottish Collie was a large dog, with a rather aggressive demeanor, while the Welsh Collie was smaller and gentler. When the British became acquainted with both dogs, they bred them together to achieve a happy medium. It is suspected that the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi, was also bred into the Collie to give the head a more distinctive shape.

Temperament: The Collie is a gentle dog that does best when surrounded by its human friends. This is a happy and intelligent dog that bonds closely with its family. The dog has a protective nature and will defend its owner. The Collie behaves very well with children. It is a playful dog with an excellent sense of direction. The Collie trains easily and wants to please its master. This dog will suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Health Issues: The Collie can experience bloat, or stomach torsion, which demands immediate veterinary intervention to prevent death. Hip dysplasia is present in the breed, but not a great degree. The Collie often has trouble with heart worm medications, so care should be exercised when dealing with this parasite. A major health concern is what is called "Collie Eye Syndrome". This is something of a catchall phrase encompassing several eye ailments, some of which can lead to blindness.

Grooming: The long coat of the Collie needs weekly grooming to prevent matting and tangling. If large matts do form, they may need to be cut out. The Collie is a heavy shedder, and will blow its coat twice a year besides. At this time, the Collie should be brushed every day. It is easy for ticks and fleas to conceal themselves in the long coat of the Collie, so the dog should be checked carefully if it has been outside.

Living Conditions: As the Collie tends to be quiet indoors, it can live in an apartment, as long as it is given a good deal of exercise. This dog enjoys being with its family and will be unhappy if left alone for long periods. This Collie loves to play and is suitable for agility and obedience competitions. It needs protection from the heat in summer and should not be expected to live outside in winter.