Description of a Collie

The Collie is a well-known dog breed that is native to both England and Scotland in the United Kingdom, where it served as a herding dog alongside livestock. The dog breed is a common family dog all around the world, including in the United States where it became known as the lovable main character on the 1950s sitcom "Lassie."

  1. History

    • The history of the Collie began in Scotland and England where it was known as "Rough Coated Collie." Compared with the Collies of today, the earlier versions had particularly short muzzles, wide heads and were much smaller in general. The primary function of Collies was to herd livestock (sheep and cows). In the middle of the 1800s, the breed received a spike in prominence due to Queen Victoria's fascination with them.

    Appearance

    • In terms of size, male Collies are both taller and heavier than female Collies. Male Collies tend to weigh between 60 and 75 lbs. at adulthood, while female Collies usually reach between 50 and 65 lbs. As for height, male Collies grow to somewhere between 24 to 26 inches, while female Collies tend to grow to between 22 to 24 inches. Common Collie coloring includes blue merle, white and sable, tricolor and almost fully white with scattered markings. The long-haired dog breed features a double coat that is thick and rich. With regard to the coat's texture, two varieties exist, which are rough and smooth-coat Collies. The Collie's physique is strong, slender, lithe and moderately-sized.

    Health

    • The Collie life expectancy usually ranges from 14 to 16 years. For the most part, the dogs stay healthy very easily. However, some health conditions that are occasionally associated with the breed include eye problems, the genetic disorder progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), arthritis, epilepsy, deafness, canine hip dysplasia and sun sensitivity.

    Behavior

    • The Collie breed is known for its smarts. Collies are also often described as being sweet, protective, trustworthy, devoted, friendly, gentle and eager to please. Collies interact well with young children. Although the breed is rarely aggressive, it can be suspicious of new people. If Collies are improperly trained, they can display stubborn behavior. Housebreaking of the breed is a relatively easy process.

    Grooming

    • Collies with smooth coats do not call for extensive maintenance and grooming. The rough-coated versions, however, need much more attention, with a minimum of 2 to 3 brushings weekly. The dog breed sheds roughly two times annually and during these times, additional grooming is necessary.

    Exercise

    • The Collie breed is full of energy, so abundant exercise is vital. Collie owners need to take their dogs for at least one extended walk every day. If possible, allow Collies to occasionally run and play around safe areas without leashes on. Collies can thrive in urban dwellings, as long as they receive enough daily exercise. Heat sensitivity can be an issue during the summer months.