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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Collie
Collies have a double coat with long, abundant hair on the back, neck and chest
areas while the head and legs have short, smooth hair. The Collie comes in two variety
of coats. The Rough variety has an abundant double coat that forms a mane around
the chest and neck. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat that needs very little
grooming. Coat colors include sable and white, tri-colored, blue merle or white
with sable, tri-colored or blue merle markings. The wedge-shaped head should be
blunt with a chiseled face, a rounded muzzle and a slight stop. The medium-sized
eyes should be almond-shaped and dark in color. However, the merle coated dogs may
have blue or merle eyes. The ears are small with ¾ of the ear erect and the
rest folding forward. The strong jaw has teeth that meet in a scissor-like bite.
The well-arched neck should be muscular and merge into well-angulated shoulders.
The topline should have a slight rise over the loins and the chest should be broad
and well-developed. The legs should be straight and the hindlegs should have well-bent
stifles. The oval feet are well-padded with tight set and arched toes. The tail
is long and should reach to the hock joint. It should never be carried over the
back.
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Temperament
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Collies are alert, noble and highly intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and
are very loyal to their owners. The collie is a superb children's loyal companion,
always willing to give and accept love and adoration. Collie puppies house train
easily. Care should be taken in the gentle training of this breed as they may become
willful and refuse to cooperate. Though not aggressive dogs, they tend to be suspicious
of strangers.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 24-26" ; Weight: 60-75 lbs.
Female Height: 22-24" ; Weight: 50-65 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed can be prone to hip problems, PRA and eye defects. Some have been known
to become lame and suffer with arthritis. The tip of this breed's nose is sensitive
to the sun. Because the Collie is a very popular breed, purchase only from a reputable
breeder.
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Living Conditions
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Collies will do okay living in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise.
They are sensitive to heat and need plenty of shade and water.
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Exercise
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Collies need lots of daily exercise. They should be able to run free off of their
lead from time to time.
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Life Expectancy
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About 14-16 years
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Grooming
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The Rough coat needs regular weekly grooming to look its best. The impressive coat
sheds dirt easily and will stay in good condition with regular brushing. The Smooth
variety needs very little grooming. Bathe only when necessary. This breed sheds
heavily twice a year.
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Origin
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Rough Collies are thought to be descended from the breeding of native Scottish dogs
and dogs that accompanied Roman invaders during 50 BC. Their name came from the
black sheep bred in the lowlands of Scotland, the Colleys. During the 1860s, Queen
Victoria became intrigued with this breed during her visit to Scotland. She arrived
at Windsor Castle with several dogs and instantly increased the popularity of the
breed throughout the nobility and upper class of Europe. During this time the rough
collies were mixed with the Borzoi. Since then the breed must have Borzoi influence
to win in the show ring. The first Rough Collie was shown at the Birmingham Dog
Society Show in 1860. In 1878, the first imports arrived in the United States. The
AKC and the UKC recognize the breed; however, the smooth and rough coated collies
are not distinguished. The demand for this breed reached an all time high in the
1940s when a Rough Collie was chosen as the star for the TV show "Lassie".
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Group
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AKC and UKC Herding Dog
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