Everything About the Collie Dog Breed
Collies are intelligent and loyal working dogs that make highly devoted companions. Popular for their beautiful coats, gentle and easily trainable personalities, and instinctive herding skills, the Collie dog breed has a long and storied history as a beloved family pet.
History and Origin
The Collie is a Scottish and English herding dog that dates back to the early 19th century. The earliest records of the breed refer to a strongly built and agile working herding dog known as the Scottish Sheepdog. The name ‘Collie’ is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word ‘colley’ meaning ‘useful’, in reference to their usefulness as herding dogs. The breed was further refined and popularized in the late 19th century by British royalty and helped gain worldwide fame after featuring as the main character, Lassie, in the 1940’s novel and film series.
Appearance and Grooming
Collies come in two varieties – the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie. The Rough Collie has a long coat that is bushy and fairly thick with feathering on the legs and tail. The Smooth Collie is much shorter and thinner. Colors vary from sable and white to blue merle. All Collies have a white blaze on the head, chest, and legs and a white tip on the tail.
Although the Collie has a long, full coat, it is actually not difficult to groom. The breed sheds seasonally and weekly brushing is recommended to keep the coat free from mats and tangles.
Temperament
Collies are incredibly intelligent and eager to please their owners. They are loyal, affectionate, and gentle, which makes them excellent family pets. Collies do great around children and form tight bonds with their families.
Exercise And Training Requirements
Collies are active, alert, and highly trainable. They need regular activity – both mental and physical – to stay healthy and happy. Without enough exercise, Collies tend to become high-strung and prone to destructive behavior. They should be taken on long daily walks and allowed to run and play off-leash in a safe area.
Health Concerns
Life expectancy of a Collie is generally between 12 and 14 years. The breed is generally healthy and robust, but there are some hereditary health issues to be aware of, such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
- Hypothyroidism
Collie owners should always get their pup from a reputable breeder who offers health guarantees.
The Perfect Pet
Collies are gentle and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They are highly trainable and can often outsmart their owners. With regular exercise, plenty of love, and good care, Collies can live happy and active lives for many years.
If you’re looking for a loyal, intelligent, and devoted companion, the Collie breed may be the perfect fit for you.
Keywords: Collie, Scottish Sheepdog, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, herding dog, sable and white, blue merle, loyalty, intelligence, affectionate, trainable, health concerns, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Collie Eye Anomaly, Hypothyroidism, exercise.