Collie Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: Collie

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Herding Group
Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 50-75 pounds Color: sable & white, tri color, blue merle & white

The Collie is probably best known for its role as Lassie, and is a graceful, elegant, and attractive dog with a sturdy build and a keen expression. Although a large, active dog, the Collie is both elegant and graceful, appearing to float over the ground as it runs. Loyal and affectionate, the breed is naturally responsive to humans. This breed originated in the highlands of Scotland where for centuries they were used as sheepdog and helped their master in herding and guarding the flock. Earlier they were barely known except in Scotland but now they are popular all over the world. It is generally believed that these dogs got their name from the work they used to do i.e. the Scottish Black faced Sheep known as Colley.

General Appearance
A lovely, active, and agile, long-coated sheepdog made famous by the movie star, Lassie. The lean, blunted, wedge-shaped head gives an impression of lightness. The top of the head is flat. The face is chiseled. The long, smooth, well-rounded, blunt muzzle tapers to a black nose. The ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark except in the case of blue merles that may have blue or merle eyes. The trim, but muscular, body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is strong and fairly wide. The tailbone hangs down to the dog's hocks. In the Rough variety, an abundant double coat forms a mane around the neck and chest. They have comparatively small feet, which are nicely shaped and are closely placed together. These dogs have long tail with the bone reaching to the hock joint. The neck is very strong, clean and rigid and it makes the dog look physically powerful. The Collie carries himself with real grace and dignity, and for many is considered one of the most handsome and elegant breeds.

Temperament
Collies are very polite, quick, and sharp minded dogs with a sweet temperament. It is quite easy to train these dogs as they are smart and have great grasping power. They can serve as outstanding herding dogs and family pet. Due to their friendly nature, they get along with other animals very well. Collies are possessive, caring, and very defensive of people whom they love. This breed is completely devoted to his master. This is a gentle, obedient pet that simply loves to play around especially with children. They like playing games such as tug of war, hide and seek. A well balanced, sociable, and intelligent breed, the Collie is a dog that makes an excellent family pet, offering a good natured personality, plenty of affection and devotion, and bags of loyalty for the right owner. The Collie is a breed that tends to get along with everyone, from children and adults to pets and even strangers. These are sensitive dogs, and need plenty of attention and love from owners. The Collie is a dog that has a well above average learning rate which makes him easy to train. The Collie will bark in order to raise an alarm if something is amiss, and this means that he can be an effective watchdog. The Collie does not like to live in an environment that is noise and fraught with tension, and a calm household is the ideal environment for this breed.

Grooming
When it comes to grooming the Collie needs to gave his coat brushed once weekly, and this will need to be stepped up at times when he is shedding more heavily, which occurs for two out of four seasons. The heavy shedding of the Collie during the spring and fall means that he may not be the ideal choice of allergy sufferers. There are two varieties of collie, which includes the rough coated and the smooth coated Collie, and the grooming requirements can vary based upon the type of Collie that you have. Collies are very sensitive to heat so this should be taken care off. Whenever the weather is hot, give them a cover and lots of fresh water.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
Generally healthy dogs, some lines of Collies are prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems leading to acute lameness and arthritis. The life expectancy of the Collie is around 12-14 years.

Activity Level
The Collie loves to spend time with his family, and will enjoy getting involved in a range of activities from exercise activities to play and recreation. Although they require daily walks, they can also be couch potatoes.

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