The Collie is a lithe, strong, responsive, active dog, carrying no useless timber, standing naturally straight and firm.
History: Collie refers to various breeds of herding dog originating primarily in Scotland. Several theories abound, including one that the dog was created from the same ancestors as the Border collie and that the name of this fine breed was derived from the Gaelic word that means “something useful”. Others say that the name comes from a Scottish black-faced sheep called a “Colley.”
Appearance: The deep, moderately wide chest shows strength, the sloping shoulders and well-bent hocks indicate speed and grace, and the face shows high intelligence. The head is the shape of a lean wedge, and it is well balanced and proportioned to the rest of the dog. The smooth, well-rounded muzzle is blunt at the end and has good-sized teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The medium size, almond-shaped eyes are usually dark in color. The moderately long tail is carried low when the dog is at rest and carried gaily when the dog is alert. The coat of this breed consists of an outer coat which is harsh and straight and an undercoat that is softer and denser. There are four recognized colors for the coat of the collie: sable and white, tri-color, blue merle, and white.
Size: Height -Dogs 24 – 26 inches (61-66 cm), bitches 22 – 24 inches (56-61 cm)
Weight - Dogs 60 – 75 pounds (27-34 kg), bitches 50 – 65 pounds (23-29 kg)
Temperament: A noble, highly intelligent dog. It is sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal, usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. The collie can be reserved and wary with strangers, making it a good watch dog, but its friendliness prevents it from being a very good guard dog. Collie is an excellent children’s companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. It can be willful and must be trained gently or it will refuse to cooperate.
Health: Generally healthy dogs. Some lines are prone to PRA, eye defects and hip problems leading to acute lameness and arthritis.
Life expectancy: 8-12 years.
Grooming: The smooth-coated variety of the collie needs very little coat care: occasional brushing is all that is needed. The rough-coated variety takes considerably more time to keep the coat looking its best. This coat should be brushed at least two to three times per week and more often during shedding seasons, which is normally twice a year. This breed is sensitive to heat, so shade and plenty of water needs to be provided on warm days.
Puppy price: $400.00 - $800.00