The Collie is a well-known herding breed whose his intelligence has long been portrayed in television and other media. Loyal beyond compare to his owners, he is sensitive to the emotions of those around him. This beautiful breed comes in two different coat varieties – longhaired (which is called rough) and short-haired (called smooth). However, all Collies should be friendly and people-oriented. One would be hard-pressed to find a more devoted, loyal breed.
Collies thrive in family settings because there are multiple people for them to enjoy! The breed makes a great companion for children and will spend countless hours watching over them. Plus they are always up for a great game! With older and more sedentary people, they adapt well to the couch potato life (as long as their exercise needs are met). They just want to be where the people are, whether it be with their own family or meeting new human friends! As with other social breeds, they should never be outdoor-only dogs. A Collie without enough human contact will get bored, lonely and ultimately destructive.
Potential owners should be aware that this breed does tend to bark… a lot. This means that they can make excellent watch dogs, but will also bark for every other reason as well, even just to hear themselves speak! Giving the Collie a job to do will help reduce the dog from barking out of boredom, but boredom is only one of the causes. A potential owner should get a Collie knowing that it will not be a quiet dog.
The Collie is known for being easy to train – from housebreaking on up to advanced obedience. This, combined with their easygoing personalities, make them ideal dogs for novice owners. They also enjoy participating in many varied tasks and dog sports. Because of their sensitive nature, they do not learn well when trained with excessive harshness or force. A little bit of stubbornness is seen in some dogs, but is usually easy to work through as long as the training is firm yet fair.
Collies need regular coat care, but the work isn’t too difficult if owners keep on a schedule. Roughs need to be brushed out once or twice a week while smooths may require less brushing as long as they aren’t actively blowing coat. Both varieties do shed continuously, and the shedding is extra bad once or twice a year. Bathing can be done once or twice a month if needed, although many Collies keep themselves clean (as much as they are able), and don’t have much of a “doggy odor”.
While generally healthy and hardy, Collies are known to be sensitive to various drugs including ivermectin, so it is vital that the owner and vet be informed about which drugs (including heartworm medication) the dog is allowed to take. It should also be noted that they are prone to several eye diseases (CEA and PRA) and a smart puppy buyer should only obtain a Collie from a reputable breeder who does health checks, including eye checks. Buying from a pet shop or unreputable breeder not only puts the dog at risk for health issues, but also temperament issues.
Most Collies get along great with other dogs and household pets, but may try to herd them. Nipping at the heels of another dog may cause frustration, just as it might if he nips the heels of a toddler. Some supervision may be required at first to make sure the Collie plays nicely. Aside from that, however, the breed is extremely gentle even with the smallest of pets. Many will watch over and protect tiny kittens or even chicks! The “Lassie” portrayal of the Collie is not too far from the truth, in that they are a protective and nurturing breed by nature. Just remember that, like any dog, they must be given socialization and basic training to allow them to reach this potential!
Bred to work all day, the Collie needs regular daily exercise. Unlike many of his herding cousins, however, a moderate amount is usually sufficient to ensure that he will be a calm house companion. The breed is not normally recommended for apartment living although it can be done if the owner increases the exercise that the dog receives.
Photo By Flickr user cjewell