COLLIE

APPEARANCE
Collies are generally fairly lightly built with a pointed snout and erect or partly erect ears, giving a foxy impression. Collies are always alert and are active and agile. The fur may be short, flat, or long, and the tail may be smooth, feathered, or bushy. Common Collie coat colors are: sable and white, blue merle, sable merle, tri-color, white (with a colored head of any of the coat colors). Many types have white along with the main color, usually under the belly and chest, over the shoulders, and on parts of the face and legs.

PERSONALITY
The Collie has a very stable and well-mannered temperament. They are possessive, caring, and very defensive of their master. This breed is completely devoted to his master. These are sensitive dogs, and need plenty of attention and love from owners. 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.

TRAINING
Collies are very agile and easy to train dogs. They don’t like repetitions in method of training as they become bore easily. This willful dog requires a gentle hand to avoid shyness and refusal to cooperate with his owner. The Collie has been trained as a search and rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star, and as a guard dog.

EXERCISE
These dogs need a physical workout of about 60-80 minutes per day. Collie should have a long walk every day at the minimum. If possible, allow your Collie a chance to herd, as this is by far its favorite exercise.

SOCIALIZATION
The sweet nature of the Collie means that some dogs in this breed may be timid, and this means that early socialization is important in order to build confidence. Their gentleness and devotion also make them quite compatible with children. These dogs are very social and love to be surrounded with people or with other animals. Collies are generally very cautious of strangers and they”ll bark at strangers who look suspicious.

LIVING CONDITIONS
This large breed responds best with a medium sized yard. Will do well in apartment life if given regular exercise. While physically capable of living outdoors, the Collie should nonetheless be an inside dog with access to a yard, since family contact is so important.

GROOMING
The rough collies, which have hard coat, need extra attention and care as compared to smooth collies. Grooming requirements for the smooth Collie are minimal, but the more common rough Collie needs to be brushed at least twice a week, and may need professional grooming performed every few months. Monthly baths are recommended as their long coat traps dirt.

HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Collie is around 12-14 years. Though Collies are known to be a very healthy breed but they are prone to some serious and common diseases like eye problems, PRA, thyroid problems, epilepsy, skin problems, and bloat.

HISTORY
The Collie originates from Scotland, and was initially bred to herd and drive livestock. This breed became a favorite with Queen Victoria in the 1800s. The Collie was registered with the AKC in 1885

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