The Complete Guide to Collies

Collies are a beloved breed of dog known for their intelligence, loyalty, and beautiful coats. They originated in Scotland and Wales, where they were bred to herd sheep and other livestock.

With proper training and socialization, Collies can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to farms. They are generally quiet and don't bark much, making them a great choice for people who live in close proximity to their neighbors.

Collies are highly intelligent dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.

Collies are naturally protective of their families and can be wary of strangers, but with proper training and socialization, they can learn to trust new people and dogs.

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Collies are generally medium-sized dogs, weighing between 48 to 70 pounds.

Their bone structure is light to medium, and cattle-herding types tend to be stockier than sheep-herding types.

Collies come in two coat varieties: Rough and Smooth, which are identical except for their coat type.

Their fur can be short or long, and their tail can be smooth, feathered, or bushy, often carried low with an upward swirl.

Collies can vary in coloration, with common base colors including black, black-and-tan, red, and red-and-tan.

They often have white markings along with their main color, usually on the belly, chest, and face.

Males typically stand between 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers, while females stand between 22 to 24 inches tall.

A different take: Do Border Collies Ears Stand up

The Collie's body is a remarkable thing, with a firm, broad back that's slightly longer than it is tall. This unique shape allows for a deep chest that extends to the elbow.

The back is broad and firm, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the body. Well-sprung ribs add to the overall athletic appearance of the Collie.

A slight rise over the loin gives the Collie's body a gentle slope, which is a key characteristic of this breed. This subtle feature helps to create a well-rounded finish.

The croup, or the rear section of the body, slopes gently to complete the Collie's distinctive physique. This gentle slope is a defining feature of the breed.

On a similar theme: Straight Back German Shepherds

The height and weight of this breed are quite specific. Males typically stand between 24 to 26 inches at the withers.

Females are slightly smaller, ranging from 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Their weight is also less, ranging from 50 to 65 pounds.

A deviation from these heights can result in penalties.

The Collie comes in two main varieties: Rough and Smooth.

The Rough variety has a very dense coat with a straight and harsh outer coat that's a joy to touch. The undercoat is soft and furry, making it a great breed for those who love to cuddle.

The Smooth variety has a short, hard, dense outer coat of good texture, which is a big plus for those who prefer less maintenance.

The Rough Variety is a distinctive breed with a coat that fits the outline of the body and is very dense.

The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch, while the undercoat is soft and furry, nearly hiding the skin.

The mane and frill are very abundant, giving the breed a luxuriant appearance.

The front legs are well feathered, and the back legs are profusely feathered above the hock joint.

The tail carries heavy feathering, adding to the breed's overall fluffy appearance.

A smooth mask (face) is a characteristic of the Rough Variety.

Soft, open, or curly outer coats are considered faults in this breed.

The smooth variety is a unique and distinctive type of coat. It has a short, hard, dense, flat outer coat of good texture.

This texture is complemented by an abundance of undercoat, which adds depth and insulation to the overall coat.

The smooth variety's outer coat is also notable for its short length, which makes it a low-maintenance choice for many pet owners.

Collies are intelligent, sensitive, and kind, making them a wonderful companion for many families.

Their intelligence is renowned, with the Border Collie being the first in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, and other collie breeds ranking high as well.

Collies range in trainability from average to very biddable, but they do require some mental stimulation to prevent anxiety and hyperactivity.

A working member of a collie breed, such as the Border Collie, is an energetic and agile dog with great stamina, able to run all day without tiring.

They are intensely loyal and highly motivated, making them well-suited for active sports like agility, flyball, and dog agility.

Collies can be single-minded to the point of obsessiveness, especially when it comes to herding work, so they do need consistent training and exercise to keep them focused.

Their sensitivity and awareness of emotions in people also mean they may require gentler handling than other types of dogs.

If this caught your attention, see: Border Collie Agility Dogs

Daily brushing is a must for your Collie, and it's recommended to do it every day to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.

Regular clipping is also essential to keep their coat looking its best, and it's recommended to do it regularly.

A daily brushing routine will help prevent matting and tangling of your Collie's fur, which can be painful and uncomfortable for them.

Collies have a thick double coat, and regular clipping will help keep it looking neat and tidy.

Collies have been bred for both working ability and conformation showing, which can lead to a loss of their working instincts.

Many collies are working herding dogs, but some have been bred as pets, which can result in a more subdued temperament.

Herding types tend to vary in appearance more than conformation, as they are bred primarily for their working ability, and appearance is thus of lower importance.

The Collie breed has a rich history that spans over 2,500 years, with some saying they accompanied the Romans across Britain around 500 B.C.

Collies were not truly recognized as a distinct breed until the 18th century, when they lived in the highlands of Scotland and were carefully bred to assist their masters in herding and guarding sheep.

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom adored the breed and its popularity grew, not only with shepherds but also with members of the upper class.

The breed was first exhibited in 1860 at the Birmingham, England, dog show in a category called "Scotch Sheep-Dogs."

In 1878, Queen Victoria entered two Collies in the Westminster Dog Show, marking a significant milestone for the breed.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Collie breed in 1885, and the breed's standard height, weight, and physical characteristics were established the following year.

Today, Collies are not only valued for their herding abilities but also as beloved family pets, known for their intelligence and friendly nature.

Choosing the right breed is a crucial step for prospective owners. This decision will impact the dog's health, temperament, and overall well-being.

There are over 340 recognized breeds of dogs, each with its unique characteristics. Choosing the right breed for you depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences.

Getting a dog can bring immense joy and companionship into your life. Studies have shown that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index compared to non-dog owners.

Related reading: Are Border Collies Good for First Time Owners

Finding a responsible breeder is essential to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy. Look for breeders who prioritize the dog's welfare, provide health clearances for the parents, and are transparent about the puppy's ancestry.

Getting started in dog sports can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your dog. From agility to obedience, there's a sport that suits every dog's abilities and personality.

Puppies require a lot of care and attention. They need to be fed, exercised, and trained regularly to develop good habits and a strong bond with their owners.

The Future of the Breed is a topic that's near and dear to my heart, having worked with Border Collies for years. The breed has evolved over hundreds of years, and its name was only acquired a little over 100 years ago.

Different groups of breeders will inevitably focus on different qualities, leading to the breed being taken in different directions. Shepherds prize the strong herding instinct and intelligence, naturally focusing on maintaining and improving the natural herding ability.

Related reading: Bull Terrier Then and Now

Agility competitors favor fast, agile, smaller dogs, which is likely to lead to a decrease in the average size of Border Collies over time. Miniature Border Collies may become a reality.

As a preservation breeder, I breed to maintain "type" while improving the overall health of the breed. This is the purpose of the conformation dog show.

The concept of ownership in animal breeding has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many breeders and owners advocating for greater transparency and accountability.

Breeders are now required to provide detailed information about the genetic health of their animals, including results from genetic testing.

The use of artificial insemination has become more widespread, allowing breeders to select from a wider pool of genetics and reducing the need for multiple breeding attempts.

Many breeders are turning to embryo transfer as a way to increase the chances of successful breeding and reduce the number of breeding attempts required.

Some breeders are also exploring the use of DNA testing to identify genetic traits and predict the likelihood of certain health issues in their animals.

For more insights, see: Breeding Bull Terrier