Collies have a rich history that spans thousands of years, originating from the Old World sheepdog breeds in the British Isles. They were highly valued for their intelligence, agility, and herding ability.
Their early history is tied to the ancient Celts, who used them to herd sheep and other livestock. Collies were a crucial part of Celtic life, providing both food and companionship.
Collies have undergone significant changes over the centuries, with the modern breed emerging in the 19th century.
Collie Basics
The Collie is a medium-sized herding dog that originated in Scotland.
Collies are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice as family pets.
They have a distinctive coat with two layers: a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat.
Collies are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Collies are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
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Their average lifespan is around 12-14 years with proper care and attention.
Collies are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family members.
They are highly protective of their family and territory, but also tend to be wary of strangers.
Collies are relatively easy to groom, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing.
They are a relatively small breed, weighing between 40-60 pounds and standing between 22-26 inches tall.
Collies are highly intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice as search and rescue dogs.
Collies are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their high energy levels make them a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
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Temperament
Collies are known for their extraordinary protective and loyal nature towards their family, especially children. They can be playful but kind, sweet, and gentle, making them great with younger kids and smaller pets.
They are calm, but can become suspicious of strangers, especially if they approach young children of their family. This makes them good watchdogs, as they will bark at strangers but won't become aggressive.
Collies are highly intelligent and easy to train, which is why they excel in dog sports like agility, lure coursing, herding trials, and obedience. With proper training, they can even become assistance and therapy dogs.
To ensure your Collie grows into a calm, kind, and well-rounded dog, expose them to various people and scenarios when they're young. This will help them develop good social skills and reduce the likelihood of excessive barking due to boredom or frustration.
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Collie Care
Rough Collies need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, so it's essential to get them used to the process from an early age.
Smooth Collies, on the other hand, only need brushing a few times a week, but a firm bristle brush is still necessary to remove dead hair and dust.
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Bathing your Collie is not a regular task, but it's recommended to bathe them every 3 months or whenever they roll in mud.
You should check their ears for signs of infection regularly, as ear infections can be easy to overlook in dogs.
Collies don't need much trimming, but you should trim their nails at least once a month, unless they wear down naturally on rough terrain.
Regular brushing also helps prevent bad odor and bacteria buildup, so brushing their teeth at least two or three times a week is a good idea.
Collie Types
Collie types are quite diverse, and it's interesting to note that they tend to vary in appearance more than conformation.
Herding types, which are bred primarily for their working ability, often have a more rugged appearance than pet types.
Dogs of collie type or ancestry include various working herding dogs, some of which have been bred for conformation showing and as pets.
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Types and Breeds
Collie types and breeds have a rich history in Britain, where herding dogs of collie type have been widespread for a long time.
Herding dogs of collie type have been bred primarily for their working ability, which means their appearance is of lower importance.
Many herding types vary in appearance more than conformation, reflecting their working background.
Some collie types have been bred for conformation showing and as pets, which can result in them losing their working instincts.
Dogs of collie type or ancestry include herding dogs, conformation show dogs, and pets, all of which can have varying degrees of working ability.
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Border Puppies
Border Collie puppies are a hyperactive ball of fluff, so be prepared for plenty of energy and drive.
They can be found through reputable breeders or local animal shelters, but keep in mind that shelter dogs may have unknown genetic profiles.
Responsible breeders should provide genetic testing to ensure the health of their puppies.
Border Collie puppies require plenty of toys and space in your yard to burn off their excess energy.
Getting a jump on obedience training is a great way to channel their energy into productive tasks.
Collie Family
Collie families will love their gentle and patient nature, making them great companions for children. They're tolerant of playtime antics, but it's still a good idea to supervise interactions.
Their intelligence is a double-edged sword - it makes them easier to train, but they can also get bored easily. This can lead to destructive behaviors if they don't get enough mental stimulation.
Collies do best in homes with yards, but they can also thrive in apartments with regular walks. They love going on outdoor strolls with their active owners.
Their herding instincts can sometimes get the best of them, and they may try to herd kids. This can involve nipping, which can be scary for kids, but it can be reduced and redirected with proper teaching.
Origin & History
The Collie's origin and history are as fascinating as their beautiful faces and coats. They were developed in Scotland and Northern England centuries ago as herding dogs.
Their name comes from the Scottish sheep, also known as Colleys, that they often watched. The Collie's working background is evident in their intelligence and herding ability.
It wasn't until 1885 that the American Kennel Club recognized the Collie as an official breed. This recognition marked a significant turning point for the breed.
Queen Victoria's interest in the Collie, sparked by her own pet, helped to promote the breed to the public. Her royal influence led to a surge in popularity and new breeders.
Collies were first found in the Highland Regions of Scotland, where they varied greatly in looks. Their herding ability was more important than their appearance back then.
Additional reading: Australian Sheep Herding Dog
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- the original (weebly.com)
- "What did collies originally look like? Why do they have long noses?" (oldtimefarmshepherd.org)
- Collie | Dog Breed Facts and Information - Wag! (wagwalking.com)
- Collie Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More (dogster.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/collie-eye-anomaly (petmd.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/border-collie (petmd.com)
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