The Smooth Collie Tricolor is a rare and stunning variation of the classic Collie breed. It's characterized by a predominantly white coat with patches of black and tan.
The Tricolor Collie's unique coloring is the result of a specific genetic combination that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. This combination leads to the distinctive black, tan, and white markings.
This variation is relatively rare, making it highly sought after by breeders and owners alike. As a result, Tricolor Collies can be quite expensive to purchase.
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Colors and Variations
Smooth collies can display a wide range of colors and variations, including tricolor.
The tricolor pattern typically features a black base coat with white and tan markings.
This unique combination of colors can result in a striking and handsome appearance.
In smooth collies, the tricolor pattern is often seen in combination with a black saddle or blanket.
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General Appearance
The Collie's general appearance is truly stunning, with a strong and active physique that's never cloddy. They're a dog of great beauty and dignity, with no part of their body out of proportion to the whole.
Their head quality and expression are of prime importance, making them a joy to look at. The Collie exists in two main coat varieties: Rough and Smooth.
These varieties are identical in every way except for their coat, which can be a significant difference for some owners. A Soft, open, or curly outer coat is a fault in the breed.
Their overall appearance should never give off a cumbersome or clumsy vibe, which is a key aspect of their charm.
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Sable
The sable coat color is a traditional favorite among Collie enthusiasts. It can range from a blonde "buff" color to a rich red to deep mahogany brown.
In Collies, the "brown" gene is dominant, which is why sables can have such a wide range of colors. This is due to the way the gene interacts with other genes to produce the distinctive sable coat.
A sable that inherits a single tri-color recessive gene is called a tri-factored sable and is generally darker in color. These sables often have a more dramatic coat than their non-tri-factored counterparts.
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All sables have the distinctive white markings of the Collie on the legs, tail tip, and white collar. This is a characteristic that's easy to spot and is a key part of what makes a sable a sable.
As a sable ages, its coloring often darkens, which can make it harder to determine whether a sable is tri-factored or not.
Tri-Color
The tri-color coat is a stunning combination of black and tan, with a distinctive white collar, legs, and tail tip. This color pattern is reminiscent of the Doberman, but with a unique twist.
The tri-color gene is recessive, which means it needs to be inherited from both parents for the color to appear. This can make it a bit tricky to predict, but it's worth it for the end result.
A predominantly black coat is the base of the tri-color, with tan markings on the face and legs adding a touch of warmth. The white markings are a key part of the tri-color's charm, and they add a nice contrast to the rest of the coat.
Rusty, browned, or faded black can be considered faults in the tri-color coat, so it's essential to keep an eye out for these when evaluating a dog's color.
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Blue Merle
The Blue Merle is a genetic variation that inherits a merle gene from one parent, resulting in a distinctive blue/grey coat pattern with varying black splotches.
This pattern is similar to the Tri-Color, but with the merle dilution gene acting on the black coat to create the blue/grey effect. The finest blue coats are a clear, crystal blue color.
Both dark grey and "white ice" harlequin colors are variations away from the ideal blue coat color. The Blue Merle has the same tan markings on the face as the Tri-Color.
A distinct white collar, legs, and tail tip are also characteristic of the Blue Merle breed.
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Ownership and Care
If you're considering bringing a smooth collie tricolor into your family, there are several things to think about. Choosing the right breed for you is crucial.
Before getting a dog, it's essential to ask yourself why you want a dog in the first place. Do you want a companion, a workout buddy, or a family pet? Understanding your motivations will help you make the right decision.
Finding a responsible breeder is also vital. Research their reputation, ask for references, and make sure they prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs.
As a smooth collie tricolor owner, you'll need to establish a daily routine that includes regular care and exercise. Supervising your pet is key, especially in the early stages. Make sure doors are closed, clean up after yourself, and block off rooms as needed to prevent accidents.
Brushing your smooth collie's coat at least once a week will help prevent matting and tangling. You can also help keep their teeth healthy by brushing them at least twice a week.
To ensure your smooth collie tricolor stays healthy and happy, feed them a high-quality diet that's appropriate for their age. Regular exercise is also essential, but be sure to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration.
Here are some essential care tasks to remember:
- Supervise your pet to prevent accidents
- Brush your smooth collie's coat at least once a week
- Brush their teeth at least twice a week
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age
- Provide regular exercise, starting slowly
Health and Risks
Smooth Collies can live between 12 and 14 years, but like any breed, they're not immune to health issues.
Some common health problems in Smooth Collies include epilepsy, Lucas, Collie Eye Anomaly, Degenerative Myelopathy, hernia, and dental disease.
A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist must examine puppies between 6-8 weeks old for Collie Eye Anomaly, an inherited eye disease.
MDR1 mutations can make some Collies sensitive to certain drugs, so it's essential to ask your breeder about this and understand what health guarantees they can provide.
To keep your Smooth Collie healthy, make sure they get plenty of exercise, brush their teeth and coat regularly, and consult a vet if you notice anything unusual.
Here are some common health issues in Smooth Collies:
- Epilepsy
- Lucas
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hernia
- Dental Disease
Temperament and Personality
The Smooth Collie tricolor is a wonderful breed, and one of the things that makes them so great is their temperament and personality. They're generally a sociable, easily trained family dog.
One of the key characteristics of Smooth Collies is their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, making them easy to train. This breed requires a light touch, as they are sensitive to correction and shy away from harsh treatment.
Smooth Collies are also very active dogs and need regular exercise in some way. They're agile and love to play, which makes them a great match for families with kids who love to run around.
Here are some key traits of the Smooth Collie tricolor personality:
- Friendly and good-tempered
- Active and playful
- Affectionate and loving
They're also great with children and other animals, usually getting along well with other dogs. With proper training, they can make excellent watchdogs, alert and vocal when needed.
Characteristics
The Collie is an extremely friendly companion, showing no sign of nervousness or aggression. They are happy and active.
Collies get on well with children and with other dogs, making them a great addition to many families. I've seen Collies play with kids and other dogs in the park, and it's always a joy to watch.
Collies are of medium to large size, with dogs standing between 56-61 cm (22-24 in) at the withers. Bitches are about 5 cm (2 in) less.
The breed has a long muzzle, flat skull, and semi-erect ears, giving them a unique and endearing look.
Temperament and Personality
The Smooth Collie is a sociable and easily trained family dog. They are friendly, good-tempered, and active, making them a great companion for many families.
Smooth Collies are highly intelligent and eager to please their owners, which makes training a breeze. They are also sensitive to correction, so a light touch is recommended.
One of the best things about Smooth Collies is their strong connection with their people. They share very strong bonds with their family members and are often described as affectionate.
Smooth Collies are generally good with children and other animals, but they can be vocal if not trained properly. They make great watchdogs if trained well, but can be a nuisance if they bark indiscriminately.
Here are some key characteristics of Smooth Collies that make them a great breed:
Overall, the Smooth Collie is a wonderful breed that makes a great companion for many families. With their intelligence, friendly temperament, and active nature, they are sure to bring joy and love into your life.
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