The television series "Lassie" made Lassie the
beloved symbol for Collies in America. Your new Collie puppy won't
measure up to the wonder dog, but you'll most likely find him a
wonderful family dog.The Family
Protector
The Collie was originally bred to herd
sheep, and still has a strong protective instinct, which makes
them an excellent choice for a family dog. The American Kennel
Club classifies the Collie as part of the Herding Group. These
dogs weigh 55 to 80 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall.
The Collie is strong and graceful and has
lots of endurance. This dog's almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle
with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The
Collie's ears -- 3/4 erect with 1/4 folded -- make its appearance
both alert and appealing. The coat can be either rough or smooth.
The rough coat is longer and fuller than the smooth coat. This
breed can come in sable and white, tricolor (black, white and
tan), or blue merle (tortoise shell) colors.
The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an
active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment
living, since it's a large dog and loves to spend time outside. A
home with a big yard is ideal. Although the Collie is friendly and
outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its
duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at
intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of
trash blowing around the yard.
Stubborn, But Trainable
The Collie can be quite headstrong and can
get into a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider
attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is
easier to train a small puppy that hasn't developed bad habits
than a 60-pound dog that has. Also, be firm with your puppy about
staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your
furniture. Once you allow your dog onto the furniture, he will
feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.
The Collie breed has few health problems.
Eye diseases and PRA (a genetic defect leading to blindness) are
the most common problems these dogs face.
A Good Eater
Collies can pack away a lot of food. These
dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them 3
small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his
middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that
promotes weight loss.
Although a rough coated Collie has long
hair, the dog does not need extensive grooming. Brush through your
dog's coat several times a week to avoid mats, paying close
attention to the hair around his face, behind his ears, and around
his legs. A smooth coated Collie needs only occasional grooming.
If you want a medium-sized dog to protect
your family and play with the kids, the Collie may just be the
perfect pet for you.
