Lassie, the popular series on television has
made the Collie a recognizable breed to many. The Collie is noted
for it's intelligence and deep affection for the family.
Appearance - The Collie descended from dogs
used for herding and this trait is still strong in them. The
Collie is a wonderful dog for the household as they have innate
desire to safeguard. Some dogs of this breed can be anxious due to
its ancestry, however, most are usually hardworking and smart. The
Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. The Collie can be as
high as 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds.
The Collie is an energetic breed and is
known for its perseverance. The Collie has beautifully shaped
almond eyes and they reflect their perceptiveness. The eyes can be
brown or blue. The Collie can either have a smooth coat or a rough
coat, and the rough Collies have a fuller coat. They come in sable
and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.
Characteristics - These dogs are not good
with apartments since they love to spend most of their time
outside. A family that is outgoing and energetic, and in the
possession of a relatively big back yard would be the ideal
situation for a Collie. The breed is sociable and extroverted but
still make excellent watchdogs and protectors. They will sound an
alert if there are strange humans or creatures. The do bite gently
or nip at heels of the young kids to prevent the children from
straying in the wrong direction.
Puppies of this breed are extremely smart
and can prove to be a handful as they can be stubborn and get into
trouble. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn
to socialize at an early age. You will need to demonstrate who is
in charge and show the Collie what can be allowed and what is
prohibited.
Health Problems and Grooming Issues - There
are a few issues associated with the Collie. They can suffer from
eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your
puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or
exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.
They like to eat, so ensure that the dog
does not put on too much weight or there could be medical issues
because of obesity. They enjoy three small meals a day.
Although it has long hair, it does not need
as much grooming as one might think. In any case, the Collie's
coat must be groomed very often to reduce tangles. The Collie is
alert and perceptive, ideal for protecting your household and can
bring you much joy for years to come.
