Is a Collie the right dog breed for you?
Collies are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. With their eager-to-please nature and quick learning abilities, collies are generally easy to train. However, as with any dog breed, consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are key to successful Collie training.
The Collie’s origin dates back to the early 1800s
in Scotland, where they were originally bred for their herding abilities. These intelligent and agile dogs were invaluable on farms, helping to manage and move sheep and cattle. It is commonly believed that the name “Collie” derives from the Scottish dialect word “colley,” which means a black-faced sheep. This association with their role as sheepdogs highlights the breed’s strong herding instincts and their ability to work closely with farmers.
The FCI recognizes Collies as two distinct breeds
the long-haired rough Collie and the shorter-haired smooth Collie. These two varieties of Collies differ in terms of their appearance and coat texture. The long-haired rough Collie is known for its beautiful, flowing coat that requires regular grooming, while the smooth Collie has a shorter and more low-maintenance coat. On the other hand, the AKC, or the American Kennel Club, regards both the long-haired rough Collie and the smooth Collie as the same breed.
The Collie breed has a long history as a sheep herding dog
Known for their kind nature and intelligent temperament, Collies are highly regarded for their ability to work closely with farmers and effectively herd livestock. Beyond their impressive herding skills, Collies also make excellent family pets. With their extroverted nature, gentle manners, and eagerness to please their owners, they quickly become members of the family. Their patience and calm temperament make them particularly well-suited for households with children of all ages.
Collies shed-a lot.
Both the rough and smooth varieties shed about the same amount, but the longer hair of the rough Collie is more noticeable. They should be brushed several times a week. Investing in a pet vacuum grooming brush may be a good idea!
A full grown Collie is between 20 and 26 inches tall
and weighs between 50 and 75 pounds. The average life expectancy for a Collie is between 10 and 12 years. According to AKC breed standard, there are four recognized coat colors: “Sable and White,” “Tri-color,” “Blue Merle” and “White.”
How Fast Can a Collie Run?
In AKC sponsored dog races (100 yards) the average Collie speed was 21.2 mph, while the fastest recorded speed for a Collie was by a dog named Norwood’s Rookie Blue at 27.51 mph!
In the Well Known Book
“The Intelligence of Dogs”, the Collie ranked 16th of 130 dog breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Basically, this means they can learn new commands in as few as 5 repetitions! The least intelligent breeds will require 80-100 repetitions to learn the same commands.
Collie Temperament and Personality
In research done at the University of Pennsylvania in the CBARQ study, the Collie ranks 101 out of 124 breeds in aggression towards other dogs and strangers. Aggression is defined as snarling, growling, barking and in extreme cases, lunging or biting. Collies will almost always get along with other humans and dogs they are not familiar with, and while they may bark to let you know something is wrong, they may not make the best guard dogs!
While Collies are generally a healthy breed
they are prone to a few health issues such as Collie Eye Anomaly and MDR1 Mutation. 55 to 70% of the collie population is affected by the MDR1 Mutation which will cause a negative reaction to normal doses of therapeutic drugs.
In Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Collie has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
1. Shetland Sheepdog
2. Bearded Collie
3. Australian Shepherd
There have been countless anecdotal reports of the Collies’
remarkable ability to sense danger. These intelligent and intuitive dogs appear to be acutely aware of their surroundings and highly attuned to stimuli in their environment. While scientific evidence may be lacking, numerous stories have emerged that showcase the incredible instincts and perceptiveness of these dogs. From detecting intruders before they enter a home to alerting their owners of impending natural disasters, Collies have repeatedly demonstrated their uncanny sixth sense. While we cannot provide concrete proof of these claims, the sheer volume of remarkable accounts is enough to leave one in awe of the potential capabilities possessed by these remarkable pups!
Check Your Collie Facts and Take a Fun Collie Quiz!
Facts About Collies-Final Thoughts
Collies are a great dog breed that makes wonderful family members. Their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation make them a great choice for active households who are looking for a loyal and loving companion. With their double coat, Collies are well-suited for cold weather, but those with a smooth coat may require extra protection in extreme temperatures. Regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional visits to a professional groomer, is essential to maintain the health and appearance of their beautiful coats. As one of the smartest dog breeds, obedience training is relatively easy and is a great way to keep this dog engaged. Rough coat Collies have a high shedding tendency, so a good vacuum cleaner is a must! With enough exercise and proper care, they will fit into any loving home.
