Collie breed – history, description, standards, care, training, diseases

Loved for its gentle temperament, intelligence, and loyalty, the Collie breed is well-known. Many dog lovers have fallen in love with the Collie because of its well-known appearance in popular culture, particularly in TV shows and movies like "Lassie." This breed is excellent for both active people and families because it is not only extremely trainable but also very attractive.

The Collie breed has a long history dating back to Scotland, when it was first developed for herding. Shepherds relied greatly on these dogs to help them herd sheep through difficult terrain. As a result of their endearing appearance and amiable disposition, they gained popularity outside of the working world over time, ultimately contributing to the creation of the current breed standards.

Because of its long, flowing coat, a Collie requires frequent grooming. It also needs mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Collie dogs are quick to obey and eager to please, so training them can be a fun experience. To guarantee a long, healthy life for their pet, owners should be aware of the common health issues that Collies, like all breeds, have.

Characteristics of the breed

A strong bond with family

Stance toward minors

Stance toward outsiders

Trainability

History of Scottish Shepherds

The word for "useful" in Dutch is where Collie got its name. Scotland employed the dog to herd sheep. Animals that were light and intelligent could easily manage a herd of cattle and were valuable on the farm. Modern collies are no less developed in their herding instinct, and they are utilized in the breeding of new breeds. More than twenty different breeds, derived from Scottish Shepherds and neighborhood dogs, are represented in the group. The following breeds are well-known worldwide and are worth mentioning: Sheltie, Smithfield, English Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Border Collie, etc. d.

Description of a shepherd dog

A light breed, with thin paws and an elongated muzzle, hardy and tolerates long journeys well. The dog is attached to its owner and perceives his entire family as a pack that needs to be taken care of. The dog will not let children wander off during a walk, but will carefully watch everyone. The breed is suitable as a guide dog for people with disabilities, as it has a stable psyche and is easily trained to follow any commands. An active and light animal tolerates temperature changes well, suitable for keeping in an open enclosure. According to research by the famous cynologist and writer Stanley Coren, breeds included in the collie group are among the twenty smartest dogs. The Border Collie ranks first among all in intelligence and devotion.

Breed standard (appearance)

There are two varieties of this breed of dog: short-haired and long-haired. Everybody has unique external features.

• Head. Triangular shape with an elongated muzzle, the transition from the forehead to the nose is smoothed.
• Eyes. Almond-shaped from light brown to black.
• Ears. High-set, correct triangular shape. The tips of the ears should hang forward by ⅓. But the ears of puppies are delicate and if you constantly stroke the dog on the head, then the ears will stand up and it will be difficult to put them in the correct shape.
• Tail. Straight saber-shaped, the tip is raised up. According to the standard, the tail should not curl into a ring.
• Wool. Dense outer coat with a fluffy and soft undercoat. The long-haired breed has long and soft hair to the touch, the tail is more reminiscent of a fox. Characteristic fringe on the paws. Smooth-haired has a thick and hard outer coat and a thick undercoat. The coat fits tightly to the body and reliably protects the dog from moisture, cold wind, heat.
• Colors. There are three types of coloring of long-haired collies: sable, tricolor and blue merle. Sable color can be from fiery red, to light – sandy. Tricolors have black and red markings on the head and paws, less often on the body. Blue merle or marble color is distinguished by a noble silver color with dark spots, black or gray. According to the exterior, marble dogs should have red spots on the paws and head, but their absence is not considered a deviation from the norm. All three colors of the long-haired breed have a chic white collar, which can be solid or torn in one place, a tassel at the end of the tail and white socks on the paws. On the hind legs, only the very tips are painted white, the front ones have a high color, almost to the elbow.
• Paws. Thin, high, almost straight. Calm gait with sweeping movements.
• Back. Straight, without sagging.
• Height at the withers. In males from 56 to 61 cm, in females from 51 to 56 cm.
• Weight of an adult dog. From 19 to 34 kg, in depending on the sex and exterior of the dog.
• Bite. Standard scissor bite. But due to the anatomical features of the muzzle, it bites the enemy with its front teeth. This helped the dog to pull cattle out of a hole or a pit without biting it.

Collie character

The breed consists of various dog breeds that share the following traits:

• the shepherd is attached to its owner, but cables closer to one and a half years try to dominate, so a tough character is required in education;
• the animal has a shepherd instinct in its blood, so the dog does not tolerate when its family goes in different directions. It will run hard, and gather the whole family while picking mushrooms, walking in the forest or park;
• treats other animals in the house well. On the street, it will not chase strange cats, only in the most extreme cases, when it gets bored;
• long-haired dogs are less active and do not like long games, short-haired dogs, on the contrary, prefer to run and jump endlessly;
• the breed is not suitable for keeping on a chain, since the breed needs to run at least 3 km per day;
• loves water and wants to swim in open water in summer;
• the dog is receptive to children and will play various games with them, steadfastly endures being grabbed by its fluffy tail or hugged by its long muzzle;
• the dog is smart and remembers commands well, the breed often takes part in circus performances, suitable as a guide dog. A good choice for beginners;
• have a keen sense of smell and are used to search for people under rubble;
• the dog has good endurance and is suitable as a companion for elderly people;
• be wary of strangers, will monitor the owner"s attitude towards another person. If the owner shows good nature, the dog calms down and even allows itself to be petted;
• a vindictive breed, remembers its offenders and can bite on the sly, after some time.

Your child will love having a collie as a friend, and an elderly person’s days will be brightened by the dog’s company, but daily leash-free walks are required. You can keep the dog in small apartments due to its medium size and light shape, but you should take into account the dog’s thick undercoat before purchasing a puppy. The dog’s hair will be all over the place during shedding, including the bed. As such, the breed is unsuitable for allergy sufferers and those who demand immaculate living conditions.

Grooming a Scottish Shepherd

A dog with lengthy, thick hair needs particular attention.

1. Once every two days, the animal"s hair is combed with a special metal brush. During shedding, the dog needs to be combed several times a day. A smooth-haired dog is also combed with a special metal comb, a brush with natural bristles will not comb the soft undercoat.
2. The fringe on the front paws, fluffy pants and tail of a long-haired dog constantly collects burdock, string seeds, small sticks during walks. After each walk, the paws and tail are cleaned.
3. In the summer, ticks can get into the animal"s thick fur, so before a walk, the animal is treated with a special spray.
4. Once a month, the dog"s claws are trimmed, as the dog is active during walks and can damage the toes.
5. Once a year, the coat is washed with a special soft shampoo. Long-haired dogs are additionally rinsed with a special detangling balm.
6. Eyes and ears are wiped once every three days. Any antiseptics are used for treatment.

The moment the puppy enters the house, a bed location is decided upon. The mat shouldn’t be overly firm or soft. The dog’s elbows get calluses from lying on hard surfaces, which can scab over and cause pain.

We set aside a space with bowls for water and food. To save the dog from having to bend over each time they need to wipe the floor near the bowls with a white collar, the bowls are set on a special stand.

Diseases and their prevention

Because collies were bred for pastures, they have a strong resistance to a wide range of viral illnesses. The puppy receives vaccinations against enteritis, distemper, and hepatitis up to six months of age. A rabies vaccination is also administered at one year of age.

The puppy receives treatment for both internal and external parasites prior to vaccination. Drops on the withers are a good way to treat against fleas and ticks: Stronghold costs 100 rubles, Hartz Ultra Guard costs 450 rubles, and Bayer Advocate costs 120 rubles. The following medications work well for treating puppy worms: Novartis offers Milbemax tablets for 600 rubles, Ceva’s Polyvercan in the form of sugar cubes for 500 rubles, and Bayer’s Prokoks suspension for 450 rubles.

Long hair breeds are more prone to a number of skin conditions, including:

• allergic reaction to food, most often manifested by chicken, some types of cereals and vegetables;
• staph skin infection. The animal"s ears are the first to suffer. As a preventative measure, constant care of the dog is necessary;
• dermatitis due to too high a temperature in the apartment. Treat with ointments: Ranosan, Baksinovoy, Diklorex

The dog must receive a vaccination once a year. A veterinary passport contains information about the drugs used and the date of vaccination.

Collie training

Collie dogs are easy to train; even a novice lover can teach their puppy basic commands like sit, come, and fu. However, the puppy is given a nickname as soon as he enters the house. Give the dog a catchy and well-known nickname. The nickname has become second nature to the puppy during play and mealtimes. Praising the dog is required as soon as it starts responding to the nickname. Emotionally charged collars and any command that is carried out should be rewarded with your aggressive response.

Once the puppy is well-versed in basic commands and can recall its nickname, it is registered on OKD. During the main course, a professional dog trainer will demonstrate how to teach a dog basic teamwork skills like walking beside its owner.

If the dog is following the command with stubbornness, it is not advisable to punish it. It is preferable to divert the dog’s focus temporarily to the game before getting back to training.

Take note! Training the breed is not appropriate with a rigid metal collar. The stylish white collar of the dog will be harmed.

It will be beneficial:

• basic training commands;
• nicknames for boys;
• nicknames for girls.

The Collie is a hardworking, intelligent, and devoted breed that has a long history in Scotland as a herding dog. These dogs, who are renowned for their elegant appearance, have a striking coat and a kind disposition. Collies need regular exercise, brushing, and mental stimulation. They also thrive on company. Because of their desire to please, training goes smoothly most of the time, but they are susceptible to certain health problems like hip dysplasia and eye disorders. This cherished breed’s life is made healthier and happier with the help of early training, routine checkups, and proper care.

Feeding the Scottish breed

Though he is prone to overeating, the puppy has a good appetite. It is crucial to regulate the amount of food consumed. Ready-made dry food, which has an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals, is easier to feed the animal. Owner reviews indicate that the following brands of food—Vet Life Dog Hypoallergenic Egg& Rice, Vet Life Dog UltraHypo, and Pro Plan Medium Adult Sensitive Skin—are appropriate for Collie dogs.

The following items should be a part of the dog’s regular diet:

• sea fish;
• lean meat: beef, veal, rabbit, turkey;
• offal and cartilage;
• cereals: buckwheat, rice, rolled oats;
• eggs;
• fermented milk products: cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk, sour cream.

Cannot give potatoes, onions, chicken, or high-fat meats to dogs.

The dog’s age determines the portion size:

• from 1 to 3 months – a portion of no more than 200 ml. Up to 5 feedings per day with a break of 3 hours. Start feeding with milk formula and liquid porridge. By three months, switch to porridge cooked in low-fat meat broth. Every day, one feeding is replaced with cottage cheese, kefir;
• from 3 to 6 months – 3-4 feedings per day, 350-450 ml. Meat products, eggs are added to the diet;
• from 6 months to 1 year – gradually the puppy is transferred to two meals a day. Offal and cartilage are added to the diet.

Vitamins and minerals such as Brewer’s yeast from Excel, Polidex Super Wool, and Zoovit Balance are added to the diet of dogs fed natural and mixed foods.

The collie’s sable color in the picture, with an orange hue taking center stage. The movie "Lassie" was filmed using this color.

Truly noble dogs are those with marbled coats. Dogs are smaller and more graceful than humans.

Compared to its long-haired relative, a smooth-haired dog is significantly more active. The dog appears bigger and stockier.

Breeder reviews

Alena: One of the smartest breeds is the collie. Even the most difficult tricks are simple for the dog to learn. Only premium food and special coat care are necessary for this breed; otherwise, the dog will develop skin issues.

Igor: A shepherd breed that effectively shields its owner and his belongings from intruders following the ZKS. It moves over a fairly large territory quickly due to its light exterior, and its bite is no worse than that of a German shepherd.

Natalia: Collies have shrunk in size over time; they were larger in the past. In appearance, however, the breed is hard to mistake for another thanks to its opulent coat, elegant collar, and fluffy tail. Additionally, the dog’s long, narrow muzzle gives it the appearance of a wily fox.

Price of a puppy

The breed of dog that is selected will determine the puppy’s cost. Traditional red-coated Scottish shepherds are less expensive than Shelties or Border Collies. The dog’s lineage has an impact on the price as well. For less money, you can purchase a puppy from non-purebred parents or from an unforeseen mating.

The average cost is 7,200 UAH in Ukraine and 15,000 rubles in Russia.

Topic	Details
History	The Collie breed originated in Scotland, primarily used for herding sheep. It gained popularity in the 19th century, especially due to Queen Victoria"s fondness for the breed.
Description	Collies are medium to large dogs with a graceful build. They have a long, narrow face, pointed ears, and a lush, flowing coat. Their eyes are expressive, and they have a distinctive look of intelligence.
Standards	Collies typically stand 22-26 inches tall and weigh 50-75 pounds. The breed comes in two types: Rough (long-haired) and Smooth (short-haired). Common colors include sable, tricolor, and blue merle.
Care	Collies need regular grooming, especially the rough variety, to prevent matting. They require daily exercise, a balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups to stay healthy.
Training	Collies are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They excel in obedience, agility, and herding tasks. Early socialization and training are essential.
Diseases	Collies are prone to certain genetic conditions like Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and hip dysplasia. Regular vet visits can help catch and manage these issues early.

The Collie breed has a long history and close links to family and herding. They have been human companions for centuries, and they are well-known for their loyalty and intelligence. They are especially good at assisting farmers with their livestock.

These dogs have a gentle and sensitive disposition in addition to being stunning with their unique coat and elegant appearance. Collies make wonderful gentle yet active pets because they get along well with all types of families, including those with young children.

Collies require mental stimulation, consistent grooming, and proper care to stay healthy and happy. They are eager to please and quick learners with the correct training, making them simple to train, even for novice dog owners.

Despite being a generally healthy breed, Collies are susceptible to some illnesses, so it’s critical to give them regular veterinary checkups and to attend to their medical needs. A Collie can be a faithful friend for life if given the correct care and affection.

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