Collie (Scottish Shepherd)

The Collie, also called the Scottish Shepherd, is a well-liked breed distinguished by its gorgeous appearance and kind nature. Dog enthusiasts all across the world have fallen in love with the Collie because of its long, flowing coat and bright, expressive eyes. There is much to adore about these amazing dogs, regardless of whether you are drawn to them for their beauty or their amiable disposition.

Originally bred in Scotland to herd sheep, Collies are incredibly intelligent and eager to please. Their strong work ethic makes them exceptional at various tasks, from herding to participating in agility competitions. But don’t be fooled—this breed is just as happy lounging on the couch with their family after a day of activity.

Collies are excellent family companions because of their reputation for loyalty and protectiveness. They are renowned for their gentle nature and frequently develop close relationships with kids. This breed does best in homes where they receive lots of love and attention because they thrive on human interaction.

We’ll go into more detail about what makes the Collie breed unique in this article. We’ll talk about their background, maintenance requirements, and distinctive character attributes that make them popular with dog lovers. You’ve come to the right spot if you’re thinking about bringing a Collie into your home or just want to know more about them!

The history of the origin of the breed

Collie is not quite Scottish in origin, despite the name. She arrived in this nation as a fully developed breed, and she has only continued to grow and develop here. Its progenitors are thought to have been Irish setters, British greyhounds, and English shepherds.

Collie’s origin is a well-kept secret with at least two contradicting stories. According to some researchers, Roman legionnaires were brought to Northern Europe by the ancestors of the Scottish shepherd. Some contend that their shepheries were already present in Britain at that point. The relationship between the dogs of the conquerors and the aborigines most likely led to the formation of the breed.

With over 500 years of history, the breed is very old. The collie was essentially unknown throughout the world until the middle of the 19th century, but Queen Victoria’s visit to Scotland altered the breed’s destiny. Enticed by the wisdom and dignity of the Scottish Shepherd, the queen brought back several puppies from her trip, which, of course, no one missed when they showed up at home.

Profound intelligence and remarkable work ethic quickly helped the collie become incredibly well-liked in England and around the world. In 1914, the breed received official recognition. Simultaneously, dog breeders initiated active selection with the goal of enhancing the external appearance while preserving the functional traits.

Appearance and character

A big dog has a very balanced build. The constitution is dry and robust.

• The coat is long with a thick undercoat. The muzzle is elongated, gradually narrowing towards the nose. The jaws are well developed, the bite is scissor-shaped. The eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized. The ears are small, never completely erect, their tips should hang slightly. The neck is long, the back is straight, and the croup is slightly lowered.
• The muscles are protruding, well developed. The limbs are dry, long. Thanks to its natural intelligence and incredible learning abilities, the collie has a well-deserved reputation as one of the smartest dogs in the world. This breed is distinguished by its devotion, friendliness and affectionate disposition.

The Scottish Shepherd typically finds it difficult to adjust to a new environment, so frequent moves or travel are generally undesirable for them. Since the dog has its own personality and is less trainable as an adult, it must be trained good manners from an early age. Raising a dog should also consider the fact that collies love to bark, whether for good cause or bad.

Purpose of the breed and training

Owing to the collie’s inherent qualities, it can serve as a guide and rescuer in addition to being a superb shepherd, for which it was bred. It is employed as a guard and service dog in numerous nations. Collies have demonstrated themselves to be devoted and wonderful companions in urban settings.

Collies are highly active dogs that enjoy active hobbies, but they have no problem going for a leisurely walk alongside their owner. A calm and amiable collie has a strong bond with the family. However, keep in mind that these dogs are extremely sensitive, and they can become cowardly or enraged due to rudeness or indifference.

It is important to keep in mind that a collie puppy is not a plaything. The dog will not put up with being mistreated or sworn at. The best teaching strategies are based on kindness and equity. The pet should look up to the owner, who should be a composed and self-assured individual. With this dog, excessive politeness is not necessary; instead, being persistent during the training process is preferable.

It’s okay to discipline the puppy. Inform your pet right away that anything they did was wrong if it has.

Keep in mind: no violence. You must speak up and exude confidence in order to influence the animal—not yell. Try to set up a scenario where the collie can receive praise after the punishment.

Play as much as you can with the puppy. One to three months are crucial for a Scottish Shepherd’s development during this time. You must use this time to build the strongest bond you can with the animal, as it will have a lasting impact on your future relationship. Playing with a collie is just fun, no matter what.

In these first three months, the puppy picks up knowledge about the outside world. Consequently, make an effort to walk the dog more often. Selecting calmer areas is preferable so that the collie can run off the leash without worrying about being scared.

During the three to six month period, a Scottish Shepherd puppy starts to develop unique personality traits. Problems related to its development might now surface. As a result, show the dog compassion. You should postpone this training session if you observe your pet exhibiting signs of fear. A dog with good heredity will usually soon get back to normal.

As was previously said, regardless of how old the collie is, you must discipline it right away following the transgression. For instance, you can gently press the puppy’s paw to get it to return to its original position if it starts to place its paws on you. The Scottish Dog should always put you in an unpleasant situation or cause you to feel unpleasant. Because of this training approach, the dog will eventually behave in a way that pleases him.

The dog itself should, in theory, establish the lines that are off limits. And when you demonstrate these boundaries to the collie, you not only train the dog but also establish yourself as a skilled teacher and, consequently, a leader. Pets are typically only disciplined verbally, but occasionally a quick slap on the crotch is acceptable. This is a lesson the animal will never forget.

Pull yourself together if a Scottish Shepherd puppy growls and flashes its teeth. The most important thing in this situation is to hide your fear. Keep your distance from the puppy; instead, turn it over on its back and push it to the ground until it settles down. This technique will allow the dog to sense the owner’s confident hand even in the absence of punishment.

Let’s now discuss what to do in the event that a collie puppy bites you. It is acceptable to give the dog a light tap on the lower jaw in this instance. The blow will cause the dog’s mouth to snap shut and its teeth to clank against one another, but it won’t harm the dog. Furthermore, the dog will learn a valuable lesson from the unpleasant clanking in the future.

A collie will be happy in either an apartment or a private home as long as it gets regular walks, attention, and company. They are constantly eager to play, show them a lot of love, and give them special attention. They get along well with the other pets in the house. Collies don’t require a lot of work to care for, even with their long, thick fur. Once a week, you should give the dog a thorough brushing with a special comb. Use a slicker brush to remove the undercoat during the shedding season. The fur on the thighs, neck, chest, and behind the ears should all receive special attention.

Although they will be content in a private home with a big yard, collies also feel great in apartments. What matters most is that the family is very attentive to the dog and is always close by. Very little grooming. It requires one weekly comb-over. After giving the dog a bath when necessary—more frequently during the shedding season—it must be vigorously combed three to four times per week. Ears are cleaned using a moist cotton swab as they become dirty. Sometimes it’s necessary to trim claws.

Which particular facets of the Collie breed—history, maintenance, or behavior—would you like to learn more about?

Health

The colllie breed is robust and well-maintained. However, a few conditions common to them are mentioned, including congenital deafness, eversion of the eyelid, and retinal atrophy.

The lifespan is 13–15 years.

What to feed a collie

There are two approaches you can take when feeding a Scottish Shepherd: natural food or wet, dry food. If you go with the second option, be aware that switching the dog to a different food later on will be challenging. A diet that is complete and in balance should be followed if the food is natural.

Of course, everyone looks for the best diet plan both in terms of cost and nutritional value. This is where having knowledge of what not to give a Scottish Shepherd comes in handy. Giving the following items to the animal is not advised:

• raw river fish;
• raw pork and lard;
• fried potatoes;
• flour products;
• pearl barley;
• tubular bones;
• peas.

It will be simpler for you to prepare meals for the collie if you remove these items from the diet plan. Additionally, remember to take food supplements that contain vitamins and minerals.

Where to buy a collie puppy, the price of a pet

Collie is not a person’s usual companion, as evidenced by their presence on the street. However, this does not imply that there is a lack of interest in the breed or that finding a collie puppy will be extremely challenging. Purchasing a collie is actually very easy. Numerous breeders are involved in the breeding of Scottish Shepherds in addition to specialized receivers. Furthermore, your search is unlikely to take very long if all you need is a pet rather than a well-known member of the breed.

The status of the puppy’s parents affects the collie’s price. Purchasing a dog with a pedigree is necessary if your dream is to visit exhibitions with a Scottish Shepherd; puppies in this breed typically cost 15,000 rubles. A nameless pet will run you between seven and ten thousand. You might be fortunate enough to receive a purebred puppy at no cost. For example, you can easily obtain a grown puppy for a nominal fee if the breeder is unable to sell the entire litter.

A Scottish Shepherd can be fed using one of two methods: natural food or wet, dry food. You should be aware that if you select the second option, it will be challenging to go back to a different diet in the future. A diet that is complete and in balance should be followed if the food is natural.

Collies are wonderful companions for both individuals and families because of their grace and intelligence. They are more than just pets—they are true family members because of their unwavering loyalty and protective instincts. Their positive attitude is contagious, whether they’re playing fetch in the park or herding sheep.

It can be a fulfilling experience to train a Collie. These dogs pick things up quickly and enjoy mental challenges. The relationship you have with your pet gets stronger when you engage in enjoyable activities or teach them new skills. You’ll witness them flourish in obedience and even agility if you have patience and provide them with praise.

Regular exercise is also necessary for the happiness and health of collies. Playtime, interactive games, and daily walks are vital. To maintain their best appearance, their thick coats need to be groomed, but the time invested is well worth it. A well-groomed Collie has a more comfortable life in addition to looking amazing.

In the end, adopting a Collie signifies accepting a loyal, energetic, and perceptive friend into your household. If they receive the proper love, care, and training, they will fill your life with unending happiness and contentment. Thus, if you’re thinking about bringing a Collie into your home, be prepared for an adventure full of love and devotion!

Video on the topic

Walking with Collie (Scottish Shepherd) . 8 months

Collie – Scottish Shepherd. Dog Encyclopedia.

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