Collie

One of the most popular dog breeds, collies are renowned for their beautiful appearance and kind nature. They have won the hearts of dog lovers everywhere with their flowing coats and expressive eyes. These dogs, who were originally bred to herd sheep, are highly intelligent and docile, making them excellent companions for both active individuals and families.

The loyalty of collies is what really makes them unique. They develop close relationships with their owners and frequently show their families protection. Their devoted nature makes them great watchdogs, and they get along well with kids and other animals thanks to their amiable nature. A collie can easily fit into your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a cuddle partner or a running buddy.

Collies are also available in different varieties; the most well-known is the Rough Collie, which is distinguished by its opulent coat and well-known media appearances, including "Lassie." Conversely, the Smooth Collie provides a lower-maintenance alternative without compromising the allure of the breed. Potential owners can select the type that best suits their needs by considering the distinctive qualities each one offers.

Breed characteristics

* Features of the breed Collie based on owner reviews and expert evaluation from Usatik.ru. Since the data is average, it might not accurately reflect the actions of a single person. Sadly, one cannot possibly consider every single one of a pet’s unique characteristics.

Brief description of the breed

What is the actual country of origin?

What is the country of origin according to the FCI?

When the breed appeared?

Life expectancy?

How much does a male weigh?

How much does a female weigh?

What is the height (height at the withers) of a male?

What is the height (height at the withers) of a female?

How much does a puppy with documents cost?

What is the price of a puppy without documents?

Collie: the epitome of a charming and beautiful dog. Animals are a representation of human-four-legged friendship. Following the premiere of the TV show "Lassie," the breed became well-known. Numerous dog owners were able to recognize and value these dogs’ superior working abilities in addition to their exquisite appearance.

Video

Collie

• History of the origin of a collie
• Collie – breed description
• Popular colors of a collie
• Character and habits of a collie
• Interesting facts about a collie
• Pros and cons of a collie
• Breeding a collie
• Collie care
• Collie diet
• Diseases and health problems
• Collie – price and how to buy correctly

History of the origin of a collie

A Scottish shepherd is a collie’s second name. The breed’s earliest examples were seen in Scotland. They were referred to as "collis" or "coeli." According to some researchers, the name derives from the similarly named black-headed sheep in Scotland. The goal of breeders was to create herding dogs.

Dogs arrived in England through nomadic tribes. The animals looked after pigs, sheep, and goat herds. Even now, the four-legged creatures carry out this task in their native land. According to some experts, the animals first arrived in Britain more than 2,000 years ago, traveling there with Roman colonists and legionnaires. The dogs were larger than the border collies of today at that time.

Subsequently, crosses between the breed and other dogs started. Use a greyhound to extend the muzzle and a Gordon Setter to get a darker color. There were negative outcomes from each of these combinations. Despite the fact that these crosses occurred over a century ago, there is indisputable evidence of the mixing of these breeds’ bloodlines.

Fascinating fact: The animals’ fur used to be primarily black. Queen Victoria was very concerned about the breed becoming more common in 1860. After seeing her own Scottish estate, she developed an affection for intelligent and kind animals. Since then, animals have been bred for their "soul" rather than for use as grazing cattle.

In 1860, England hosted the first exhibition where Scottish shepherds were allowed to participate. The first dog was brought to the United States in 1879, and the Collie Club of America was established there seven years later. It is regarded as the world’s oldest kennel club today.

Collie – breed description

Among all dogs, these are thought to be the most beautiful. When evaluating, consideration is given to the shape of the ears, the color of the eyes, the proportionality of the skull and muzzle, and their accurate size. There should be no signs of impoliteness or ineptitude. Dogs are typically powerful and quick.

The overall appearance conveys the idea of a robust dog with elegant movements and a keen mind. The creatures have a majestic appearance due to their long, thick hair and prominent mane.

Adults can reach the following dimensions:

• The height of males is 60-65 centimeters;
• Height of females: 55-60 centimeters;
• Weight of males: 20-30 kilograms;
• Females weigh 19-27 kilograms.

The proportions of the head and body are balanced. The flat skull tapers toward the eyes and widens between the ears. seamless change in appearance from the forehead to the muzzle. The muzzle, which is slightly lowered, shouldn’t be pointy. Its nose, in any color, is always black.

The piercing gaze gives the creatures an alert and intelligent appearance. The oval-shaped, medium-sized eyes have dark brown hues and slightly slanted eyelids. Blue Collies are an exception, with one or both eyes that can be the color of Chinese porcelain or a pale blue.

The ears are broad and elevated. They are folded back in a relaxed state. The dog lifts its ears and points them forward when it is alert. The teeth are big. The upper and lower incisors fit together tightly. A small space is regarded as a serious defect.

The head is curved at the back, and the neck is strong and muscular. The front legs have a lot of muscle. The elbows point backward, and the shoulder blades are positioned obliquely. The chest is deep and wide, and the body is long. strong paws and oval-shaped thighs. Compared to the front legs, the hind legs are shorter. There is a lump formed by the toes.

When the animal is calm, its tail is lowered and slightly bent. The tail lifts to the level of the back when it is excited. The coat feels heavy and coarse to the touch. The undercoat clings to the skin tightly and is softer. The collar and mane have long, fluffy hair. The hips are adorned with elegant pants. The coat is short on the muzzle and long and shaggy on the tail.

Popular Collie Colors

Only three colors are permitted by the current FCI Standard: tricolor, sable with white, and blue merle. Tricolor: the head and legs have rich tan markings, while the main tone is black. A rusty hue indicates a flaw. Sable can be any hue, from light yellow to deep red or black. Shades of cream or light yellow are not desired.

Blue merle, also known as blue marble, is a silver-blue color that is primarily speckled with small black dots. Rich, brilliant red tans are preferred, but lack of such tans is not viewed as a flaw. By standard, slate color, rusty shade, or large black spots are unacceptable.

There must be white markings of any kind and in any amount. Ideally, they should be found on the paws, limbs, collar, and bib. White tassel on the tail. The majority of white on the head is viewed negatively. The mark may appear on the muzzle, on the skull, or on both at once.

White is an unusual color with two possible origins. One does not impact the dog’s condition, while the other suggests potential health issues. In the first, the markings grew to the point where they started to cover the majority of the body.

Although these people are normally colored genetically, they have a white or piebald appearance. The base of the tail, the ears, and the head are colored. The FCI does not officially recognize this coloring, but it is recognized in the USA and a few other countries. The head and tail should be colored, and the body should be pure white.

White merle is the color of people who are white and descended from two marble parents. These dogs frequently suffer from blindness, deafness, and several other congenital illnesses. Because of the potential for these puppies to arise, most countries currently forbid mating marble with marble.

Character and habits of collies

Animals stand out for being receptive and compassionate. They are intelligent, devoted, and will make the best friends for kids or wonderful partners for adults. These creatures, in spite of their past, struggle with security functions. People in the past were left with no other choice. But they do a remarkable job of presenting themselves as shepherds.

Fascinating fact: Dogs now assist humans in much more ways than just grazing cattle. Four-legged animals are adept at detecting human moods, can offer psychological support, and are always there to support their owners through trying times. Despite lacking the ability to fight, these dogs will still bravely leap to the owner’s defense.

Pets form strong bonds with their owners on an internal level and struggle to be apart from them. Because of their advanced intelligence, animals make wonderful nannies for kids, guide dogs, and all-around man’s best friends—even the elderly. They enjoy playing games with kids, listen well, and keep them safe.

Other characteristics of collies are influenced by socialization level, upbringing, and heredity. Animals copy their masters in everything. If they are sportsmen, they will gladly run and work out in the morning. Dogs will happily accompany families who lead a measured lifestyle on a peaceful stroll.

These animals pick up instructions fast and have excellent memories. They won’t miss the chance to chase cats when they’re older if you don’t expose them to cats when they’re young. These four-legged animals can bark loudly and copiously when they are excited. They dislike loud noises and may act out if they are left alone with their owner for an extended period of time.

Collies are gentle, intelligent, and devoted companions that possess strong herding instincts. They are more than just gorgeous dogs. Whether you’re drawn to the elegant Smooth Collie or the traditional Rough Collie, these dogs make excellent family pets because they love company and exercise. This post will discuss the history, traits, training advice, and ways to maintain the health and happiness of your Collie.

Interesting facts about collies

It is now known that this breed exists everywhere in the world. This is mostly because of the popular television show "Lassie," which debuted in 1950. But not everyone is eager to acquire one of these pets. There is more to their refined look than meets the eye: grooming. Many people are afraid to own a dog like this as a result.

Scottish Shepherds are highly photosensitive. They avoid overheating because of their long hair, which serves as a dependable shelter. These animals have a 10–14 year lifespan on average. Nevertheless, Taffy, a British collie who lived for nearly 28 years, shattered the record for centenarians.

Among the world’s smartest dogs are those with four legs. They are able to hear the owner’s call up to 1.5 kilometers away thanks to sensitive hearing. These animals are frequently asked to star in movies, TV shows, and advertisements because of their attractiveness and charisma. It should be noted that male dogs portrayed female roles in the well-known movie.

Animals frequently serve as guide dogs. They were given the responsibilities of signalmen, sappers, and orderlies during the conflict. Amidst the Russo-Japanese War, animals discovered injured people and brought medical supplies. A member of this breed found explosives planted in St. Isaac’s Cathedral in the Leningrad Region during the Great Patriotic War.

The absence of wolves or other predators as adversaries for shepherd dogs on the British Isles explains the breed’s lack of aggression. They just needed to organize the herd; they didn’t need to fight for sheep. Pet wool has special qualities; it soothes and warms. As a result, it is frequently used when knitting belts, socks, and hats.

Pros and cons of collies

It appears at first that only good traits were used to create this breed. You must be well-versed in the traits of the breed in order to appreciate the benefits and drawbacks of four-legged creatures. Good health is one of the positive traits; animals do not tend to develop serious genetic diseases.

Dogs are great companions because of their gentle, obedient nature. Families with small children can keep animals because they are patient with children’s antics. Collies will be ecstatic to see you every day if no one from work is there to greet you, considering it the highlight of their week.

Fascinating fact: Animals get along well with other domesticated animals. They get along well with cats, hamsters, parrots, and rabbits. Curiosity and a keen mind allow you to pick up commands with ease. Carefree and not easily affected by weather fluctuations.

Long, thick hair can stay on clothing and furniture. It is essential to comb the pet’s hair frequently to keep it from getting tangled and from shedding too much. The breed needs a large amount of open space. Apartment living will be uncomfortable for four-legged friends. Their wellbeing may be adversely affected by a lack of fresh air.

All weather is fine for walks outside for Scottish Shepherds. Happy dispositions and activities can work against lazy owners. Animals may experience health issues if you do not give them enough entertainment or open space. Dogs that are not properly trained may become unruly and may even run away while out for walks.

Collie breeding

It is advisable to prevent the pet from mating if she lacks a pedigree or has a serious illness. If this issue still baffles you, consider the expenses of the next steps: mating with a breeding individual, giving a pregnant female high-quality products and vitamins, and raising puppies.

Bitches go through puberty between the ages of 6 and 8 months. In this instance, the body forms even later on. Male puberty sets in between 12 and 16 months. It is important to keep a close eye on the female behind her, particularly during estrus, to prevent premature mating. Bitches’ physical development concludes in 18–24 months, with the male reaching full maturity at 2 years.

The third estrus is the ideal time to begin breeding bitches. Males can mate for up to 10 years, and females for up to 8 or 9 years. Typically, knitting begins 12–14 days after the onset of estrus. The veterinarian should examine both partners prior to mating to rule out any diseases. After walking the pets, it is preferable to mate early in the morning when you are empty-handed.

There are two methods for performing a melt: free and manual. Partners are left alone for a while in the first option. When one partner has already experienced mating and the other is interested in the male, this approach works well for couples. Human assistance is necessary when knitting by hand. The process ought to be done every other day or two days in a row.

A 55–66 day pregnancy lasts. It may not show any symptoms in the first month. The nipples enlarge by the fifth week, at which point milk may start to flow. Vaginal discharge is the source of mucus. The offspring’s movement is detectable at 7-8 weeks.

The pet may be lethargic, refuse food, or, on the other hand, restless on the eve of labor. If everything goes according to plan, the laboring mother won’t require assistance. To prevent the mother from crushing the puppies, place the newborns in a different box. The female should see the babies at the same time so she won’t worry about them.

Collie care

Daily maintenance is necessary to prevent tangles in the animal’s opulent hair. Hair care includes brushing as well as a twice-yearly haircut from a groomer. It is best to apply softening creams and oils to crumpled clumps. Select a more rigid comb. You should mix for at least fifteen minutes.

Giving your pet a bath once or twice a month is advised. Use specific shampoos during the process, and then gently towel-dry the dog. Shampoos soften the coat, which results in the loss of the breed trait. It is preferable to give your four-legged friends raincoats during the rainy season. You can let your pet swim in the closest pond during hot weather.

From birth, puppies should get used to having their claws clipped. From the tenth day of their lives onwards, a claw cutter must be used. Babies who are not acclimated to this from an early age will object to the procedure being done on them as adults. If you injure the animal, it will fear having its claws clipped for the rest of its life.

Important information: When the ears and eyes get dirty, cotton swabs or discs are used to wipe them. Tea leaves or chamomile infusion can occasionally be used to moisten them. Vaccinating your pet on time will protect them from infectious diseases. At two months, the first vaccination is administered. then once a year after that.

For teeth, a brush and specialized powder are utilized. Chewable bones or crackers are useful for removing plaque from enamel. The animal should be shown to the veterinarian twice a year. You shouldn’t skip this step if you want your pet to be healthy. Let alone hitting your pet, you are unable to yell at him. He might turn reclusive and stop obeying orders.

Collie diet

You cannot call Scottish Shepherds gourmets. They work just as well with dry food as they do with natural food. Since the dogs do not have allergies, dietary issues are uncommon. To ensure they have enough energy for proper development, babies should eat more than adults do.

Giving ready-made food to the pet is the easiest option for the owner. You can purchase multiple bags simultaneously, giving the dog an ample amount. Protein content in store feed should be at least 20% and 15%, respectively. High-quality food provides the recommended daily intake of all essential vitamins and microelements.

It will be very challenging to retrain your pet to eat homemade food if you select the option with dry food. The owner will need to dedicate time each day to prepare fresh food if they choose natural feeding. At least 400 grams of meat are required for adults.

It is preferable to prioritize chicken, beef, and rabbit. They can occasionally be swapped out for boiled fish or offal. The dish is enhanced with vegetables and cereals. Up to 600 grams of porridge should be consumed each day. Including non-tubular bones in the diet is acceptable. One boiled egg per week and cottage cheese are good sources of calcium.

It is inappropriate to offer puppies:

• Unprocessed fruits and vegetables;
• Raw eggs;
• Fish;
• Bones;
• Boiled potatoes;
• Bread products.

You can give buckwheat, rice, and oatmeal as cereals. It is preferable to survive on biscuits rather than sweets. It is best to avoid foods that are fried or smoked. It is forbidden to eat legumes. Goods should always be in-date, and expiration dates should be followed. Puppies and pregnant females receive extra vitamin supplements.

Diseases and health problems

The immune system and general health of the dog’s body are strong points. In cold weather, four-legged animals can walk for two hours with ease.

Nevertheless, the breed is susceptible to several illnesses, including:

1. Dermatomyositis is a skin disease that causes muscle problems. According to researchers, about 70% of individuals are susceptible to this disease;
2. Mental disorders, epilepsy – convulsions with salivation, involuntary emptying;
3. Nasal solar dermatitis – peeling of the skin of the nose, sometimes its color changes. If not treated in a timely manner, the disease can develop into cancer. Worsening of the condition will be prevented by limiting exposure to sunlight, using sunscreens, tattooing with black ink;
4. Dysplasia — problems with joints;
5. Deafness — individuals with marble coloring are susceptible to this disease;
6. Collie Eye Syndrome — a disease that develops into blindness. Leads to retinal atrophy, cataracts, hypoplasia of the choroid.

Shepherd dog brains can experience changes in the cerebellum. Neurological disorders result from brain damage, which is challenging to treat. Rarely do allergic reactions to dry food or certain products result from personal intolerances.

The length of walks, the quality of products, and the conditions of care all have a direct impact on a pet’s average life expectancy. If there are no congenital illnesses, the owner is solely responsible for the dog’s immunity. The dog will feel well and be healthy if given the right care.

Feature	Description
Origin	Scotland
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Long and fluffy
Temperament	Friendly and loyal
Exercise Needs	High; loves to play
Common Colors	Tricolor, sable, blue merle
Best For	Active families

Collies are incredibly amazing canines that are renowned for their loyalty and intelligence. Their energetic and protective nature stems from their extensive history of being bred for the purpose of herding sheep. They make excellent companions for both children and adults because their innate tendencies frequently come through in family environments.

These dogs are exceptionally trainable in addition to being stunning with their eye-catching coats. Their desire to please makes learning from them a fulfilling experience. Collies often succeed, displaying their intelligence and capacity to form strong bonds with their humans, whether they are performing simple commands or complex tricks.

It’s important to keep in mind that collies require both physical and mental stimulation to thrive. The secret to keeping them content and healthy is regular exercise and interactive play. You can satiate their spirited nature by getting them involved in simple fetch or agility training.

Overall, a collie may be the best option for you if you’re searching for a loyal friend who can keep up with your busy schedule. They have the ability to blend intelligence, heart, and beauty, making them an invaluable member of your family.

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