One of the most distinguishing characteristics of collies is their gorgeous long coats. Their stunning fur enhances their remarkable appearance and needs to be regularly groomed to maintain its best. Knowing about a Collie’s coat is crucial for providing the right care, whether you’re thinking about getting one for your home or you’re just interested in the breed.
These graceful canines stand out among other pets thanks to their lush, flowing manes. It is necessary to regularly brush their fur, which can be either smooth or rough, in order to avoid tangles and matting. This post will discuss the qualities that set Collie coats apart, the maintenance regimens they require, and the best ways to maintain the best-looking long hair.
Knowing about the long-haired traits of Collie dogs will make you appreciate these magnificent canines even more, whether you’re an experienced owner or a newbie to the breed. Let’s examine the specifics of maintaining the opulent fur of a Collie and the reasons it’s worthwhile.
Breed | Description |
Rough Collie | Known for their luxurious, long fur and elegant appearance. They have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming. |
Smooth Collie | While they have shorter hair than the Rough Collie, their coat is still dense and requires less maintenance. They have a sleek, shiny look. |
The gorgeous, flowing coats of long-haired Collies are well-known for giving them a refined, elegant appearance. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain the lustrous condition of their fur and avoid tangles and matting. This breed’s characteristic mane protects them from the weather in addition to adding to their attractiveness. A long-haired Collie requires dedication and care, but the payoff is an incredibly lovely and devoted friend.
- General characteristics of the dogs of the collie
- Pros of the breed
- Disadvantages of the breed
- Interesting facts about the breed
- History of origin
- Description of appearance
- Head
- Body type
- Limbs
- Coat
- Colors
- Varieties
- Character
- Education and training
- Collie coat care
- Nutrition
- Health
- How to buy a puppy
- Video on the topic
- Best friends! Long-haired Collie puppies
- Getting to know pets: long-haired Collie (15.01.16)
- Collie grooming. Result at the end of the video🔥🔥 #collie #fyp #dog #rec #viral #dog #pet #animals
General characteristics of the dogs of the collie
The long-haired colli is a Scottish-bred breed of shepherd that dates back centuries. Also known as a sheepdog from Scotland. One of the nicest, calmest, and easiest to train dogs is this one. She is intelligent, perceptive, literate, and motivated to be of assistance to others.
Scottish Shepherds are now frequently used as assistance dogs instead of being employed as shepherds. They are appropriate for guard duty, drug searches, and rescue operations. They are wonderful companions and guide dogs because of their charm, sensitivity, and sweet disposition.
Parameters | Characteristics |
---|---|
Breed name | Rough-haired collie |
Country of origin | Great Britain |
Breed group according to the FCI classification | Shepherd and cattle dogs, Shepherd section |
Application | Shepherd, guard, nanny, guide dog, rescuer, companion |
Life expectancy | 12-13 years |
Height | Males 56-61 cm, females 51-56 cm |
Weight | Males 26-34 kg, females 19-26 kg |
character traits | affectionate, loyal, hardy, responsive, balanced |
aggression | no |
attitude towards people | good-natured, obedient, loyal, love children, do not tolerate loneliness, are reserved with strangers |
training | easy, very understanding, smart and obedient |
noise | often bark, express their emotions with their voice and communicate with a person |
need for care | high, shed a lot |
Pros of the breed
Collies were developed as shepherds’ aids. Their innate desire to assist others is genetic. As a result, it is currently the greatest companion—easy to train, appropriate for both singles and families with young children. The following benefits account for this dog’s popularity:
- suitable for keeping in an apartment;
- adapts to any features of the owner"s lifestyle;
- has an attractive appearance;
- balanced, gentle, docile character;
- friendly, non-aggressive, devoted;
- sensitive to changes in a person"s mood, tries to support him, calm him down;
- gets along easily with other pets;
- unpretentious, tolerates cold well;
- loves children, is patient with any of their pranks, an excellent nanny;
- very smart, quick-witted, easily learns various tricks;
- clean, does not smell like a dog;
- has good health.
Disadvantages of the breed
But the collie has benefits beyond just that. Those who are unable to give their pet, walk, or exercise enough attention shouldn’t obtain it. These dogs are gregarious, highly sensitive, and frequently noisy. They can become depressed and ill in the absence of exercise and training. Additionally, Scottish Shepherds have a number of drawbacks.
- sheds a lot, is not suitable for allergy sufferers;
- this dog is active, needs long walks;
- loves to bark, whine, squeal;
- with insufficient socialization can be cowardly – afraid of loud sounds, cars;
- can run away on a walk.
Interesting facts about the breed
Collie dogs are among the smartest in the world, and many people think they’re also the cutest and most beautiful. However, long-haired breed members have become less common in recent years. These days, they are uncommon pets; Border Collies and Shelties are more common. However, this breed still has a large following. It has a number of fascinating facts:
- The breed gained wide popularity in the world after the film "Lassie" about a dog who overcame many difficulties to find an owner;
- In this film, Lassie is a bitch, but her role was played by males;
- Due to their beautiful appearance and intelligence, collies often star in films and commercials;
- A thick, dense undercoat allows these dogs to easily endure not only frost, but also heat;
- The wool of Scottish Shepherds has medicinal properties – it helps with rheumatism, joint pain;
- These dogs are sensitive, able to sense a person"s mood, therefore they are often used in canistherapy;
- the life expectancy of a collie is the same as that of most dogs, but some individuals live longer, and one dog lived 28 years.
The qualities of the collie are enhanced by the video:
Collie dogs in a video
Video: Benefits and drawbacks of the Collie dog breed
History of origin
Great Britain is the breed’s home country. It is thought by researchers that the Romans introduced the collie’s ancestors to the island. They mixed with the native sheepdogs that were herding sheep there. Scotland saw the greatest increase in their popularity due to the large number of sheep farmers there. One version claims that the word "collie" originated from the word "colleys," which meant black sheep. The dogs that led these animals were also given names. The 17th century saw the establishment of the name.
Collie dogs have been a shepherd’s aide for many years. The shepherd did not require great strength or ferocity because there were very few predators in Scotland. All she needed to do was make sure the sheep didn’t fall behind. As a result, the collie proved to be tough and quick rather than aggressive and responsible. Its thick fur shielded it from inclement weather, and its powerful paws made moving through steep terrain simple. These dogs were more squat back then, and their primary colors were black and white.
Among typical dog breeders, the breed gained popularity by the end of the 1800s. Not only were the collie’s working abilities valued, but so was their serene, tranquil temperament. Their breeding as companions commenced. Representatives of the breed started to cross with setters and greyhounds. The color changed to red, the growth thickened, and the muzzle grew longer. Collies that resembled those of today were displayed at the exhibition in 1885. The breed’s long-haired and smooth-haired variations were distinguished apart.
American consumers took an immediate interest in Scottish shepherds when they arrived at the start of the 20th century. Today’s oldest collie kennels are in the United States. They first surfaced in Russia under Nicholas II’s rule. Larger collies were bred in these countries than in Scotland.
Because these dogs were primarily employed for military and law enforcement duties in Russia, they exhibited a more aggressive temperament. The international standard differed slightly from the RKF standard. More amiable and petite members of the breed only started to surface in the 1990s, owing to the importation of breeding stock from overseas.
Description of appearance
The Scottish Shepherd was categorized as a large dog in the breed standard that the RKF instituted in the middle of the 20th century. At that time, the male height was 69 cm, while the female height was 64 cm. In the USA, nearly identical standards still apply: a male’s wither height should be between 61 and 66 cm, and a female’s should be between 56 and 61 cm. However, the FCI standard classifies the collie as a medium-sized breed. Another well-liked variation is the Sheltie. These dogs weigh roughly 10 kg and have a maximum height of 41 cm.
The Scottish Shepherd is a stunning canine with a proud stance, stately and robust build, and graceful lines. It has a balanced construction and moves easily and gracefully. A male should weigh no more than 34 kg and a female should weigh no more than 26 kg at a fairly large height. The appearance also includes luscious long hair, expressive, intelligent eyes, and a narrow, fox-like muzzle.
The following images depict the appearance’s features:
Head
The size of the head is proportionate to the body, medium. wedge-shaped and elongated. softly defined stop, flat cheekbones. powerful jaws and a scissor bite. Black, dry lips that do not droop. The nose’s lobe is large and black, and the bridge is slightly rounded.
Almond-shaped, obliquely set eyes. The muzzle now has a slightly mischievous expression. Although marble collies typically have dark eyes, blue eyes or even heterochromia are acceptable. The ears are high-set, triangular, and small. The collie usually pushes them back against the head, but when it gets excited, the tips of the ears stand up.
Body type
The neck is long, thick, and exquisitely curved. The body has an elongated format and is harmonious in shape. The belly is tucked in, the chest is deep, and the loin is raised. When at ease, the long tail is lowered. The tip could be elevated a little. Never knocked down and never twisted into a ring.
Limbs
The forelegs are erect, slender, and closely spaced. The elbows point backward. Hock joints are clearly defined, and hind legs are powerful. Toes are arched, and paws are oval. The dog moves quickly and with ease.
Images support the collie’s description:
Coat
The body is fully covered by the thick coat. The guard’s hair is straight, long, and hard. has feathering on the paws and tail, and a thick mane and collar around the neck. The head has sparse hair. The undercoat is soft, dense, and thick.
Colors
There are only three collie colors permitted by standard:
- sable – from gold to dark red;
- tricolor or tricolor – a combination of black, white and red, the main color of such dogs should be black, red tan markings on the legs and head;
- marble or blue merle – silver-blue color with dark spots, large black spots are unacceptable.
Any color of the dog should have a white collar, bib, white spots on the paws and tip of the tail. They can also be on the muzzle. In some countries, there are white collies. Only their head and tail are colored. Such individuals are obtained by crossing two marble parents. Officially, this is not allowed by the standard, and such coloring is not recognized. White puppies are often born with genetic defects.
Varieties
Scottish collies were limited to having long hair in the past. There have also been notable short-haired members of the breed since the turn of the 20th century. A few additional types are included in the collies category:
- bearded or birdie – a very rare breed, with long hair on the head, characteristic eyebrows, beard and moustache;
- border collies – the smartest representatives of the breed, their hair is of medium length;
- sheltie – a miniature copy of the long-haired representatives of the breed, their weight does not exceed 10 kg.
Australian kelpies and shepherds are occasionally included in the collies classification.
The images illustrate how members of the breed with long hair differ from other variations:
Character
The collie’s nature still has herding instincts at the genetic level. These dogs "herd" everyone on walks because of this. When one of the family members moves far away, they become extremely anxious. Collies are regarded as the best nannies because of their exceptional ability to watch over children. This pet will never hurt a child, put up with his jokes, and let him tug on his ears. However, for this to happen, the dog and child must start talking to each other at a young age.
Collies are peaceful, well-mannered people. She can communicate with anyone and even animals with ease. There are no extremes in her personality. This is a friendly, outgoing pet that is willing to travel with its owner but is never bothersome or obtrusive. The dog is playful and energetic, but he never leaves the apartment dirty.
Dogs belonging to this breed tend to exhibit the following characteristics:
- good nature;
- peacefulness;
- responsibility;
- loyalty;
- sociability;
- curiosity;
- patience;
- obedience;
- efficiency.
Education and training
It’s very simple to train a colllie. They are some of the smartest and most understanding dogs around. However, training needs to start as soon as the puppy moves into the home. The owner needs to be steady, composed, and patient. An authoritarian communication style is not tolerated by the Scottish Shepherd; instead, you must interact with it in a kind and composed manner.
Even novice dog breeders can benefit from these pets because they do not have a tendency toward dominance. Their goal is to win over the owner. Hence, during training, affection and praise are sufficient; you can use a treat to boost motivation. These dogs are extremely touchy and sensitive, so it is inappropriate to yell at them or to hit them in particular. Collies do not even put up with civilized conversations between humans.
However, early socialization is crucial for Scottish Shepherds to prevent them from developing into shy or anxious pets. The puppy must become used to the sounds of traffic, vehicles, and outsiders. A collie can pick up all of the fundamental commands in six months:
- come;
- place;
- no;
- no;
- sit;
- stand;
- next;
- lie down;
- walk.
You can begin learning increasingly difficult commands and techniques at six months of age. Collies are adept at agility, frisbee freestyle, and agility training. They easily complete all prerequisite training course requirements. However, because of its lack of aggression, this dog shouldn’t be trained as a ZKS and cannot work as a security guard or bodyguard.
The description of the collie’s character is enhanced by these intriguing photos:
Every dog owner who is willing to give their dog their full attention and walk it for at least two to three hours a day is a good fit for a Scottish Shepherd. Collies do not belong on a chain; they can live in an apartment or a private home. It can withstand any weather because of its thick coat. However, these dogs develop strong attachments to their owners and require constant attention, so leaving them in an aviary for an extended period of time is not advised.
Collies can live for at least 12 to 13 years if they receive the right care and upkeep. This dog needs to have regular dental care. Clean the ears once a week to remove dirt and sulfur, trim the claws once a month, and brush your teeth occasionally. You must examine the pet’s eyes each day. You can use a specific lotion, tea, or chamomile infusion to wash them. Administer anthelmintic medications on a regular basis and treat the pet’s coat for external parasites.
Collie coat care
This dog’s heavy coat is the main issue with its upkeep. It gathers all of the filth. It doesn’t retain dry dust, so when it’s raining, it’s best to cover the dog’s belly with a blanket. It is advised to cut the hair in between the toes for the same reason. The paws should be cleaned and, if needed, oil-greased after a walk. This shepherd needs to be bathed with a long-haired dog shampoo no more than once a month.
Two times a year, collies heavily shed. However, dogs that live in apartments are able to shed less hair year-round. As a result, you will need to brush your pet multiple times a week. This keeps hair off of furniture and carpets in the house and prevents tangles from forming.
Metal combs with unusually long teeth, hard brushes, and slicker brushes are useful for combing. It is suggested to apply a specific conditioner to the coat, as this will aid in rapidly detangling tangled hair.
The collie’s coat features are displayed in the photo:
Nutrition
It is advised by veterinarians to feed collies dry food. It ought to have fiber, vitamins, and natural meat. Consequently, selecting super-premium or holistic class options makes sense. These foods have all the nutrients required for the dog’s activity level, health, and coat health.
Fresh ingredients are required if you feed your pet natural food. A balanced diet is ideal. Lean meat makes up the majority of the diet; an adult dog needs 400 g or more per day. Offal, seafood, grains, vegetables, and fermented milk products are also beneficial.
Give the dog fish oil by mixing it with unrefined vegetable oil. A log for wool is this one. Additionally, you can choose vitamin supplements for your pet based on a veterinarian’s recommendation. Seaweed and iodine supplements should not be given to show dogs because they may discolor the white parts of their coats.
Health
Due to its long history as a working breed, the Scottish Shepherd has few hereditary illnesses. Entropion and CEA, a condition also known as "collie eye" syndrome, are examples of possible eye pathologies. Marbled dogs are susceptible to canine deafness. Conditions like collies’ joint dysplasia and dermatitis are uncommon.
Inadequate diet can lead to the development of allergies and the accumulation of excess weight. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that some medications can cause a congenital intolerance in Scottish Shepherds.
This breed’s proper care is demonstrated in the video:
Video: Taking good care of double-coated dogs
Watch: Brushing a Collies
How to buy a puppy
There are now a lot of kennels that breed these dogs because of the breed’s popularity in the 20th century. Consequently, purchasing a purebred collie puppy is not difficult. A pedigree dog costs between 15 and 20 thousand rubles in Moscow. Show individuals cost between forty and fifty thousand rubles, while a show-class puppy will set you back at least eighty thousand rubles. To buy a dog, it is preferable to get in touch with a kennel. A veterinary passport and all other required paperwork must be provided by the breeder.
You should research the conditions under which the dogs are housed before making a purchase. It needs to be clean and dry. It’s crucial to watch the mother and her actions. Puppies are purchased between two and three months old. They ought to have a broad body, slim legs, a narrow muzzle, and smooth, glossy fur. The puppy should be playful, inquisitive, and energetic.
You should take into account the fact that females are more obedient, affectionate, and trainable when selecting a gender. Their nannies are the best. Because they are more active, men make better companions for young men or teenagers.
The following images depict the appearance of Scottish Shepherd puppies:
Prior to purchasing a dog of this breed, you should view the following video regarding its benefits and drawbacks:
Video: Scottish Shepherd breed description – Long-haired Collie
Video: "Long-haired Collie" or "Dog of Business and Intelligent People"
Watch video: This breed. Collie
Beyond just being stunning, long-haired Collies also add a unique charm to any house. They have obligations, but their flowing coats are a sight to behold. Regular brushing is essential to maintaining healthy, tangle-free fur. Brushing them regularly helps preserve their gorgeous appearance and keeps matting at bay.
Collies are renowned for their gentle and devoted nature in addition to their good looks. They get along well with other pets and are wonderful with families. They bring joy to any home and make wonderful companions due to their amiable nature.
Be ready for the commitment of maintaining a long-haired Collie in your home if you’re thinking about getting one. However, they can make a wonderful addition to your life due to their striking appearance and affectionate personality.