Collie: temperament, size, care and health

About the Collie

The Collie is a tall, elegant herding dog with a long, narrow, wedge-shaped head and an alert, sweet expression. Adults stand about 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. The better-known rough variety has a profuse coat with a full mane and frill, while the smooth variety has a short, dense coat. Both come in sable, tricolor, blue merle and white, and both are the same breed with the same temperament.

Collies were bred to gather and move sheep over rough Scottish country, and they combine stamina with a calm approach. Most live today as companions. People choose the breed for its gentle manner, its devotion to its family and the sheer beauty of a well-groomed coat.

Temperament and family life

Collies are warm, even-tempered and affectionate, and they form deep attachments to the people they live with. They tend to be especially kind with children and are often described as natural guardians of the youngest members of the household. They can be reserved with strangers but are seldom aggressive.

The breed is sensitive. Raised voices, tension and harsh handling upset a Collie, and a dog left isolated for long periods may become anxious. Some bark to alert the family or when bored, though the habit is usually easier to manage than in some other herding breeds. Collies generally get along with other pets, and their herding instinct tends to show up as shadowing rather than rough nipping.

Exercise and training

A Collie needs a daily walk, some off-leash running in a safe, fenced area and time with its people. Its drive is lower than a Border Collie's, yet it is active and does best with regular mental stimulation. Obedience, agility, herding and tracking all suit the breed.

Collies learn quickly and respond best to patience, praise and consistency. Heavy-handed methods backfire. Without enough company and activity, a Collie may bark, pace or dig. A Collie that spots something to chase can cover ground quickly, so a secure fence matters.

Grooming and shedding

The rough Collie sheds heavily, and the coat needs steady upkeep. Plan on thorough brushing at least two or three times a week, paying attention to the thick fur behind the ears and under the legs where mats form. During the annual shed, which can be dramatic, daily brushing is a good idea. The smooth Collie is much easier, needing weekly brushing and more frequent attention when it molts.

Regular nail trimming, dental care and ear checks are part of the routine. Expect hair around the house either way.

Health

Many Collies carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which makes them sensitive to certain medications, so a DNA test is strongly advised before any drug is given. Collie eye anomaly is a hereditary eye problem that breeders screen for, and progressive retinal atrophy occurs as well. Dermatomyositis, an inflammatory skin and muscle disease, has a genetic basis. Deep-chested dogs can suffer from bloat, and hip dysplasia and thyroid disease are seen at times.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Collie is generally traced to the sheep country of Scotland, where it worked as a farm and drover's dog. Queen Victoria's fondness for the breed at Balmoral in the nineteenth century is often credited with raising its status. Later, the Lassie books, films and television series made it one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. The smooth variety developed alongside the rough one and was long treated as a separate type within the breed.

Is the Collie right for you?

A Collie suits a family looking for a gentle, loyal dog that is good with children and does not demand extreme exercise. It requires a commitment to grooming and a calm home. It is a poor match for a household that is loud or away much of the day.

The Shetland Sheepdog offers a similar look in a smaller form, with more barking. For a scruffier, bouncier option, look at the Bearded Collie. If you want much more drive and a working style, compare the Border Collie.