Collie

Collie Dog Picture
Photo ©2005 Tristan & Big Paws Only

Standard Collie Characteristics

About the Collie

The Collie, also known as the Scottish Collie, was developed in Great Britain in the 1800’s as a sheep herding dog.

Today the Collie is used mainly as a companion dog though some are still used as herding dogs.

Collies are very sweet and sensitive dogs who love to be with their family. They are happiest when in the house with the family and will protect them whenever necessary. They are also very intelligent and are fairly easy to train. They are great with other animals, especially other dogs, but are wary of strangers. They do have a lot of energy and if not exercised properly they can begin destructive behaviors like herding family members.

The head of the Collie is very important. It tapers from the ears to the nose with a well rounded muzzle. The jaws are strong and thin. Their eyebrows are arched; their eyes are almond shaped with a happy expression. Their ears are in proportion to the size of the skull and are raised when alert. One noticeable mark about the ears is that they fold over at the tips of the ears. Their bodies are firm and well supported by their hips and thighs. Their legs are straight and muscular their meet with their small oval shaped feet. The outer coat is rough to the touch and appears straight to the eyes. The undercoat is soft and fluffy which makes it difficult to see the skin. On the face, the mask is smooth but there is feathering around the back of the legs and sides of the face. The hair on the hips and tail is very bushy so as to make more hair appear. There are four main colors of Collies- sable & white, tricolor, blue merle, and white. Sable & white is mainly sable with white markings throughout; tricolor is mainly black with white and tan intermixed; blue merle is a marbled look of a blue and grey. Some lines of Collies are prone to dysplasia, eye problems, and light sensitivity.

These dogs are very energetic and can do well in an apartment if given enough exercise but do best when they have a yard where they can run off leash. They are very sensitive to the heat and prefer the mild climates with lots of shade.