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DOGS BY BREED :: COLLIE
Collie
Origins
The Collie comes from Scotland and was bred originally to herd and guard sheep. The Collie is also known by the other name of Scottish Collie and is famous as the breed of dog who starred in the popular 'Lassie' movies. The dog's name probably comes from the Scottish black-faced sheep it herded which were called the 'Colley'. This dog is classified as one of the Herding Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Collie was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885.
Coat and Colors
The Collie's coat is normally a shade of sable and white, tri colored and blue Merle. The coat is can be smooth or rough: Smooth coat is very dense, straight outer coat with soft, furry undercoat and the rough coat is short, harsh and smooth with a dense undercoat.
Potential Health Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Collie, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Collie can include:
- Hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
- Eye problems
- Skin infections
Grooming and Care
The Collie requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Collies.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 Ð 14 years.
Age comparison between the Collie Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Herding Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Herding Group ( sometimes referred to as the Pastoral Group ) include the Collie, were developed to perform a variety of tasks relating mainly to the herding of livestock. The types of livestock that these dogs are associated with are quite diverse and include sheep, cattle, reindeer and any other cloven footed animals. The Herding groups of dogs are eminently suited to these pastoral tasks as many of the breeds have a weatherproof double coat to protect them from the elements when working in severe weather conditions. Their natural abilities have been fully recognised and the initial livestock herding function have been extended to include police work and Search & Rescue amongst other duties.
Herding Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Herding Dogs, including the Collie, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Herding Group dogs share the amazing ability to control the movement of other animals. They also have great stamina reserves which allow them to work from dawn to dusk. The dogs are tenacious creatures who have the ability to herd animals such as cattle which are many times their size. They leap, run around frantically and nip at the heels of any animals that they are herding. Add this behaviour to aggressive barking and steely eye contact and their ability to influence much larger animals is fully understood.
Thus, the various Herding breeds, including the Collie, were bred and introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:
- Herding or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
- Police work
- Tracking
- Providing a service to handicapped owners
- Performing Search & Rescue
- Acting as sentries and couriers for the Armed Forces
In this day and age not every Collie might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Collie breeding program successful.
The Herding dogs are medium to large in size. They are intelligent, active, courageous, and determined dogs who make excellent companions and respond well to firm training. Their instincts are very strong and given half a chance they will try to herd, or round up, the family. They enjoy work and look to their owners to provide tasks to enable them to meet their instincts and be rewarded accordingly.
