Collies are actually a whole family of dogs that include rough, smooth and bearded collies. For this article, we are going to discuss the rough and border collies. Lassie is probably the best known rough collie. The smooth collie is commonly called a border collie in the United States.

Who Should Own A Collie?

Collies are great, high energy dogs. They are very intelligent, loyal and gentle. They are also herding dogs. This can make them a bit territorial. They generally make fairly good family pets. Most of these dogs are good with kids. If you are going to introduce a collie into a household with children, a puppy is probably the best plan. This way, the dog and the kids will all grow up in the same pack.

These dogs will do best in an environment where they have a yard in which to play. They are heat sensitive, but should do alright if provided shade and plenty of fresh water. Because of their intelligence, they will become bored if left in the house all day, and will find something to do which may or may not be appropriate. Collies are great dogs for owners who love to walk or jog.

If you have the rough collie, you must be prepared to deal with all that hair. I have a long haired dog, and the vacuum is constantly running in the spring and fall. I only have to vacuum half as much the rest of the time. You need to be prepared to spend at least one hour per week brushing that entire magnificent coat. It is so worth the effort; rough collies are so pretty. If you let your dog run in the woods, be prepared for briars, sticks, any small flora to come home with you. I have owned a border collie in the past, and the coat was still a bit of an issue. I could not have asked for a more loyal dog though.

Why Own a Collie?

Collies are fun dogs to own for almost any purpose. They are fun to show, they are great companion animals, and they think they are lap dogs. Collies also love to learn tricks and to do tasks. They will balk if they don’t understand why you are having them repeat a task they have already learned, so they will keep you on your toes. Collies are very devoted to their owners. If you want a dog to love and adore you, this might be the one you are looking for.

Collie Description

Collies have the most wonderful, long muzzle that makes their face so distinctive.  It almost makes them look delicate. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are fast and agile dogs. They have a fairly slender neck, a broad chest, and well proportioned legs. These dogs always look alert and ready to play. Their ears are ¾ erect, and their eyes are almond shaped. The rough collie has a long flowing double coat of hair. The Border collie has a much shorter coat (about an inch or so long). While both will require grooming, the Border collie will take  less time.

Collies can be easy to train, as they love to learn. However, if you keep asking them to do the same repetitive task with out a good reason (such as herding sheep) they will just ignore you. Usually collies have a great temperament, but collies can become very attached to their owner. Collies weigh between 50 to 75 pounds with the males being on the upper end. They stand between 22 to 26 inches tall at the withers.

History of the Collie

Rough collies probably originated in Scotland. They were used for herding livestock for centuries. There long double coat makes the animals perfectly suited to the cooler climate of that area. The scruff around the neck gave them extra protection as they fought off predators. Smooth collies also worked at herding livestock and driving them to market. Both dogs have to work in tandem with their master, make independent split second decisions, and gently but firmly guard and guide the livestock to where it needed to go. That is a big task for a dog!

Today that same quick thinking, independent herding dog makes a wonderful family pet. Loyal to a fault, gentle and a bit stubborn makes the collie an intriguing part of the family.

Health Problems

Collies have several genetic health problems, with eye problems being at the top of the list.  About 95% of collies carry the gene responsible for collie eye anomaly (CEA). That does not mean your dog will be affected, just they he most probably has the gene. When a dog is affected, the range of symptoms varies even from eye to eye in the same dog. In the most severe cases, the dog will be blind. Dogs can be easily tested by a veterinarian, starting at about seven weeks of age. Your vet should be able to give you a prognosis about the condition of the vision for your puppy.

Another more serious eye problem is Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This will lead to blindness in your dog. There is no cure for this disease. These dogs should not be used for breeding purposes. This is one reason why it is so important to go to a reputable breeder.

Nodular Granulomatous Episcleralkeratits (NGE) is a proliferation of cells that occurs at the junction of the cornea and the sclera in the eye.  This causes damage to the cornea. Many dogs with a disease known as collie nose also have NGF

Collie nose is an ulcerated de-pigmented lesion that occurs on the nose, eyelids and lips. This tends to be worse in sunny areas.

Dermatomyositis is an inflammation of the skin and muscles that usually starts in puppies, but can start in older collies. It is manifested by irritated skin, redness, hair loss, and blisters. In some cases, the blisters can cause crusting of the skin and skin ulceration. Muscle weakness and atrophy can occur in more severe cases. The most severe cases involve weakness of the muscles needed to eat, drink, and swallow. These dogs are usually euthanized.

One last issue to talk to your veterinarian about is the use of Ivermectin in collies as a heart worm medication. There is some controversy about this product, so be sure to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication for heart worms.

Training your Collie

Collies are hard workers and very anxious to please. They are also very intelligent and sensitive. When training your collie you will need to be gentle but firm. Do not be too harsh with your collie. They are really very sensitive. The most important characteristic is to be consistent. No means no today, tomorrow, 10 years from now.

Collies will respond best to new challenges. One of the most valuable lessons you can teach your collie is to not herd the family. They may try to nip at peoples as just as they would livestock that they were trying to herd. That needs to be stopped as soon as you see the behavior. Be patient with your collie and remember they love to learn!

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