<b>COLLIE (ROUGH AND SMOOTH)</> (AKC Herding Group)
<C>Height:</C> 24 to 26 inches (male); 22 to 24 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 60 to 75 pounds (male); 50 to 65 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Collie has served man as a sheepdog for centuries, guarding and herding his flocks. The breed's name probably comes from its charge, the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Early Rough Collies were smaller, with broader heads and shorter muzzles. The Collie is so intelligent that he has been trained for many purposes, as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star and as a guard dog. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and her interest launched the breed's subsequent popularity. J.P. Morgan and other members of the upper class have owned Collies. The breed's great beauty has made him a favorite show dog and family companion. The Smooth Collie is more popular as a companion dog in Great Britain than in the United States, though he is gaining popularity today. The Smooth Collie is the same as the Rough Collie, but without the long coat. The AKC considers the Rough and Smooth Collies as varieties of the same breed. They are judged by the same standard with the exception of the coat.
<b>Description:</> A lovely, active, and agile long-coated sheepdog, made famous by the movie star, Lassie. The lean, blunted wedge-shaped head gives an impression of lightness. The top of the head is flat. The face is chiseled. The long, smooth, well-rounded blunt muzzle tapers to a black nose. The ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. The eyes are almond shaped and dark except in the case of blue merles who may have blue or merle eyes. The trim, but muscular, body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is strong and fairly wide. The tailbone hangs down to the dog's hocks. The abundant double coat forms a mane around the neck and chest (rough variety). The coat needs regular weekly grooming to look its best. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat that needs very little grooming. On both varieties the hair on the head and legs is short and smooth. They both come in sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), blue merle or predominantly white with sable, tri-color or blue merle markings.
<b>Notes:</> Some lines are prone to PRA. Buy only from CERF-certified stock. Puppies should be checked by a Canine Ophthalmologist for Collie eye syndrome. The tip of a Collie's nose can be sensitive to the sun. Heavy shedder during shedding periods (about three weeks a year). Sensitive to the heat. Provide plenty of shade and fresh water in warm weather. Buy only from a reputable breeder. The Collie is a very popular breed resulting in the sale of many inferior animals with poor health and/or temperaments. Grooming the Collie takes about 1 hour per week.
<b>Personality:</> A noble, highly intelligent dog. Sensitive, sweet, kind and loyal. Very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. One Collie traveled 2000 miles to find his family after he became lost. Collies have received the Ken-L-Ration Hero Dog award 5 times. An excellent, child's companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. Can be willful; must be trained gently or he will refuse to cooperate. Some exhibit herding behavior as puppies, nipping at people's heels. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behavior. Collie puppies housetrain quickly, generally in about one week (after about 10-12 weeks old).
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Extensive grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
<C>Coat:</C> Long coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> COLLIE
Slide 1 -Squire's Chelsea Imprint, Squire's Five O'Clock News, Squire's Five O' Clock Shadow, and Squire's Five O' Clock High with owner Marilyn Mothersell, Squire Collies. Photo by Tim Mothersell; Slides 2 and 3 (and small picture) -Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
