Collie
History
- The collie originated in Scotland in the 1800s. Its rootstock is unknown but it may have been derived from the same ancestors as the border collie.
- At that time both rough and smooth coated versions of the breed, first called Scotch collies, existed. The smooth coated dogs drove the sheep and the rough coated dogs stayed out with the flocks.
- Queen Victoria, a purebred dog enthusiast, became enamored of the collie and added her first to her kennel in 1860. Her involvement with the breed caught the interest of other dog fanciers and of upper society people who wanted the same breed as the Queen's favorite.
- In 1886, an official breed standard was drawn up.
- Collies came to America both as working sheep dogs and elite pets.
- Author Albert Payson Terhune attracted more pet owners to the breed through his stories of his Sunnybank collies in the 1920s and 30s.
- Lassie movies and television shows cemented the breed's reputation as a family dog.
- The smooth collie has never shared the popularity of the rough collie.
Collie Behavior Concerns
- Makes a gentle and devoted companion.
- Playful and very good with children
- Good with other dogs and pets.
- Does best with reward-based training involving games, food or praise.
- Learns quickly, and is eager to please.
- Overly enthusiastic barking can be a problem.
Collie Suggested Exercises
- Makes a well-mannered housedog, given adequate exercise.
- It needs a long walk, good run or energetic play session every day.
- Does well in dog parks.
- Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.
- Collies enjoy cold weather, but cannot live outside in it.
Collie Grooming
- Coat of the rough variety is long, thick and harsh. It requires a good brushing session once or twice a week.
- Coat of the smooth variety is short, hard and flat. It requires a brief brushing once a week.
- Shedding is average to above average.
Suggested Collie Nutritional Needs
- Collies tend to stay in good weight.You must feel under the coat to make sure the dog is neither too thin nor too fat.
- Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
