| AKC Group: | Herding |
| A.K.A.: | Coaly, Coll, Colley, Scottish Collie |
| Functions: | Family dog, Therapy Dog |
| Year of Origin: | 1800s |
| Country of Origin: | Scotland |
| Life Span (yr): | 14 - 16 |
| Colors: | White, Tri-color, Sable and White, Blue Merle |
| Height (Inch): | 22 - 26 |
| Weight (lb): | 50 - 75 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: |  |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
America’s favorite Collie, Lassie, exhibits all of the classic Collie characteristics. The Collie has a long, lean head and the muzzle ends bluntly with a black nose. His ears are small, located on top of his head, and when he is alerted to something the top of the erect ear tips forward. The eyes are medium in size and are shaped like almonds. They are almost always dark in color; however, they are expressive and show his intelligence and his personality. The Collie is a muscular, agile dog and his strength is especially evident through his back, chest, and legs.
Temperament:
The Collie has a plethora of personality traits that lend to his sweet disposition. He is a sensitive dog and is very loyal to his family. Collies get along well with children, and seem to understand how to play gently with youngsters. At times, he may be strong willed; but, with the proper training, even the most head-strong Collie will learn to cooperate with his owners. He is an active and happy dog, so it is an anomaly if he is sullen, frail, or timid. Although the Collie may appear inquisitive or suspicious of strangers, he is typically not aggressive.
Health:
The Collie can suffer from several diseases and disorders, most are passed on genetically. Canine Cyclic Neutropenia is a blood disorder seen frequently in young Collie puppies. In fact, it is common enough that it has received a secondary name of Gray Collie Syndrome. The Collie also suffers from a range of eye diseases: Collie eye anomaly (although an uncomfortable disorder, it will not result in blindness), hypoplasia of the optic nerve (the nerve to the eye is too small, resulting in blindness), and corneal dystrophy (cloudiness on the cornea caused by stress), to name just a few. The Collie is also prone to epilepsy or frequent seizures.
Maintenance:
To keep a Collie in top shape, he should be brushed at least once a week. Doing so will keep his coat in good condition, free from knotting and matting, and reduce shedding. Two times a year, he will fully shed his coat, during those periods the frequency of brushing may need to be increased. Also, he only needs to be bathed when his owner begins to notice an odor. The Collie is a barker, so he should be trained to bark only when commanded to. He loves playing, and always enjoys a brisk walk, especially if the weather is cool.