Lassie, the popular series on television has made the Collie a recognizable breed to many. The Collie is noted for it’s intelligence and deep affection for the family.
Appearance – The Collie descended from dogs used for herding and this trait is still strong in them. Their guarding skills make them excellent family dogs. Some Collies can be high-strung and nervous, depending on their lineage, but for the most part, they are intelligent and diligent protectors. The Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. Weighing 55 to 80 pounds, these dogs can stand 22 to 26 inches tall.
The Collie has plenty of endurance and energy. These strong and graceful animals have almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with intelligence and understanding. The eyes can be brown or blue. The coat of the Collie is either smooth or rough, where the rough coat is longer and fuller. They come in sable and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.
Characteristics – These dogs are not good with apartments since they love to spend most of their time outside. A family home with an active family and a large yard is great for a Collie. The breed is sociable and extroverted but still make excellent watchdogs and protectors. They will sound an alert if there are strange humans or creatures. They can nip the heels of children heading off in the wrong direction or running away from them.
Like most intelligent animals, Collie puppies can be very headstrong and get into general mischief. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn to socialize at an early age. They need strong discipline up front about what is and is not allowed in your household.
Health Problems and Grooming Issues – There are few health problems with the Collie. They can suffer from eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.
Collies love to eat, so you must be careful that the dog does not become overweight and suffer medical problems associated with too much food. They enjoy three small meals a day.
The rough-coated Collie does not require a lot of brushing and grooming, despite its long hair. Nevertheless, the dog’s coat should be brushed consistently to avoid tangles. This intelligent dog can protect your family and give you years of happiness and attention, making it the perfect pet for you.
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