Read About Collie Puppies

Collie Puppies are active, devoted and sweet natured and are classified, based on their coat, into the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Collie Puppies - Dog Breed Facts

1. AKC Group:

   Herding Group

2. Size & Weight:

   22-26 inches tall; 50-75 lbs in weight.

3. Coat:

   There are two varieties of collie -- Rough and Smooth. Rough variety has abundant and harsh outer coat and the under coat is soft and very close. The outer coat is denser on the mane and frill. The Smooth Variety has dense and short hard coat outside with close undercoat within.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   The head has flat skull and blunt, lean muzzle. The eyes are almond shaped and dark in color.

5. Body:

   The body is strong and well muscled with rounded croup. The chest is deep with well sprung ribs and sloping shoulders.

6. Colors:

   AKC recognizes Sable and White, White, Tri-color and Blue Merie.

7. Life Expectancy:

   14-16 years.

8. Popularity:

   Collies are standard family pets and sheepdogs. AKC Rank: 36 (2005)

9. Habitat:

   Medium sized yard is best suited for them. But can do okay in apartments if appropriate exercise is provided.

Collie Puppies - Dog Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Scotland.

2. Lineage:

   Their ancestors are the shepherding dogs of Scotland and Northern England.

3. Date Admitted to AKC:

   1885

4. Historical Information:

   Collies were standard sheepdogs in Scotland for many years. They were once confined only to Scotland. But after an impressed Queen Victoria included the breed into her royal kennel, the Collies began to gain popularity. Today they are famous world over.

Collie Puppies - Dog Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Easy to housebreak, but obedience training must begin from young. They usually find ways to get out of training and minimal correction will set the problem right.

2. Temperament:

   These are sweet natured and affectionate dogs that love and spend time with the family. They are highly intelligent creatures and are protective towards the family.

3. Child Friendly:

   They are loving and gentle with children. They tend to be protective of children.

4. Behavior:

   Collies can be hostile with strangers, but proper training will usually take care of the problem.

5. Habits:

   They tend to dig and bark when left alone for long periods.

Collie Puppies - Dog Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   May be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Collie Eye Anomaly, skin problems and deafness. They are sensitive to heat.

2. Feeding:

   Regular feeding is sufficient. Since they tend to run a lot outside, always keep ready stock of fresh water.

3. Exercise Needs:

   Collies need daily exercise to keep them fit. They prefer to run free around yards and open spaces.

4. Grooming Needs:

   Rough variety needs regular weekly brushing, for the hard coat sheds dirt. They are also heavy seasonal shedders. The Smooth Collie is easier to groom. Brush thoroughly 3-4 times a month.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Collies are accomplished jumpers and can easily clear a 5 foot fence in a single leap. Keep the fences high.

6. Travel Needs:

   They need a leash and lots of water during travel.

7. Getting Along With Other Pets:

   Collies are usually good with other animals.

Collie Puppies - How to Choose your Dog Breed

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for healthy eyes and ask for parents' certification for many collie diseases tend to hereditary. They eyes must be free from any discoloration.

2. What you will Need for a New Puppy:

   Regular puppy needs would suffice for this breed.

3. Puppy-Proofing your House:

   Close the exits firmly. Keep small objects out of reach. Also this is the time to show the pup its boundaries by taking around the house and yard twice or thrice.

4. How to Make your New Puppy Feel at Home:

   Usually soft touch and affectionate tone make it comfortable and obedient.