 Collie
Description:
The Collie originates from Scotland where it has
been used as an excellent herder of sheep since
before the 14th Century. The original ancestors
of the breed were brought to Britain during the
Roman Invasion, and later, invading Picts and
Scots brought the breed up north to Scotland.
The intelligent sheepherder emerged in this area;
hence, Scotland is considered the place of origin
for this breed. References from the 16th Century
depict the dogs capably herding, guarding and
driving flocks of sheep.
Height:
24 - 26" (61 - 61cm) for dogs, 22 - 24"
(55.9 - 55.9cm) for bitches
Weight:
60 - 75 lbs (26.8 - 26.8 kg) for dogs, 50 - 65
lbs (22.3 - 22.3 kg) for bitches
Coat
Type:
The Rough coat is long, abundant, straight and
harsh to the touch. The undercoat is soft, woolly
and extremely dense. The coat is most profuse
on chest and neck, and on tail and hindquarters.
The acceptable color combinations include Blue
Merle, Sable and White, Tricolor, and White. Grooming
is a frequent chore and requires thorough brushing
to rid coat of dead hair and prevent mats; shedding
can also be a problem.
Temperament:
The kind
Collie is friendly, watchful and easy to train.
He is a personable dog and is especially patient
with children, making him an excellent choice
for growing families.
Health Problems: Prone to eye problems; epilepsy
is suspected to have a genetic component in this
breed.
Special
Interest:
Despite
the fact that the breed has been around for centuries,
it was often considered common and familiar. Its
popularity mushroomed however in the Victorian
era when the Queen herself was greatly impressed
by this hardworking herder and saw its potential
as a showdog. She brought some back with her to
the Royal Kennels and since then, the dog has
become a favorite the world over. Stories about
the breed and the subsequent "Lassie"
movies furthered the breed's popularity as well.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 7 - Herding Dogs
CKC: Group 7 - Herding Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
FCI: Group 1
ANKC: Group 5 - Working Dogs
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