Why collies are good dogs

Rough Collies are wonderful dogs for families and people living active lifestyles, but their energy and herding instinct can lead to some rough edges. He or she can help smooth them out so, like Clarence, you can have a great relationship built on mutual understanding, trust, respect, and love. Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our trainers today!

If you have ever lost your dog, you know that heart-pounding adrenaline of panic. The pet parent enters important dog information plus a picture. Whoever finds the dog can simply scan the tag using a cell phone and the owner gets a text message to say someone has found your dog.

No waiting to get to the vet office to scan a microchip and no renewal fees or any extra charges! Microchips are important and you should always have your dog microchipped as that is a great tool to identify legal owners etc. Toggle navigation Menu. The Rough Collie Physical Characteristics.

Class Working dog Color Sable and white White Tri-color Blue merle Sable merle Sable Size Large, with a naturally thin frame that means they are less heavy than they appear Height: inches male , inches female Weight: pounds male , pounds female Other Traits A short, dense double coat that makes them adaptable to most climates Soft, almond-shaped eyes Stand-up ears that flop forward at the tip Life expectancy Rough Collies typically live between 14 and 16 years.

The Rough Collie History. The Rough Collie Personality and Temperament. The Rough Collie Grooming. However, researchers have successfully identified the genetic mutation that causes CEA.

This allows breeders to screen and carefully select to avoid CEA, which is why it is best to work with a reputable breeder with documented genetic testing when looking for a collie puppy. The collie catapulted to popularity in England after Queen Victoria r. She acquired several collies of different colors for her royal kennels, and by the early s, the collie was recognized as a pure breed. By the early 20th century, the collie caught the interest of fanciers in the United States, including American financier J.

Morgan , who even started his own collie kennel, importing and breeding dogs from England. In the s film adaptation, Lassie was played by a dog named Pal, whose descendants still play Lassie today.

Collies are gentle, loyal dogs who get along well with kids and other animals. Learn more about living with collies. By Sonja Swanson Updated October 12, Breed Group Group Breed Group herding hound hybrid non-sporting none sporting terrier toy working. Dog Size Size Dog Size extra large lbs. Other Traits Traits Other Traits apartment-friendly cold weather tolerant easy to groom easy to train good for first-time pet owners good hiking companion high potential for weight gain high prey drive highly territorial hot weather tolerant hypoallergenic loves water low prey drive prone to health issues requires lots of grooming strong loyalty tendencies tendency to chew tolerates being alone.

Temperament Temperament Temperament aggressive aloof anxious friendly gentle outgoing playful protective timid willful. Living Needs. Fun Facts. The impact of Lassie on both the collie breed and cinema history can't be underestimated. Pal's progeny has filled the role of Lassie for TV shows and remakes, and the current Lassie is a 10th generation descendant who lives in Santa Clarita, Calif.

Lassie is just one of three animals to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But it's not just Lassie on the world stage. Several U. Johnson, whose white collie, Blanco , was given to him as a holiday gift from a 9-year-old girl in Illinois.

President Coolidge also had several collies, most famously one named Rob Roy , the first dog to appear in an official First Family photo portrait. As elegant as these dogs appear, they also have a playful, silly side. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations.

The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation show and, ideally, herding or versatility titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Collie might better suit your needs and lifestyle.

Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult Collie may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home.

If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization.

Here is how to get started. Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Collie available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Collie. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Collie rescues in your area.

Most people who love Collies love all Collies. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Collie home with you to see what the experience is like.

You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include:. Wherever you acquire your Collie, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter.

Puppy or adult, take your Collie to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…. Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Not sure about food puzzles?

Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work. The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more.

Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash.

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography. Mary Bloom. Breed Characteristics Adaptability How easily a dog deals with change. Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding. Amount of warmth or friendliness displayed. Level of daily activity needed. Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. Factors such as dog size and his tendency to make noise. Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed.

Tendency to be welcoming to new people. Breed's level of vocalization. Level of health issues a breed tends to have. A dog's inclination to be protective of his home, yard or even car. Tendency toward a tolerance for cats and a lower prey drive. A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability not trainability. Level of ease in learning something new and a willingness to try new things. Dogs that tend to be more sturdy, playful and easygoing around children and more tolerant of children's behavior.

How lighthearted and spirited a dog tends to be. A breed that is likely to alert you to the presence of strangers. Adaptability How easily a dog deals with change. Did You Know? Collie Temperament and Personality The Collie is a herding breed, which means he is smart, quick to learn and very tuned in to his people. What You Need to Know About Collie Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease.

The Basics of Collie Grooming Both varieties of Collie have double coats, meaning they have a thick, softer undercoat and a thinner, flatter overcoat. Finding a Collie Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Collie Breeder Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. Adopting a Dog From a Collie Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization.

Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Collie. Talk to Breed Rescue Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family.