Rough Collie

Rough Collie: BREED BOX Country: Size: Temperament: Grooming: Recognition:

Description: Collies are a large breed herding dog, of fair height, 22-26" and manageable weight, 50-75lbs. They come in two coat types, a smooth coarse haired dog and a rough soft haired dog. There is four color varieties, sable/white, tricolor, blue merle, and white (with a colored head and body markings).

Care and Maintenance: Both the smooth and rough coats require some regular grooming, to control shedding and the mats in the feathering of roughs.

The care as far as bathing, nails, and teeth is fairly average for a large dog. They sleep quietly, rarely drool, except water after a nice drink, and don't eat a hole into your budget. They generally are not fussy eaters and do best on a good quality food, biscuits and occasional treats for training. They like to chew, preferably on stuff they should, like nylabone, safe chews and toys. Some might bring you toys to play with or even to play a little fetch, but not forever because repetition can get boring for them.

Collies should be kept inside more of the time both for safety from others, from causing any nuisance and for their own happiness. They need good walks and some off leash running like at dog parks.

Temperament: They love their families more than anything and would prefer to be where ever you are then anywhere else. They housetrain easy and young, rarely ever making a mess without serious reasons (sickness or over extended time). Destructiveness when left alone or stressed is less compared to the average dog and is less when well taken care of and mentally content. They enjoy the company of other collies but will eagerly play with other dogs or various sizes being a sociable breed. Collies are obedient and loyal but can not be treated too harsh without emotional scarring. They are watchful, woofing or barking at those around your property or at your front door but aren't to be used to guard because they very rarely make aggressive advances and can't be taught to attack on command. They greet strangers of the home with enthusiasm and only perceive suspicious acting characters as any threat, watching your body language for signs of distress. They will only act protective if the situation seems to calls for it. Their bark is their breeds character, a trait from their style of herding, not unlike the border collie's stare. Although some might seem to bark at nothing (probably boredom), just because you don't see it (especially in the dark or woods), doesn't mean it isn't there. They can be taught when to bark and when not to and shouldn't need to be surgically "debarked" for an easy and expensive way out. They are a talkative breed, whining and woofing just to speak to you. They still have a herding instinct and will chase or even "nip" at animals, dog, or humans. With the proper socialization they love kids and teens that won't be knocked over and other pet animals of the home from cats to birds and even mice. They should not be aggressive, overly protective or extremely shy.

Health: Coming from a good breeder, they should have their eyes checked and cleared for "Collie eye", a sadly blinding retinal disease. Be it known, many Collies and collie-type breeds are genetically sensitive to INVERMETIN, a heartworm and parasite medicine, and should not receive it even in small doses which could be fatal. Although there is a blood test to check for the gene of the sensitivity, it can be a bother and costly to many to have it done. Safe heartworm medicines are Revolution and Interceptor. Blue merle should be tested for deafness. White coated collies should be checked for blindness and deafness in blue merle headed whites. With a lifespan of 12-14 years or more they live a good life, ageing gracefully and average for a dog.

Puppies: Look for a good and reputable breeder, who cares for the breed and not a profit, they are not an overly expensive dog. Backyard or accidental breeders should be screened very carefully before making a decision. Screening for Collie Eye is a must and a good health record should follow the puppy to its new home as well as a health certificate. They grow rather quickly from an 8 week 15 pound ball of fur and fluff to a tumbling 40 pound 6 month old. After the quick growth period things slow until full maturity at about 18 months. Collie pups mature fast and can seem adult like even when young but don't be too fooled; they are still growing mentally and can be a puppy again at any moment. Socialize young and well with good experiences and a variety of stimuli for a great dog. If a pup seems like too much, try a local Collie rescue for a possible younger to older adult that could be perfect for your lifestyle. I have had Collies in my life since I can't even remember, chosen by my family for their well known temperament and stability. On my own, I now own 2 Collies, smooth and rough, male and female, bought and adopted, and in an inter-city apartment with sound sensitive neighbors and its a blast, they are my kids and my family.

Rough Collie Reviews

Number of reviews: 2