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Collie-



Although there are various venues the Collies can be shown in, we only participate in American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), International All-Breed Canine Association (IABCA), and American Working Collie Association (AWCA) titles and events. 

Averages:

  • Height:

    • 24-26" Males​

    • 22-24" Females

  • Weight:​

    • 60-75lbs Males​

    • 50-65lbs Females

  • Life Expectancy:

    • 12-14 Years​

  • Coat Length and Type:

    • Rough- Long Hair​

    • Smooth- Short Hair

 

Traits:

  • Affectionate

  • Good with Young Children

  • Generally Good with Other Dogs

  • Moderate Shedding

  • Less Likely to Drool

  • Playful

  • Adaptable

  • Biddable

  • VERY Vocal

 

Colors:

  • Blue Merle

  • Sable

  • Sable Merle

  • Tri Color

  • Color-Headed White

 

About The Collie:​


"The majestic Collie, thanks to a hundred years as a pop-culture star, is among the world's most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. The full-coated 'rough' Collie is the more familiar variety, but there is also a sleek 'smooth' Collie. The Collie is a large but lithe herder standing anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall. The rough variety boasts one of the canine kingdom's most impressively showy coats; the smooth coat's charms are subtler but no less satisfying. Coat colors in both varieties are sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, or white. Collie fanciers take pride in their breed's elegant wedge-shaped head, whose mobile ears and almond eyes convey a wide variety of expressions. Collies are famously fond of children and make wonderful family pets. These swift, athletic dogs thrive on companionship and regular exercise. With gentle training, they learn happily and rapidly. The Collie's loyalty, intelligence, and sterling character are the stuff of legend."

​

-AKC Website

These photos are taken from the American Kennel Club website to demonstrate the standard directly from the registration site.

Collie Fun Facts

  • Blue Merle Collies were originally called "Tortoise Shell".

  • The Collie became a breed in 1885.

  • The Collie Club of America (CCA) was was organized in 1886. 

    • It was the second parent club to join the AKC.

  • The most famous Collie, Lassie, was a sable rough actually named "Pal". (Pal was a boy!)

  • Albert Payson Terhune popularized the breed for generations of eager young readers, who thrilled at adventures of the Sunnybank Collies.

    • There is a yearly gathering, the "mecca" of Collies, where Collie lovers all meet up in Wayne, New Jersey.​

Taking Care of Your Collie

  • Health

There should be an eye exam done on puppies from 6-8 weeks old by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to check for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). Some collies may also be affected by the MDR1 gene mutation. All collies should be checked for the MDR1 gene mutation via a saliva or blood check. ​Recommended testing can be found on the "Our Program" page. 

  • Grooming

Both Rough and Smooth require regular grooming as they still have a double coat. Rough Collies need more grooming and attention to prevent matting. There is shedding in both Rough and Smooth coats all year around but worse during the typical shedding seasons. ​

  • Exercise

It does varies from individual to individual but collies generally need adequate exercise. Having a fenced in yard is the best option for you Collie. However, boredom does quickly turn to barking. They have really good "off" switches if properly enriched.

"Ideally a Collie will be ready to go when it's time to go, and able to chill when it's time to chill." -AKC​

  • Training

Collies are very easy to train. However, they are also very slow maturing and require training for longer periods of time. They do benefit from a puppy pre-school and early socialization. Collies are life-long learners and love to bond with their people through training and training games. They are dogs that thrive on positive reinforcement. They can shut down with a "heavy hand" during training.

"They excel in obedience, agility, and herding, and even barn hunt and lure coursing, and owners will discover something fun to do with their dog!" -AKC​

  • Nutrition

Collies do well on a quality food. Two meals a day are best as well as waiting an hour after eating for any exercise to decrease bloat in barrel chested dogs. ​

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