Collie Overview

Known more commonly in the U.S. as the “Lassie Dog,” this super-smart working breed is synonymous with courage and talent. 

But while it may seem like the perfect dog, it is actually not recommended for novice owners. High grooming requirements will almost immediately turn away casual owners, because they will have to purchase specialized grooming rakes that reach deep into the dog’s massive coat. 

This breed is also prone to neuroses like separation anxiety, which can make it loud, destructive, and misbehaved. 

Exercise requirements are not extreme, so it can adapt to a country life or in a moderately sized backyard. 

If a Collie’s family is experienced and can provide enough time and attention, it makes for a nearly perfect pet.

Collie History

Collies come in a Rough and Smooth-coated variety. Originally bred as a sheepherder in Scotland, its mainstream popularity came in the early 20^th century when it became the favored dog of Queen Victoria. 

Because sheepherding is an age-old profession, the Collie’s popularity was, in fact, widespread since the 17^th century and perhaps longer. But outside of the farmlands, the general population was mostly unaware of its existence. 

After Queen Victoria’s eager sponsorship of the breed in dog shows, the Collie received even more good press with the media exploits of “Lassie,” a fictional American Collie who heroically appealed to generations of children, famously saving youngsters who have fallen into wells. 

Generations of the Collie’s media exploits have earned it the unofficial title “The Most Famous Dog in the World.”

Collie Character

The Collie is a highly sensitive dog. Loud noises, hectic homes, and aggressive training will be torture on a dog like this. It is not recommended that this dog be left alone all day, because its stress levels will skyrocket and seriously affect its health. 

But if its family can provide the necessary love and attention, then this dog will be a gentle, well-mannered, and brilliant member of the household. It is particularly caring around children, even the smallest ones, which is a rare quality in dogs and other pets. 

Collies will be eager to join in any family activity, almost to the degree that the owner should treat it like another human rather than a pet. One of the breed’s greatest strengths is its immense learning ability. The Collie is eager to please, quick to learn, and likely to remember. 

If harsh training methods are avoided, this dog will reward its owner as much as the owner rewards it. Proper affection and reward-based training will make your Collie confident and willing to make its owner proud. 

Recalling should be taken into consideration, for an untrained Collie’s herding instinct could lead it to chase nearby humans and animals. 

In spite of the Collie’s self-esteem issues, this can be an incredible companion that’s deserving of its immortalized “Lassie” image.

Collie Care

The rough variety does not require as much grooming as smooth. Short and stiff coat requires brushing weekly. Smooth variety requires daily brushing to remove any excess hair, and to keep hair from becoming matted. Monthly baths are recommended as their long coat traps dirt. The Collie is a heavy shedder given the season.

Collie Training

This very intelligent breed is easy to train. This willful dog requires a gentle hand to avoid shyness and refusal to cooperate with his owner. Trained for herding purposes on occasion, this breed has a strong will to work and to please his owner.

Collie Health

Common Health Issues for the Collie:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Collie:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Collie Resources