Appearance - The Collie was originally bred to help with sheep herding and still exhibit a strong, protective instinct. The Collie is a wonderful dog for the household as they have innate desire to safeguard. Some Collies can be high-strung and nervous, depending on their lineage, but for the most part, they are intelligent and diligent protectors. The Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. The Collie can be as high as 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds.
The Collie is an energetic breed and is known for its perseverance. The Collie has beautifully shaped almond eyes and they reflect their perceptiveness. The eyes can be brown or blue. The coat of the Collie is either smooth or rough, where the rough coat is longer and fuller. They come in sable and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.
Characteristics - The Collie is not suitable for apartment living as they are more comfortable in the great outdoors. A family that is outgoing and energetic, and in the possession of a relatively big back yard would be the ideal situation for a Collie. The breed is sociable and extroverted but still make excellent watchdogs and protectors. They will sound an alert if there are strange humans or creatures. They can nip the heels of children heading off in the wrong direction or running away from them.
Puppies of this breed are extremely smart and can prove to be a handful as they can be stubborn and get into trouble. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn to socialize at an early age. You will need to demonstrate who is in charge and show the Collie what can be allowed and what is prohibited.
Health Problems and Grooming Issues - There are a few issues associated with the Collie. They can suffer from eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.
They like to eat, so ensure that the dog does not put on too much weight or there could be medical issues because of obesity. They enjoy three small meals a day.
Although it has long hair, it does not need as much grooming as one might think. In any case, the Collie's coat must be groomed very often to reduce tangles. This intelligent dog can protect your family and give you years of happiness and attention, making it the perfect pet for you.
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Moses Wright loves dogs and started a web site to share tips and resources with fellow dog owners on dog breed info and a list of dog breeds on his site.
