Collie Breed Profile

Description

The Collie is a lithe, strong, responsive, active dog, carrying no useless timber, standing naturally straight and firm. The deep, moderately wide chest shows strength, the sloping shoulders and well-bent hocks indicate speed and grace, and the face shows high intelligence. The Collie presents an impressive, proud picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole. Except for the technical description that is essential to this Standard and without which no Standard for the guidance of breeders and judges is adequate, it could be stated simply that no part of the Collie ever seems to be out of proportion to any other part. Timidity, frailness, sullenness, viciousness, lack of animation, cumbersome appearance and lack of over-all balance impair the general character.

Coloring

The four recognized colors are Sable and White, Tri-color, Blue Merle and White.

Temperament

A noble, highly intelligent dog. Sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. Usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. Very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. An excellent children's companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. Can be willful and must be trained gently or he will refuse to cooperate. They are good-natured, friendly, dogs. They can be wary of strangers, stubborn and indolent.

Origin

The Collie has a long history, mainly in Scotland and England. They were bred to be flock herders and protectors. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but breeding records and pedigrees were written in the 1800s. Because of the popularity of the character Lassie, Collies moved from being farm workers to family pets.

Care Level

Easy