Collie Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Info

Originally used as herding dogs in Scotland and Northern England, the rough Collie has a beautiful, multicolored coat of long, rough-textured fur that easily identifies this amazing breed. Well-known for their intelligence and ease of training, the most famous rough Collie personality trait is devotion to their owner, followed by their love for children. 

Those basic characteristics made the rough Collie dog the perfect breed to star as Lassie, the beloved family TV show pup that always came to the rescue of her little boy, Timmy. Collies are vocal, active but not hyper, and are social creatures eager to please.

Collies tend to have quite friendly and attentive personalities. And they notoriously have good temperaments for households with children, as long as they have proper training and socialization. They are relatively active and playful dogs, and they can be rather vocal.

The Average weight of Collies is 62 pounds, and their average height is 24 inches. Collies have 4 to 8 puppies per litter once a year, and their lifespan is 14 to 16 years. Collies are known by several other names, including Collie, Scottish Collie, Long-Haired Collie, English Collie, and Lassie Dog. 

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Collies?

The Collie is a good-natured, friendly dog with no aggressiveness in him. He adapts well to city and country life, so long as he is with his human family, but he will need lots of exercise. The Rough Collie is cheerful, full of energy, devoted and sensitive, and enjoys people’s company. Collies are strongly tied to their masters and don’t bark much

He will do well with training and socialization, turning into an even more splendid pet than he already is. He loves the children in the home and loves playing with them and watching over them. The Collie is intelligent and loyal and is easily trained.

The Collie will need grooming because of his long hair, and you will need to brush it at least twice a week to rid it of loose hairs and to keep it free from tangles. Collies notice and understand what is happening in the surroundings, so they are excellent guard dogs. Not only their hearing, but their sight is also excellent.

How Does the Collie Interact with Family?

Collies love children, love playing with them, and bond closely with all family members. They are not one-person dogs and are protective of everyone in the family, and Collies think of everyone as their friend. They are an excellent choice as a family dog and get along with other pets. 

Be aware that their herding heritage may cause them to nip at heels, which can frighten some children. The Collie will also herd your neighbor’s chickens, the neighborhood kids, and other dogs and cats. Rough Collies are not a good choice for someone who is allergic to dogs. Collies thrive on being with people. If left alone for long periods with nothing to do, they become bored and fill the time with barking.

Collies shed throughout the year and blow coat twice a year, during which you can easily pull clumps of hair out with your fingers, and they need good brushing more frequently when they blow coat. As a herding breed, the Collie is bred to work all day and needs quite a bit of exercise. A 30- to 45-minute walk or playtime twice a day is a good start. When he’s done with his activity for the day, he’s a calm housedog.

How Does the Collie Interact with Other Dogs?

Collies are good with other dogs and even cats if adequately socialized or raised with them. However, they will probably chase any other cat. Any other animal is fine, but as with any pet introduction, be sure to do it slowly and in a controlled environment to make sure that they like each other. 

If you are a multi-pet household, make sure you know that all the animals get along well before you commit to the Collie. As long as the Lassie Dog is socialized as a pup, he will get along with most other pets. However, even if your Collie has never worked as a herder of flocks, its innate herding instincts will likely have your furry friend nipping at the heels of kids and other pets.

How are Collies with Older People?

Collies are okay with older people; however, their energy level might be overwhelming. Collies need a lot of exercise and grooming. If the senior person lives in an apartment, space could be a problem because very active dogs could wreak havoc if cooped up with insufficient space. Seniors in homes with large backyards can get a Collie and hire a dog walker for those long daily walks.

How are Collies with Children?

Collies are loving and gently protective of children, but they should always be supervised around kids. Owners often share stories about how their Collie will ‘herd’ a toddler back to the family if they stray too far.

Parents should always supervise dogs when they’re around young kids. That way, the dog can get to know your kids and learn that they’re okay. It also helps if you have kids when you get a young Collies o that the dog can grow up around kids. 

The earlier you socialize your Collie with kids, the better they will be around kids later. If you don’t have kids now, you can get a Collie, but make sure you train it to behave around smaller kids and babies. Likewise, parents should teach children how to respectfully interact with dogs from an early age.

How are Collies with Neighbors or Guests?

Collies, as a breed, are very affectionate, thinking everyone is their friend. They will snuggle up with anyone willing. Of course, if you’re there, your Collie will accept anyone you introduce. Neighbors and familiar guests will be welcomed as part of the family.

What are the Physical Traits of the Collie?

The long-haired Scottish Shepherd dog is considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful dog. Her head is long, tapering. Black nose, dark brown meaningful eyes. Ears small, pre-tearing. Tail hanging. Its elegant, graceful appearance and beautiful long coat are genuinely eye-catching.

The rough-coated Collie has a beautiful long coat that flows as he runs, and his head is a smooth and elegant wedge shape. In addition, this dog breed is elegant but very intelligent, perfect for quick learning and various tasks.

Rough Collies can do well in the country or the city, but they need companionship and daily runs or long walks. The Collie’s physical traits are summarized in the table below: 

How to Feed a Collie?

Your Collie’s adult size determines its dietary needs through all life stages. Thus, base your Collie’s diet on a large breed’s unique nutritional and digestive needs throughout its different life stages. Most dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large, giant, and even toy breeds. 

It is always a good idea to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet to ensure you are prepared to deal with age-related issues as your Collie grows. A veterinarian can advise on diets, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and all nutrition matters to ensure your furry friend lives a long life with optimal health. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and some of the essential nutrients are listed below:

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Avoid feeding your Collie from the table; all it does is add weight; instead, follow the advice below to ensure your furry friend’s optimal health.

Despite the Collie’s large size, it is an agile, athletic breed that needs food containing animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. A dog of this size, activity level, and demeanor will thrive best on premium dry food because this food type contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

However, your Collie’s daily portion depends on life stage, health, metabolism, activity level, and of course, the brand and formula of food it eats. Feed your Collie food formulated for a large breed with recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors, or look for a brand developed for all life stages.

The Collie’s daily cups of food should be spread over 2 to 3 meals per day. Feeding Lassie Dogs several meals instead of one meal per day can prevent life-threatening bloat. However, fresh drinking water must always be available for your furry friend. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. 

An example of premium food specially formulated for Lassie Dogs and its benefits is listed below: Collies’ best dog food is CANIDAE Grain Free PURE formulas.

Choose from a wide variety of recipes made with fresh meat or fish first and perfectly paired with whole, quality ingredients. Having such a hearty and nutritional first component is beneficial for your dog’s health and entices your pup’s appetite with a taste that’s easy to love! Bison, lamb, and duck are just a few of the delicious protein choices that you can find in the six CANIDAE Grain Free PURE formulas.

Below is a list of the benefits offered by the six CANIDAE Grain Free PURE formulas in this range:

• Protein-Packed: With responsibly sourced real meat meal, containing almost 300% more protein than fresh meat, as the first ingredient, these recipes are packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles in small breed dogs.
• Omegas 3 and 6: Naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits help support immune health.
• Probiotics: Guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics are included to support your dog’s digestive health.

When Collies are healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why CANIDAE Grain Free PURE formulas are crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient.

How Much Should a Collie Puppy Eat? 

The Collie is a large breed whose puppies need high-quality puppy food formulated for a large breed dog like the Collie. It is essential not to feed puppies all their food at once, and they should have it spread over the day. When Collie puppies become three months old, owners can provide them with three meals per day until they reach six months, reducing the food intake to 2 meals per day. Only high-quality and branded puppy food is acceptable. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Collie puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for large-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Collies should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• The exceptions are Collies with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

What are the Health Tests that a Collies Should Take?

Collies can be affected by several genetic health problems, including multiple drug sensitivities from a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1). Dogs with this mutation can have severe or fatal reactions to several common drugs, including the common heartworm preventive ivermectin and loperamide, a human antidiarrheal agent sometimes used in dogs. Screening not only your puppy’s parents but also your dog for these conditions is a lifesaving necessity. 

Collie breeders should also have the following health tests done:

DNA Tests covering 7 main categories

• Musculoskeletal and Dental
• Haemolymphatic
• Skin and Immune
• Urogenital
• Metabolic and Endocrine
• Ophthalmological
• Neurological

Other tests and Xrays: Hip and Elbow Evaluation, Patella Check, General Health Check, including Heart, Vaccines, Fleas, and Worms.

What are the common health problems of Collies?

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. The Collie has some health conditions that can be a concern. However, even healthy Collies should have regular veterinarian checkups. Owners should ensure the following list of health conditions are monitored throughout the dog’s life.

• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Collie puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Collie ages.
• Elbow dysplasia happens when the growth of the elbow is disturbed. A condition called elbow dysplasia may ensue. While this condition is generally inherited, other factors, such as nutrition and exercise, also play a role in its development. Most dogs will display symptoms before the age of one – though some may not show any signs until several years old.
• Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is a disorder caused by incomplete development of the eye. The severity of the anomaly ranges from no apparent visual defect to total blindness. It can be easily checked when the puppies are 6-8 weeks old, by a Board Certified Ophthalmologist.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina, leading to blindness.
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion – often known as ‘bloat’, is a life-threatening disorder that happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted.  To protect your pup from GDV, feed your dog smaller meals throughout the day and wait an hour before and after mealtimes before exercising.
• Epilepsy Seizures –  a disorder that causes seizures in the dog. Epilepsy can be treated with medication, but it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life properly managing this hereditary disorder.
• Hypothyroidism Insufficient production of thyroid hormone, causing hair loss, dry skin and coat, and susceptibility to other skin diseases in Collies.

You can minimize the chances of serious health concerns in a Collie by purchasing a Collie from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices and screening for common diseases and conditions.

Are Collies Hypoallergenic?

Collies are not thought to be hypoallergenic dogs, and Lassie Dogs are better dog breeds for people who do not suffer from allergies. This is because they shed more than average, and their coats produce dander, triggering an allergic reaction in some individuals.

What is the Exercise Need of a Collie?

Collies are very demanding when it comes to their exercise needs. Even for an hour or two, a casual stroll around the block will not do here. Instead, this guy needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of intense exercise every day. And because he is so intelligent, you’ll need to mix his activities up to keep him interested.

Although large and powerful, Collies have relatively weak limbs that shouldn’t be stressed during their primary growing time, lest they develop joint and hip complications as they age. Your Lassieis a large canine that requires gentle play, and this means no aggressive running and no over-tiring your puppy in the name of training. However, as your canine companion matures, you can be sure of a capable jogging companion.

What are the nutritional needs of Collies?

The nutritional needs of a Collie include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for the Collie are listed below.

• Protein: Collies need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids essential for Collie’s health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Collie’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adults and senior Collies need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Collies sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, that too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Collie puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging Lassie Dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of the Collie.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Collies are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for a Collie’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Lassie Dogs.

What is the Shedding Level of Collies?

Rough Collies are double-coated. These pups shed year-round and “blow” their coats twice yearly in the spring and fall. That means massive shedding all over your place! Because of the amount of shedding your Rough Collie does, this breed is not suitable for a home with allergy sufferers.

What is the Coat Grooming Frequency of Collies?

The Rough Collie has a beautiful, voluminous coat that looks like it needs significant care, but it doesn’t. A thorough brushing every week or two will keep the coat healthy and tangle-free. Collies are reasonably heavy shedders throughout the year, and they require weekly brushing to help remove dead hair.

Note: Overbathing will strip them of their protective oils and destroy their coat’s water resistance. So keep bathing to a minimum, it would be best to rinse any dirt off with clear water without shampoo or other chemicals.

Coat grooming is essential for various reasons, as listed below.

• Grooming gives your dog a healthy look and promotes hygiene. 
• Proper grooming lowers the risks of skin infections.
• Grooming promotes the growth and development of a lustrous and shiny coat.
• Grooming allows you to check for fleas and take early preventive and treatment measures.
• Proper grooming lowers the risks of ear infections since you can check the ears and wipe them dry after grooming regularly.
• While grooming, you can check the skin folds for any skin problems and alert the vet before they worsen.
• Grooming boosts the bond between you and your Collie Dog.

Your dog should be calm during grooming. Short walks before the grooming session could calm your Collie enough to make the grooming process the ideal time for bonding with your furry friend. You can also give your Collies their favorite treats to munch on while you groom them. Grooming must be enjoyable and a stress-free process for your Collie. 

What is the Drooling Level of Collies?

As a Lassie owner, you could expect to find a below-average tendency to drool. However, drooling is a natural process,  and the primary triggers of drooling are listed below, which, in Lassie Dogs, will increase drooling levels. In the event of unusual excessive drooling, a trip to the vet is recommended.

• The thought of delicious meals like a favorite treat or meat
• Mouth and throat problems like fractures in the mouth, throat, or esophagus.
• Plaque build-up can also irritate the mouth and cause excessive saliva.
• A foreign object stuck in the throat prevents swallowing, thus causing drooling. 
• Growth in the mouth also stimulates drooling.
• Stomach upsets.
• Excessive heat, especially during summer
• The main symptom of diseases like kidney disease, liver problems, seizures, botulism, and rabies is drooling.
• Motion sickness and anxiety. Dogs who do not like traveling will get anxious whenever they board a car. Stress makes dogs pant and breathe with open mouths, thus causing drooling.
• Excitement and agitation make dogs drool.
• Sexual excitement, like when a male Collie spots a female Collie in heat, causes drooling. Likewise, a female in her heat cycle might drool if she picks up the scent of a male.

What is the Coat Type of the Collie?

The more common ‘Rough’ Collie has a double coat with a straight, coarse outer coat that is abundant over most of the body, including on the mane around the Collie’s face.

What is the Coat Lenght of the Collie?  

The Collie has a short undercoat of fine wool to help the Lassie Dog maintain body temperature. The outer coat is luxurious and approximately 5 to 6 inches long, depending on the location of the hair, for example, the fur around the Collie’s neck is long and full.

What are the Social Traits of the Collie Breed?

The social traits of the Collie are affection, playfulness, and friendly nature. The Collies are intelligent and learn fast, but they can be bored with long training sessions. Lassie Dogs are fun-loving and have the charm to lighten you up when you are not in a happy mood. Unlike many other dogs, Collies do not form closer bonds with one family member, instead, they favor all. If yours is a hunting dog, he will likely choose the hunting master as his favorite dog daddy.  Other social traits of Collies are listed below.

• Elderly-friendly: Collies love playing with their family, from children to grandparents. However, they are highly energetic and need between 60 and 90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. In a multi-generational home, the older family members can share the quiet times with the Collies while the younger generation deals with playtime and walking or jogging.
• Children-friendly: Collies enjoy running around or chasing after children and playing catch is one of their favorite games. Collies are sensible enough to take care when young children are part of the play. However, supervision is essential in such circumstances. Socialization is essential for kids and dogs.
• Family-friendly: Collies are the perfect canine companions for active families. They are not couch potatoes and prefer to spend most of their time outside. Collies will always be ready to join a family member jogging, skateboarding, cycling, or hiking.
• Pet-friendly: Collies can get along great with cats and other animals, especially if they’re raised with them. However, the innate herding instincts of the Collie might cause some ankle nipping and pet herding.

How Do Collies Interact with Strangers?

Collies love all, and anyone their owners invite into their home would be welcomed by the Collie. However, Collies are alert even when they don’t seem to be. They are always aware of anything that happens around them, and any strangers and potential intruders will be warned to back off. The Collie will use a unique warning bark to alert the owner of a threat. Collies are good watchdogs even with no special training.

Is the Collie Playful?

Collies are very playful with children, adults, and senior citizens and make excellent family dogs. Unlike most large dogs, the Lassie instinctively knows to be careful when young children are part of the play. However, that is a character trait of the Collie breed, and there are no guarantees that your small child will be safe if left unsupervised to play with the furry family pup. Having your dog and your children socialized will give you peace of mind.

Are Collies Protective?

Yes, Collies are protective, even if they look half asleep, they are always aware of everything that goes on. Lassie dogs will let their families know when someone is on the property outside of his family unit, making them excellent watchdogs. They will use their warning bark to let his family know about potential dangers.

What is the Adaptability Level of Collies?

Collies are highly adaptable. Even if relocating from a farm or a ranch to an apartment in the city, they will quickly adapt if they are not separated from their human families and if they have ample outside play space. They would not live happily in an apartment with limited outdoor space. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior.

What are the Personality Traits of Collies?

The Collie has a charming, good-natured personality, a high tolerance for adversity, and relatively low stubbornness. Thanks to the Collie’s breeding history, obedience and devotion are some of its many endearing qualities. The Collie will invest so much time and effort into the relationship with its owner that you will find it easy to train and socialize with.

Collies also get along fine with other dogs. However, this also means that the Collie requires almost constant companionship and care to be fully happy and satisfied within the home. Collies do not like apartment life; they need wide-open spaces to spend their days. Cabin fever will surely follow, and there is no way to tell what behavioral problems will happen.

Can Collies be Aggressive?

Collies may seem like a calm and lazy breed, but they always know what’s going on around them, even if it doesn’t seem that way. They will be ready at a moment’s notice if they feel that you are under threat. They aren’t usually aggressive, but they will show aggression if the threat persists.

Can Collies be Dangerous?

Like any other animal, a collie will become aggressive if they are scared or if they have to defend themselves. Aggressiveness in collies may manifest as growling or snarling, especially at strangers near their homes. Putting themselves between you and a stranger.

Do Collies Ever Attack?

Collies are more standoffish than aggressive with people they don’t know. If they weren’t properly socialized as pups, they could be aggressive towards other dogs. But for the most part, Collies stand their ground and won’t go on the offensive unless clearly provoked or they sense immediate danger to themselves or their family

Can Collies Kill Humans?

Yes, Collies can kill humans, although it is unlikely. Collies are exceptionally protective of their human families, but certain circumstances could drive any dog to attack violently. Circumstances that could cause a violent attack include attacks on their human families, protecting their own safety, and mistreatment by their owners. Whatever the circumstances, the serious provocation must be present to trigger a violent attack by a Chesapeake.

Do Collies cope with being left alone?

Collies can live alone for a few hours without any problems but they are not the kind of canines that you could leave alone for a long time.

Can I leave my Collie at home?

Collies tend to become anxious and withdrawn when left alone for some time, but they will not be affected if some of the family members remain behind. When they are left in isolation, they display signs of separation anxiety. Many Collies tend to form strong bonds with one family member. When that person has to go somewhere, the Lassie will be okay if the rest of the family is there.

Can Collies be left alone for 8 hours?

Collies need company, and they do not enjoy spending time alone for many hours and may develop separation anxiety. Don’t get a Collie if you must leave him on his own for hours on end. You can, however, leave him alone for short periods. Leaving your Collie alone for more than four hours at a time is not recommended. If there is no other way, getting a dog walker or a sitter for a part of the day could prevent separation anxiety.

Do Collies Have High Energy?

Collies have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

How to Train a Collie?

Training Collies requires a calm, firm, and confident manner. Owners should set the rules for the breed to follow. It would be best if you were consistent and never faltered. However, be gentle while showing an air of authority. Being meek or passive will make your Collie think he is dominant over you. If that is the case, the dog will never listen and may become willful, stubborn, and obstinate. Collies are highly intelligent and obedient, so training them is typically easy. Below is a list of a few tools to help the process.

• Praise good behavior by making a fuss. Your Collie will know if you fake it.
• Time commands wisely because corrections after the fact will confuse your Collie.
• Be consistent and persistent. Never let it slip because your Collie will learn to obey only sometimes.
• Be the pack leader and show happiness while training your Collie.
• Making your Collie sit and wait for your command to start eating will confirm your status as pack leader.
• Training your Collie with love in your heart will avoid your Collie from seeing training as punishment.

Do Border Collies Make Good Service Dogs?

Although collies are fantastic pets, their wariness towards strangers, boundless energy, the tendency to bark, and unease in unknown environments mean they really aren’t the best choice for a therapy dog. Rough Collies are the best family companion dogs, and while they keep families happy, its cousin, the Border Collie can serve as service dogs.

Border Collies are one of the most popular breeds for working as service dogs. The Border Collie breed is perhaps the most famous of all the herding dogs. They are known for their high energy levels, intelligence, and sweet nature. Border Collies are often seen in physical activities, including herding competitions, agility, frisbee competitions, dock diving, etc. 

The breed is highly versatile and catches onto new things quickly, making them perfect for almost any job, especially service work. Service dogs must be excited to work, intelligent, able to handle new experiences, and eager to please, all of which are traits of the Border Collie.

Some of such work or tasks are listed below.

• Guiding people who are blind
• Alerting people who are deaf
• Pulling a wheelchair
• Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
• Alerting owners to a panic attack
• Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications
• Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack

How Frequently does a Collie Bark?

Collies dogs are calm, naturally protective, intelligent, and loving. And although a Lassie isn’t known to bark incessantly, they can get quite loud and aggressive if they detect impending danger. However, boredom and separation anxiety can also cause excessive barking.

However, the frequency of your Lassie Dogs bark will not be enough to upset your neighbors. Most dogs have different-sounding barks for different purposes, and after all, that is the only way canines can have their say.

Below is a list of bark types that owners will learn to recognize. 

• Collies hate being left alone, and one way of coping with loneliness is barking. 
• A lack of exercise and anxiety can also trigger barking.
• Alarm barking is when your Collie is barking as a way of alerting you of approaching danger. Alarm barking can save you from danger; however, Lassie Dogs may bark before ascertaining that there is a real danger.  
• Another type of barking is demand barking, where a Collie feels entitled to something or your attention and would bark as a way of demanding their rights. This type can be lowered through proper training and ignoring the barking.
• The Collie uses arousal barking to show their frustrations.
• Boredom barking signals that your Collie is tired or bored due to being left alone or infrequent exercises. 
• Frequent barking can be a nuisance to both the owner and neighbors. Some types of barking tend to be monotonous and continuous. 

Even though Collies are not typically nuisance barkers, knowing their language might come in handy. However, if your Collie is the exception to the rule, below are some positive and negative motivators that might help to change your canine companion’s barking habits.

• Whenever your Lassie starts barking, command him to be quiet and if your Collie obeys, reward him with his favorite treat or toy. If he disobeys your command, withdraw some benefits like not giving him his favorite toy.
• Engage Collie in her favorite activity or exercise. Tired Lassie Dogs might sleep while you are away.
• Look for attractive toys that would keep your Collie busy while you are away.
• Continuous barking might call for a visit to the vet.

What is the need for Mental Stimulation of a Collie?

Constant stimulation throughout the day is required to keep your Collie happy. Brain games are a great and easy way to stimulate his mind, so be sure to rotate a few of these games throughout the week to keep him occupied.

Lassie Dogs are smart and learn fast, and they need regular mental stimulation. Lassie Dogs’ playful and intelligent nature further calls for frequent mental activity. There are different ways of mentally stimulating your Collie, and some of them are listed below.

• Playing with interactive games or toys, including dog puzzles and canine board games.
• Encourage sniffing during regular evening walks.
• Provide healthy chews like dehydrated sweet potato strips. Chewing for more extended periods calms the brain, thus lowering stress levels.
• Hide and seek games
• Drop and fetch games
• Regular walks

These mental stimulation techniques should start at an early stage. Collies who are Six years and older tend to have problems with their thinking ability. The primary signs of mental disorientation are listed below.

• Excessive anxiety.
• Frequent accidents.
• Failure to recall previously learned commands.
• Changes in sleep and wake patterns.
• Low interest in physical activities.
• Poor social skills.

What are the Breed Standards of Collie?

A born herding dog, Collies are known for their alert, intense gaze that developed to help them spot and wrangle wandering sheep. They are intelligent, playful, and are usually gentle with children. The breed’s long-coated variety with the distinctive mane is the most common and familiar.

Some of the breed standards of Collies are given in the table below.

What is the General Information about Collie?

There’s been no better ambassador to the collie breed than Lassie, the beloved dog from the 1940s silver screen who saves the day again and again. The Collie has been a main character and appeared as a perfect family dog in such books as Albert Payson Terhune’s “Lad of Sunnybank,” and Eric Knight’s “Lassie Come Home.” 

The Collie’s popularity leaped to its most incredible heights during the nearly two-decade run of “Lassie,” which aired from 1954 to 1973. The series captured the fancy of the American public, and the Rough Collie because widely known and loved. Suzy Royds, a collie breeder with over 30 years of experience, agrees. “They give you eye contact. They want to bond and please you. They want to be your companion,” Royds says. “They’re super easy to train.” She notes they’re fantastic with children and other pets.

Today, the Collie ranks 38th among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.

Where to Buy or Adopt a Collie?

A purebred Collie’s price can range between $1,200 and $1,800. Lower prices are generally available within shelters and rescues, but puppies can cost as much as $5,000 from top breeders. 

If you want to bring a Collie home, you should not rush. The only “purebreds” available upon request are not the real thing and are likely bred on puppy farms. The more realistic way is to put your name on a waiting list, and while you’re waiting, learn as much as you can about this giant dog in the cutest little dog body.

Finding a reputable breeder or rescue facility is crucial. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy and will, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. They are more interested in placing pups in suitable homes than making big bucks. 

Be wary of breeders who only tell you the good things about the breed or make irrational promises to promote the dogs. Be especially suspicious when you are offered a two-for-the-price-of-one deal. 

Collie puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, making the Collie a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. Do your homework before buying one of these little dogs, and you’ll be well rewarded with a beautiful companion dog.

The best way to ensure you get a healthy Collie puppy from a breeder or a rescue organization is to reach out to the registered organizations for the specific breed, if available. The Collie is recognized by the AKC, UKC, and FIC, listed below, along with other registered kennel clubs that might put potential Collie owners in touch with reputable breeders. 

• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (International)
• United Kennel Club (International)
• The Kennel Club (United Kingdom)
• American Kennel Club Market Place
• Europetnet
• Canadian Kennel Club
• Continental Kennel Club
• United All Breed Registry
• International Canine Association
• Collie Club of America
• Collie Rescue Foundation

If you manage to track down Collie breeders, make sure you go to the facility and insist on meeting both the puppies’ parents so that you can get a feel for their temperament. Collie puppies are often peppy and playful—all should have cheery expressions and kind eyes. 

It might take some time to find a legitimate breeder, and travel may very well be in the cards. Steer clear of backyard breeding by avoiding sales sites and ad pages. When you select a breeder, make sure they have proof of successful, healthy litters with any documentation necessary.

You might find a Collie puppy or a rescued adult to adopt or buy from abroad, but not all countries allow importing adopted dogs. Those whose countries will enable the importation of Collies may find the logistics challenging. 

Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Collie is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel. Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet.

What are the Rescue Clubs for Collies?

There are millions of homeless dogs worldwide; many are purebreds needing homes. Adopting a Collie can be life-changing, not only for the dog but also for the adopter. If you prefer adoption over purchasing a pup from a breeder, then your first stop should be the National Collie Rescue website. A Collie rescue group is an excellent idea if you want to adopt an older dog or even a Collie mix.

Collie mixes may be available for adoption in shelters and rescues. If you want to adopt an AKC registered or a mixed breed Collie, the best first step is to contact shelters and breed-specific rescues to let them know you’re interested.

Below is a list of several Collie mixes.

• Afollie (Collie x Afghan Hound mix)
• Ski-Collie (Collie x American Eskimo mix)
• Cattle Collie Dog (Collie x Australian Cattle Dog mix)
• Aussie Collie (Collie x Australian Shepherd mix)
• Boxollie (Collie x Boxer mix)

Collie mixes adopted from a shelter may share physical characteristics of the breed, but their temperament may not match the breed standard. Shelters and rescues attempt to determine each dog’s personality through a series of evaluations; even if the dog’s temperament does not follow the breed standard, you can get the dog that suits your home. 

The adoption fee for a Collie from a rescue group or animal shelter will probably be between $150 and $200. Most dogs from rescue groups and shelters will be vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and vetted before adoption

You can also reach out to your local rescue organization or animal shelter and ask if they have any Collies or related mixes available for adoption. If not, you can always put your name on a list so that when one comes in, you’re the first one they call.

Below is a list of registered rescue centers and kennel clubs to reach out to for guidance.

• Canada Guide To Dogs (National Collie Rescue, Inc.)
• Canada Collie Dog Rescue Group
•  US Collie Club’s rescue network
• EuroBreeder.com
• Collie Relief & Rescue
• Collie Rescue Foundation
• American Collie Club (CCA) Rescue Network

Facebook is another resource for pet adoption. You can search for Collie rescue groups in your region.

You can also search for adoptable Collies online through reliable websites such as

• Petfinder.com
• Adoptapet.com
• Getyourpet.com
• AnimalShelter 

What is the History of the Collie?

In the 1860s, Queen Victoria discovered the Rough Collie during a vacation to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The royal seal of approval immediately caused demand for the breed to boom. By 1877, Collies were being shown at the Westminster Kennel Club show, where they were taken up by wealthy dog lovers, including J.P. Morgan.

In 1886, the American Kennel Club came into being, and the Collie Club of America became the second parent association to join the AKC.

From 1954 to 1973, the Rough Collie saw a massive worldwide increase in popularity, thanks to the T.V. show Lassie, which aired at that time.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Collies?

The prices of Collies range between $1,200 and $1,800. The cost of a puppy from a registered breeder could vary, depending on the breeder you select, the location, the sex of the puppy, and, of course, the demand for the breed at the time. 

The bloodline of the puppy and its parents could also affect the price. You will be hard-pressed to find this breed in a shelter, but if you do, the price could be $300 to $500, based on the cost of care provided while keeping the Collie and extras like vaccinations and sterilizations. 

It is always best to consider annual expenses related to maintaining your Collie and its wellbeing before making the purchase. The first year will be the most expensive, as puppies require extra vet care and more one-time purchases like microchips, sterilization, licensing, etc. You can expect to spend about $6,900 for your dog’s first year. After that, the price will go down to about $2,100 a year.  

Food and medical only, excluding toys, food and water bowls, cages, doggy blankets, beds, etc., could cost an average of $850. The most regular annual expenses for dogs similar to the Collie are listed below.

• Food items
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medicine
• Toys
• Pet insurance
• Pet Supplies

Other potential expenses include training, socializing, doggy daycare, dog sitters, dog walkers, etc. Grooming would likely not affect the maintenance costs of Collies because they don’t need professional grooming to trim and bathe the Collie.

How to Name a Collie?

Choosing a name for your Collie involves essential building blocks, including the significance of the sound. The Collie’s name will mean something to the humans in the dog’s life, but for your canine companion, only the sound matters. Collies respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” stay,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.

It is always a good idea not to rush into choosing a name. Spend a week or so with your new Collie pup, and its character traits might be all the inspiration you need. Call out any name ideas, using different tones and sounds for the two syllables, and watch your puppy’s reaction to the sound. Remember, you must compose a sound that your Collie will recognize from a distance, among many other sounds. 

Choose a name that could sound different in regular interaction and yelling or calling your Collie. Below is a list of suggestions of names inspired by your Collie’s ancestors and famous owners. 

What are the Different Types of Collies?

Some people view Collies as one breed, but in reality, there are 4 different types within the Collie family. There are many individual differences between the various Collies. 

The 4 Types of Dog Breeds

• Rough Collie (Long-Haired Collie)
• Smooth Collie (Short-Haired Collie)
• Border Collie
• Bearded Collie

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Collie?

Collies may not be too difficult to find, but purebreds are expensive and involve long waiting lists. Finding a Collie at a rescue center might be equally challenging because they are so popular. However, as wonderful of a dog as the Collie may be, they aren’t for everyone. Here are some dogs that are similar to the Collies.

Below is a list of similar breeds that might be a good match for your family.

• Australian Shepherd – This highly energetic herding dog is one of the most popular breeds in the world. It is intelligent, playful, and caring and requires high maintenance and care. The Australian Shepherd shares a deep ancestry with modern Collies. more about Australian Shephderd.
• German Shepherd – This big, strong, and intelligent breed is also one of the premier working dogs worldwide. The German Shepherd is used for search and rescue, disability assistance, and policing. It also makes for a fantastic, loyal, curious, and confident pet. One downside is that it can sometimes become a little too protective of its owners without proper socialization.
• Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the English Shepherd is still a popular breed in the United States. Like the Australian Shepherd, it shares some ancestry with the modern Collie. It is loyal, intelligent, and athletic.