The voluminous coat and the elegant head make the Rough Collie absolutely unmistakable. Not only because of the famous female dog Lassie – the main character of books, movies, and TV series – the breed is one of the most well-known worldwide. Here you will learn what distinguishes these popular dogs and makes them unique.

History of the Collie

The Collie is a dog breed originating from Scotland, which was already known in the 13th century. Presumably, the dogs are a mix of native herding dogs and the animals brought by the Romans in the 5th century BC. Scottish farmers mainly used the agile dogs to herd sheep in the moorlands. The term “Collie” comes from the eponymous Scottish sheep breed, whose name means “coal sheep.” In the 19th century, breeders wanted to improve the herding abilities of their dogs, so they crossed their dogs with the Borzoi. Their shape became larger and more slender, and their head narrower.

The first club was founded as early as 1840, and the breed was officially recognized in 1858. The dog quickly became well-known worldwide and is considered the ancestor of Australian Cattle Dogs and Kelpies in Australia. The original task of herding has long been abandoned by the breed, and today it is found as a companion and show dog. Several lines have emerged throughout history. However, the term “Collie” usually refers to the British Rough Collie.

Traits and Characteristics

The Rough Collie is a loyal and lively dog ​​that is very family-friendly. It wants to be actively integrated into the family unit and never shows aggression towards strangers. It is just as unproblematic in dealing with other dogs and pets. Children are also not a problem for the cheerful dog, as it is very good-natured. The intelligent dogs joyfully learn new commands and willingly submit to their master or mistress. As long as it has a reliable caregiver, the uncomplicated dog feels comfortable everywhere and adapts quickly. Their affectionate nature makes them great companions in everyday life.

Acquisition of a Collie

What should I consider when buying?

In terms of temperament, a Rough Collie is an uncomplicated dog and therefore suitable for beginners. The only challenge is to provide the dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation. You should be prepared to go for walks several times a day and engage in dog sports or similar activities. The Collie is best suited for a sporty family willing to commit to the dog for the next 12 to 14 years. Properly nurtured, you will have a loyal companion dog that gives its heart to its family.

If you have finally decided to purchase a Collie puppy, it’s best to get one from a local breeder. Ideally, the breeder should be affiliated with the AKC (American Kennel Club) and prioritize the health of their puppies. For a purebred puppy, you can expect to pay around $1000. While you may find cheaper offers online, don’t fall for them! These puppies often come from poor conditions and may be sick or behaviorally disturbed. Instead, consider visiting an animal shelter and giving a poor Collie or mixed breed a chance. With loving treatment, these dogs become loyal companions and will always be grateful to you.

Development and Training of the Puppy

To positively influence the development of the Collie puppy, you should acclimate them to their environment as early as possible. Other dogs, traffic noise, or playing children should not be a problem for the dog. Without proper acclimatization, the sensitive dog can quickly become stressed and react fearfully. When training the puppy, it’s crucial to handle them empathetically and consistently. Collies are naturally very intelligent and, with the right motivation, joyfully learn new commands. The Rough Collie should feel safe during training, and you should not pressure them. Additionally, most Collies do not like being alone, so you must teach them with patience. However, you should never leave your four-legged friend alone for too long.

How to Care for a Collie?

Activities with the Collie:

The Rough Collie is a sporty and active dog that requires a lot of exercise. Daily walks in all weather conditions are the minimum exercise requirement for your Collie. You can easily let these beloved herding dogs run free, as they rarely have a hunting instinct and prefer not to stray far from their owner. With the right training, they can also accompany you jogging, hiking, horseback riding, or cycling. If you find daily walks too monotonous, there’s nothing wrong with training them as a search and rescue dog. These agile herding dogs are also enthusiastic about sports such as obedience, agility, or dog dancing. Although Collies are very active dogs, they also appreciate a day or two of rest now and then.

Grooming the Collie’s Coat

A true trademark of the Collie is its impressive coat, which is dense and silky. Since the topcoat and the soft undercoat intermingle, the fur appears very voluminous. Although this might initially sound like a lot of work for the owner, it’s not as demanding as you might think. Grooming Longhair Collies is not as labor-intensive as you may have imagined. Simply brushing your furry friend every two weeks is sufficient to prevent them from shedding too much of their precious undercoat. Additionally, especially after walks in bad weather, you should remove dirt from their dense fur.

Interesting and Notable Facts

Did you know?

Collies in Film and Television:

The most famous Collie, if not the most famous canine altogether, is the dog Lassie. She was brought to life by the British-American writer Eric Knight on December 17, 1938, with the short story “Lassie Come Home.” The story tells of a little boy from Yorkshire and his faithful dog Lassie. When his family falls into financial difficulties, they have to sell the pretty dog to a nobleman. Since neither Lassie nor the boy can bear to be without each other, the dog flees from the estate hundreds of kilometers away and returns to the boy. The story has been filmed multiple times as series and feature films and is probably one of the most famous dog stories in the world to this day.

Are you also such big fans of the Collie? What do you think makes them so special? Tell me more in the comments!