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Breed Characteristics
There are two coat lengths and three colour variations:
The longer coat is called Collie Rough and the shorter
coat is called the Collie Smooth.
The recognised colours for both Rough and Smooth are:
Sable Any shade from light gold to rich mahogany or shaded sable. Light straw or cream colour is highly undesirable.
Tricolour Predominantly black with rich tan markings about the legs and head. A rusty tinge on the top coat is highly undesirable.
Blue Merle Predominantly clear, silvery blue, splashed and marbled with black. Rich tan markings to be preferred, but their absence should not be penalised. Large black markings, slate colour, or a rusty tinge either of the top or undercoat are highly undesirable.
White markings All the above should carry the typical white Collie markings to a greater or lesser degree. The following markings are favourable: white collar, full or part; white shirt, legs and feet; white tail tip. A blaze may be carried on muzzle or skull or both.
Caring
for your Collie
An adult male will measure 51-61cm at the shoulder and will weigh 26-30kg.
An adult female will measure 51-56cm and weigh 22-25kg. A Collie's life span
is from 10 to 14 years, the average being 11 to 12 years.
Temperament
Collies are very affectionate animals who respond to love and affection rather
than harsh discipline. They are an excellent family dog and like to be regarded
as a member of the family. They are not a dog to be left in the yard with
very little human contact. Collies do well in Obedience Training as they
are intelligent and relish the chance to work with their master, but they
are a sensitive animal and must be treated accordingly when training.
Exercise
Although a Collie is considered a medium to large dog, it is not necessary
to have a large backyard. Provided he has room to play, and you can take him
for regular walks, he will be perfectly happy in a smaller yard.
Grooming
It is not necessary to spend hours brushing the long coat. A good brushing
once or twice a week if sufficient. Of course, if you intend showing your
Collie, a little more attention would be required. As Collies do not acquire
the usual "doggy" smell, a bath would only be necessary every 4 to 6 weeks
in summer weather and less frequently in cooler weather. A good rub down with
a wet flannel will remove surface grime and freshen him up between baths,
or a sprinkling of baby powder brushed through the coat will act as a dry-cleaning
agent.
Feeding
A Collie does not need special food. Any commercial complete dog food is
adequate. You can also mix in any table scraps but no cooked bones. Cooked
bones can splinter and cause all sorts of problems. A raw shank bone given
once or twice a week will keep his teeth clean. Plenty of fresh water must
be available at all times.
Choosing a puppy
Always look for a puppy that is friendly, alert and interested in his surroundings.
Check that the ears are clean and the coat has no signs of flea infestation.
Check that there are no signs of diarrhoea in his pen. If you are buying
a puppy as a pet only, the Collie Club recommends that he/she be de-sexed
as early as possible and certainly by 6 months of age. This is part of being
a responsible pet owner.
