Breed Description

Collies have been captured forever in peoples minds and hearts by the movie/tv star Lassie from 1938. Best known for its long, smooth blunt muzzle and elegant appearance this breed is a highly intelligent dog. Although known for its long coat, chiselled face and almond shaped eyes. The collie is known in other varieties, rough collie (long coat), smooth collie and blue merle collie. The Blue Merle Collie is slightly longer than it is tall, has beautiful light blue eyes and a blue/silver coat. The Rough Collie variety has a thick, long, silky coat, that requires weekly grooming to de-tangle knots. They also possess a mane like quality with ample hair forming behind its head and ears. The Smooth Collie has a one inch coat and requires very little grooming. Unlike the Merle, the Rough and Smooth Collie have short and smooth faces and legs. Colour variations include Sable and White, Tri-Coloured (Black, White and Tan), Blue Merle or White with Sable, Tri-Colour or Blue Merle markings. Collies are traditionally working, agile dogs with a great amount of stamina. Incredibly intelligent, instinctive dogs who are highly motivated to learn and work. They are a challenge for owners whom don't have the time to occupy this breed both mentally and physically. Those who fail to tire these dogs can find themselves with difficult destructive dogs. If trained properly Collies do particularly well in herding, sheepdog trials, dog agility and many other sports. Collies if given love by their owners become very loyal towards their families. Great for children as they tend to have more energy and time to play, tire out the Collie.