Collie

Coat & Grooming: Whether you have Rough or Smooth Collies, the general care and grooming are similar. Collies don't have much of a dog odor, so it's not necessary to bathe them all the time to reduce that dog smell that is more notable with other breeds. Smooth Collies need weekly brushing, while Rough Collies needs much more frequent grooming to maintain a healthy coat.

As with all breeds, it's important to take care of your dog's teeth, nails, ears, and eyes. Keep an eye out for changes or signs of irritation. Trim their nails monthly and take good care of their teeth with routine brushing and dental chews.

Coat length: Long

Grooming: Occasional

Shedding: Collies shed a lot, so be prepared to pick up after them. Regular grooming and bathing can help keep the fur from flying too much, but you need to step up your household-cleaning regimen once a Collie arrives on the scene. A good quality dog brush and a regular schedule are helpful, but the best tool is a powerful vacuum. It's important to get your Collie used to grooming and handling early in life. It makes it easier as your dog grows older if you lay the groundwork as a puppy.

Training: These are highly trainable and obedient dogs, but it helps to get your Collie started at an early age. Simple commands (like sit, stay, and quiet) are easy for them to learn, even at a young age. The Collie is very intelligent and eager to please their companions. In general, herding breeds are often very trainable and respond well to commands – the Collie is no exception.

Barking: Understanding your dog: Collies aren't overly chatty with their bark. You might hear the odd yap to announce a stranger or someone at your door, but don't expect your Collie to replace your door bells and alarm systems. If your Collie barks all the time, it may be a sign of boredom, distress or a medical problem

Temperament & Behavior: A good Collie is a sweet and friendly dog, perfect for a family companion. They typically enjoy being around people and taking part in activities with their human family. On top of their sweet and gentle personalities, Collies have deep loyalty and high intelligence.

Collies benefit greatly from early socialization and obedience training as puppies. Other important factors in an individual Collie's temperament are inherited – try to meet the parents if you can.

Behavior with kids: Collies are well known for their love of children and become a devoted member of the entire family. As with any dog, always supervise your Collie around any unfamiliar children or adults.

Protection: Collies aren't the best guard dogs, but they will be a bit wary of strangers unless you work hard to build good social graces. Early socialization and exposure to diverse people and places should help your Collie feel comfortable. A well-trained Collie shouldn't scare off any strangers.

Life Span: Collies live to be about 10-14 years old

Inherited health issues: Many of the health conditions that occur either through inheritance or at an increased frequency in Collies include eye conditions and immune system disorders. Genetic tests are available for some of the following conditions: Cutaneous histiocytosis, Discoid lupus erythematous, Dermatomyositis, Sterile pyogranuloma/ granuloma syndrome, Pemphigus erythematous, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Multidrug resistance (MDR1 gene), Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, Gastric dilatation-volvulus, Cyclic neutropenia, Perineal hernia, Nasal cavity tumor, Cerebellar degeneration, Congenital deafness, Idiopathic epilepsy, Collie eye anomaly, Corneal dystrophy, Retinal dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Microphthalmia, Congenital cataracts, Nodular granulomatous episclerokeratitis, Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy and Pyometra.

Preventive care: Many of the more common health conditions identified in Collies (such as progressive retinal atrophy, cyclic neutropenia, Collie eye anomaly and multidrug resistance) have genetic testing available. While responsible breeders will test their dogs prior to mating in an attempt to decrease the presence of these genetic conditions, these tests are also available to test your individual Collie. The presence of these genes can allow for closer monitoring of your dog for the onset of certain conditions and will determine if your dog has a greater sensitivity to some medications, as in the case of multidrug resistance.

Regular grooming of your Collie will help to maintain both a healthy coat and healthy skin. Close monitoring of changes in your dog's skin condition will allow your veterinarian to promptly treat any problem as it arises. As with any dog, assure that your Collie maintains a healthy body weight by feeding portion-controlled feedings of a high quality balanced diet.

Nutrition: Collies are at an increased risk of developing bloat (GDV; gastric dilatation-volvulus), so they should be fed at least two meals throughout the day with their bowls on the ground. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating. Assure that your Collie maintains a healthy body weight throughout life by feeding measured portion-controlled feedings of a high quality balanced diet.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Collie is 2-3 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Collies can be happy and healthy in most environments and living situations, but it's crucial to give them enough opportunities to get exercise. A brisk walk is something you need to do every day to maintain their mental and physical health. Collies were bred to run the fields and herd livestock, so they have a big gas tank that you need to burn off every day. Long periods of isolation and inactivity will cause behavioral problems in your Collie after awhile.

Climate: Collies handle all climates, but they can be sensitive to any extreme elements like harsh winter environments or hot locales. They might need a break from extreme cold or heat. Always keep an eye on your dog for signs of distress, but you can trust your Collie to tough it out through most weather conditions.

Living space: Collies are fairly adaptable, but they do need some space to avoid feeling cramped. A tiny apartment is no place to leave a Collie all alone during the work day. Collies are outdoor working dogs, so they like a bit of room in the backyard or dog park for a daily run around the lot.