Collie

Collie is a great family pet. Collies were originally used as herding dogs in Scotland and England.  However, recently, the book Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight and subsequent TV shows and movies have made Collie an all-American family dog, according to the American Kernel Club Collies rank among the top 50 best dog breeds.

The Collie is a medium—to large-breed dog that weighs 50-75 pounds and stands about 2 feet high at the shoulder. As members of the herding group, Collies are fast, athletic, and easy to train. They thrive on the companionship of humans, especially children.

How To Care For Collies

Collies are one of the most intelligent and responsible dog breeds. They love bonding with their pet-parent and often excel at obedience, agility, and herding work.  Their lifespan is typically 10-14 years.

Collies are affectionate with humans, especially children, and are good with other animals. They are dogs of high energy levels. Therefore, collies require at least an hour of outdoor exercise daily to stay mentally and physically fit. They tend to calm down and enjoy time with the family indoors too.

Collies have a coat that comes in many color varieties, including mixes of black, brown, tan, and white. They have a double coat that needs routine brushing, bathing, and the occasional professional grooming appointment.

A Collie’s head is long and tapers at the nose, giving a wedge-shaped appearance. Their eyes are almond-shaped, and their ears are tulip-shaped—standing mostly erect with the tip drooping down. They are a generally healthy breed, although some diseases are more prevalent and of importance to potential pet parents.

Collies are typically healthy and hardy dogs. They are prone to diseases that affect all large dogs—such as bloat or hip dysplasia—as well as a few diseases they are genetically predisposed to.

Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie Eye Anomaly is an inherited eye disease some Collies are born with. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist can diagnose this condition as early as 5 to 6 weeks of age. It impacts the deeper structures of the eye and often results in blindness, typically occurring before the dog reaches the age of two. Although no treatment exists, genetic testing is recommended for any Collie considered for breeding.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the retina and may lead to blindness of the collie. Clinical signs are typically apparent in Collies as young as 6 weeks. Genetic testing is recommended for all breeders before tempting to breed collies.

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that affects the skin and muscles of the collie. It typically causes hair loss, crusting, redness, and scaling before 6 months of age. The skin is usually affected first, followed by muscle issues. There are various treatment methods for the condition. However, an affected dog will have to take long-term medication.

While collie eye anomaly, MDR1 mutation, PRA, and dermatomyositis are the most common health issues in Collies, they are also at increased risk of other diseases, including:

• Degenerative myelopathy
• Skin disorders
• Ulcerative dermatosis
• Bullous pemphigoid
• Patent ductus arteriosus (congenital heart defect)
• Lupus erythematosus
• Deafness
• Epilepsy
• Blood disorders
• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA)
• Canine cyclic hematopoiesis
• Eye disorders
• Cataracts
• Persistent pupillary membranes
• Retinal dysplasia
• Microphthalmia
• Entropion

What to Feed a Collie

Collies generally thrive on a diet of large-breed dry dog food from reputable pet food brands such as Hill’s, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin. These companies invest heavily in research and development, employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and base their diets on scientific evidence. This commitment to science-backed nutrition supports the overall health and well-being of dogs.

Nutrition science is especially important for canine athletes. Collies engaged in activities like agility, herding, or other high-energy sports can benefit from added omega fatty acids, which aid in learning, decision-making, and memory. Additionally, these diets contain optimal protein levels to maintain healthy muscles.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) offers guidance on the nutritional requirements for dogs. Dog foods carrying the AAFCO seal of approval have been formulated to ensure they provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutritional balance for proper health.

How to Feed a Collie

Most Collies eat two meals per day, typically at breakfast and dinner time. Canine diets already mention the required amount for your collie based on its age. Your veterinarian can help determine when to transition your pet from one diet to the next, based on their age and overall health. There are some diets for “all life stages,” that may not always be the most appropriate choice for your Collie, so always talk with your veterinarian first.

Some Collies may be over-enthusiastic at feeding time, causing them to rush their meal and not fully chew their kibble. This behavior can lead to stomach upset and other serious stomach conditions, like bloat. If your Collie eats meals too fast, you may purchase a slow-feed bowl to slow them down.

How Much You Should Feed a Collie

You may always refer to the food bag and your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount to feed your Collie, depending on your collie’s weight. Your veterinarian will also consider your Collie’s activity level, age, and pre-existing conditions before recommending its calorie intake.

Review the bag’s guidelines and nutritional value (how many calories or kcals are in each cup) to make the best decision. For example, a 60-pound dog typically needs 1,000-1,200 calories a day, but this may vary dramatically when you factor in energy levels. Couch potatoes may require less than 1,000 calories, while canine athletes may need over 2,000 calories per day.

Nutritional Tips for Collies

Before starting any new supplement, contact your veterinarian to make sure it is appropriate for your pet. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help keep the skin and coat soft, shiny, and healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids also promote a strong heart, immune system, brain, and vision. Supplements that contain glucosamine, like Cosequin or Dasuquin, can help keep your Collie’s joints healthy.

Behavior & Training Tips for Collies

Collie’s Personality and Temperament

Collies are herding dogs. They exercise high energy while working outdoors but will relax once back inside. Due to their high intelligence and energy needs, Collies could become destructive if they don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation. They may even bark excessively if they are left alone for long periods of time. Collies need physical activity and mental stimulation for at least an hour per day.

They typically don’t like to dig, but they like to explore outdoors with and without their humans. Collies are not aggressive dogs, even though they may nip at ankles and heels when excited—this may be reminiscent of their herding days. It is important to train your Collie not to nip at people, even during play.

Collie Behavior

Collies are known for their loyalty and affection, with few negative traits. They have balanced personalities and typically don’t exhibit anxiety or fear. Being family-oriented, Collies form strong bonds with all family members.

Though Collies may become protective around strangers or unfamiliar animals, they rarely resort to growling or biting. Instead, they alert their humans by barking with intensity. Collies also tend to be curious and somewhat independent, so it’s essential to take precautions when allowing them off-leash. To keep your Collie safe, always ensure they’re in a fenced area or securely contained to prevent any risk of injury or getting lost.

Collie Training

Collies are famously easy to train, though they can get bored without varied activities. They respond well to consistent training methods, with positive reinforcement being particularly effective. While maintaining consistency is key, training should incorporate fresh and creative activities to keep your Collie engaged. Consider rotating training exercises, toys, and locations to maintain their interest.

As with most dogs, it’s best to begin training Collies at a young age. Early socialization is vital for their emotional growth and cognitive development. Start training during puppyhood and continue throughout their life; Collies love learning and enjoy pleasing their humans.

Fun Activities for Collies

Collies are highly versatile and athletic dogs, making them ideal companions for a wide range of activities. They are fast, responsive, and excel at:

• Herding
• Obedience
• Agility
• Therapy work
• Long walks and jogs
• Frisbee

Engaging games for your Collie might include:

• Hide-and-seek with toys or treats
• Hide-and-seek with people
• Tug-of-war
• Fetch
• Homemade puzzles
• “Busy” treat toys
• “Touch” or clicker training

Collie Grooming Guide

There are two coat types for Collies: the rough (long-hair) and the smooth (short-hair). Both types require regular grooming, including at least weekly brushing and monthly bathing. Collies are moderate shedders and typically shed their undercoat twice a year, needing extra grooming during this period. Professional grooming assistance can be beneficial during heavy shedding seasons.

Skin Care
Unless they have a medical condition, Collies don’t need specialized skin or coat care beyond routine brushing and bathing. Their coats seldom mat, and general dog shampoos are usually sufficient. A conditioner may also be used to keep their coat smooth and soft. Collies typically require nail trimming every other week, depending on activity levels.

Coat Care
Although Collies’ coats don’t often mat, they do need regular brushing, especially in areas like behind the ears and around the elbows where mats can sometimes form. Daily brushing is recommended to keep their coats clean and healthy, as well as to spot any ticks, fleas, lumps, bumps, or minor injuries.

Collies shed their undercoat twice annually, during which they require additional brushing to manage the loose fur. Many owners seek the help of professional groomers at these times to help bathe and strip the undercoat.

Eye Care
Once a Collie is cleared of any genetic eye issues, they rarely encounter eye problems. However, some Collies may experience a condition called entropion, where the eyelids roll inward, potentially leading to irritation that may require veterinary care or even surgery. Like other aging dogs, Collies may also develop cataracts or other eye-related conditions that require treatment as they age.

Ear Care
Routine ear cleaning is part of Collie’s grooming, usually done at the time of bathing. Some Collies may produce more wax or debris, requiring more frequent cleaning. During grooming, it’s essential to check the ear canals for signs of infections or allergies, as Collies can be susceptible, though no more than other breeds. If you notice any excessive discharge, foul odor, redness, or itching in the ears, consult your veterinarian.