Collies are friendly, loving, gentle and very active. Expect to play lots of games and go for nice long walks.

69-collie

This highly intelligent and sensitive breed has an uncanny sense of direction. And that’s not all. Collies are gentle, playful and affectionate, making them great playmates for children and other pets. Their family is the centre of their universe.

They are easy to train and eager to please provided they have an assertive, consistent owner who lays down firm rules. If not, expect to have a stubborn, wilful and lazy pal for company. New neighbour? New postman? Expect barking – Collies are suspicious of strangers. However, invited friends need not worry as a Collie will happily greet them. Collies are even good with cats!

Fun fact: The star of the film Lassie was a Collie.

Extremely motivated and agile, Collies need plenty of exercise – a daily walk is a must. While they are content to be glued to the bean bag at home, they are happiest with a regular romp in the nearby park. Collies are sensitive to heat so avoid walking in the middle of the day in the warmer seasons. While most Collies are happy in the water, some are prissy and do not enjoy a cold, wet coat.

A clean breed with no real body odour, Collies can have either a very rough or a smooth coat. The long, stiff, rough coat sheds easily and needs a weekly brushing. The smooth soft coat should be brushed every one or two weeks. Like most breeds, a regular bath is not a necessity. The rough Collie sheds heavily twice a year whereas the smooth variety is an average shedder. Collies are not hypoallergenic.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Common ailments include skin complaints and eye disease. A Collie’s long nose is prone to sunburn. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

A Collie is a large-sized breed weighing between 23-34kgs, with a height between 51-61cms.

Space

They are large, active dogs and do best in a big dwelling with a yard.

Energy Levels

The equivalent of a marathon runner, they just go and go and go. Daily walks and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.

Difficulty of Training

They are intelligent and eager to please. With consistent training, they are great pets.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions. Collies are also good watchdogs and will bark at any intruder.

Compatibility with other Pets

They will soon be besties with your cat.

Need for Company

They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family. They may follow you from room to room.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No

Coat and Grooming Needs

This breed requires moderate maintenance. They have a medium-to-long coat in shades of sable, tricolour and blue merle. Brush them weekly and trim their hair regularly.  

Shedding

They shed moderately.

Tendency to Bark

They have a high tendency to bark, so expect frequent conversation.

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