Collie Characteristics - the "Lassie Dog": The spirited and eager Collie is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Herding Dog Group (AKC:1885). The Collie, is characterized by its graceful, well balanced appearance with a fairly broad head and keen, alert expression. Other characteristics include medium sized, wide set oval-shaped eyes; short, triangular shaped ears; an athletic looking body and a smooth, speedy gait. The temperament of the Collie can be described as Energetic, Tenacious, Loyal. The coat type of the Collie is described as varied coat (rough or smooth) in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Collie demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Farm Dog and is known by its nick name the "Lassie Dog". The origin of the Collie dog breed was in England where it was developed in the 1800's. Fast Facts about the Collie: The following facts provide fast information about the Collie breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Herding Dog Group (AKC:1885) *** Nick name: "Lassie Dog" *** Origin: England *** Male Height: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm) *** Female Height: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) *** Male Weight: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg) *** Female Weight: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) *** Coat Type: varied coat (rough or smooth) *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Eye problems, Skin infections, Hip dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Collie Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding Dog Group (AKC:1885): The Collie is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group (AKC:1885). Other names for the Collie: The Collie is known by the nickname of the "Lassie Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Smooth Collie and Rough Collie What is the difference between the Collie and the Border Collie?: The confusion between the two different breeds arose because the word 'Collie' became synonymous with any sheepdog. The Collie originated further south in England, unlike the Border Collie that was bred near the Scottish border and the Bearded Collie that was only found in Scotland and the north of England. The Collie is generally bigger, has a longer coat and a lower level of intelligence than its opposite number. Collie History and Origin: The country of origin of the modern Collie breed was in the south of England during the 1800's as herding dogs and with drovers. (A Drover moves sheep over long distances). However, the earliest ancestors of the Collie were the ancient Peat Dog (Canis familiaris palustris) which bore a striking resemblance to the modern collie. Other ancestors of the Collie breed date back to the Roman times when their herding dogs were cross bred with the Spitz-type dogs of the Vikings who use their dogs to herd reindeer. These intelligent sheepdogs were used over the years to herd sheep over rough and hilly terrain. One of the earliest descriptions of the modern Collie was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by the Englishman John Meyrick, stating that "few dogs surpass the Colley in intelligence" and described the breed as "unequaled in his utility to man" Merrick stated that the Collie was highly valued as "the Colley spares himself no trouble in his master's service, and it seems to act out of duty alone". At this time the Collie was predominantly a strong working animal later became used as a cart dog (draught dog) moving both people and products as an inexpensive and convenient alternative to the horse. During the 19th century Dog breeders developed the modern Collie breed by mixing the old sheepdogs with the type of Gordon Setter that had long and silky coats. The Greyhound was also used to improve the sight of the dog. As the Collie breeding program intensified the graceful and physically beautiful dog quickly become fashionable and those with a rich sable coat with long white mane were in high demand. This type of Collie is now referred to as the "Lassie" Dogs. The Collie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Collie History - The Lassie Dog: In 1940 the novelist and screenwriter Eric Knight created a fictional female Rough Collie character called "Lassie" who was featured in a book called 'Lassie Come-Home'. The Lassie character was so popular that in 1943, the book was adapted into an MGM movie. The 'Lassie Come Home' movie starred Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor. A male Collie dog called 'Pal' played Lassie and the tradition of using a male dog in the role of Lassie continued in the following ten movies about the dog. Collie History - "Rover: Long before the Lassie films were made a Collie called "Rover" became the the first ever canine movie star in the 1905 silent movie called "Rescued by Rover". Collie History - Heroes: A Collie dog called Rob made over 20 parachute descents with the Special Air Service during WW2 and helped save many of the unit from "discovery and subsequent capture or destruction". A Collie is featured on the 'Animals in War' Memorial in Park Lane, London. It is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served and died in the wars of the 20th century. The Animals in War Memorial was established in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of WW1. Collie Modern History: The modern history of the Collie moved on and the breed is still used as herding dog as well as a mild-tempered, athletic and tolerant family pet and companion. Collie Height: The Collie breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 19-22 inches (48-56 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 18-21 inches (46-53 cm). Collie Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg). Collie Coat Type: The coat type is described as varied (rough or smooth). Collie Coat Colors: The colors of the Collie dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of White, Sable, Sable & White, Sable Merle, Tri-color and Blue Merle. N.B. Sable is a dark brown color. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. The term 'merle' describes the mottled patches of color on the coat. Collie Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Collie is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Collie is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Collie Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-8 puppies. Collie puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Collie puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Collie Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Energetic, Tenacious, Loyal and Eager. Collie Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Collie requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a smooth, speedy well coordinated gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Collie Diet: A fully grown Collie should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Collie Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Collie breed include Eye problems, Skin infections, Hip dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Collie dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Collie Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Collie breed is 12-15 years. Collie Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Collie breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Collie names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Toby *** Smoky *** Jake *** Tucker *** Gizmo *** Samson *** Bandit *** Festus *** Sammy *** Victor *** Sparky *** Mickey. Collie Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Collie names are Juno *** Duchess *** Vicki *** Bella *** Mara *** Persis *** Cinders *** Kishi *** Rosie *** Misty *** Empress. Fast Facts about the Collie: The following facts provide fast information about the Collie breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog Group (AKC:1885) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom *** History / Date: 1800's *** Male Collie Height: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm) *** Male Collie Weight: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg) *** Coat Type: varied coat (rough or smooth) *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Collie Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Collie Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 