Collie

Origin & history

The Collie developed in Scotland and the border country of northern England as a working sheepdog, valued for stamina, soft handling of stock and a biddable nature on the open hills. The modern show Collie owes much of its glamour to Queen Victoria, who fell for the breed at Balmoral in the 1860s and made it fashionable across Britain. Careful breeding through the late 1800s refined the long head, the abundant coat and the elegant outline seen today. The breed became a household name in the 20th century through Eric Knight's novel Lassie Come-Home and the films and television series that followed. Working Collie blood also sits behind several other herding breeds. In Australia the Rough Collie has a steady following in the show ring and as a family dog, helped along by that enduring Lassie image.

Temperament

This is a gentle, biddable dog that lives for its family and tends to be soft rather than bold. Collies are wonderful with children, patient and tolerant, though their herding instinct can show up as circling or light nudging that is easily trained out. They are usually friendly with other dogs and accepting of cats and other pets, particularly when raised alongside them. With strangers they are typically polite and a touch reserved rather than suspicious. They are very trainable and respond beautifully to kind, reward-based methods, but they are sensitive souls who wilt under harsh corrections. Many Collies are vocal and will bark at movement and activity, which makes them alert watchdogs but poor guard dogs. The main behavioural need is company and mental work, as a bored, isolated Collie can become anxious and noisy.

Appearance

Collies stand roughly 51 to 61 cm at the shoulder and usually weigh somewhere between 23 and 34 kg, with bitches lighter than dogs. The build is lithe and athletic rather than heavy, carried on a long, lean head with a flat skull and a smooth, tapering muzzle. The almond eyes give that famous gentle expression, and the ears are semi-erect with the tips tipping forward. The Rough variety carries a long, dense double coat with a heavy mane and frill, while the Smooth has a short, flat double coat. Recognised colours are sable and white, tricolour, blue merle and predominantly white.

Suitability

A house with a securely fenced yard suits the Collie best, ideally with an active family who enjoy walks, training and dog sports. They can manage with less space if properly exercised, but they are not really apartment dogs given their tendency to bark. They are a good choice for a committed first-time owner because they are so willing and gentle, provided that person has time for grooming and company. Collies do not cope well with being left alone for long stretches and are happiest underfoot. In the Australian heat the heavy-coated Rough variety needs shade, fresh water and walks kept to the cooler parts of the day, and the coat should never be clipped right off as it helps insulate against the sun.

Health

Collies typically live around 12 to 14 years. The best known concern is Collie Eye Anomaly, an inherited condition affecting the back of the eye that is present from birth and can be screened in puppies, so ask whether the litter has been eye-tested. The breed can also carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes dangerous reactions to several common medications including some worming and anaesthetic drugs, and a simple DNA test tells you a dog's status. Progressive retinal atrophy and the bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease appear in some lines and have DNA tests available. Buy from a breeder who eye-tests their stock and DNA-tests for MDR1 and PRA, and tell your vet if your Collie is MDR1 affected before any medication is given.