What Dog Breed Is Best For Me - Collie

When you think of the TV and movie dog Lassie, you’ll instantly recognize the Collie - a very popular dog.

The Collie is popular for many reasons - it’s handsome, intelligent, friendly, easy to train, loyal, mild-mannered, and makes a good watchdog.

Collie - Loving, Sensitive, Loyal Companion

The Collie is an intelligent and handsome dog that can make a fine family pet provided the dog’s needs are met - it’s a loyal family dog that likes to be around family members.

It is more suited for a country lifestyle but adapts well to city life - in a home with a large yard - as well.

The Collie comes in two varieties - the “rough” (longhaired - “Lassie” look) and the “smooth” (shorthaired) which refers to their coat length.

Coats come in a variety of colors including tan and white, predominantly white with a few markings, and a tricolor Collie - black, tan, and white.

Collie - Dog Grooming

The Collie has light-moderate (smooth coat) to high (rough coat) grooming needs.

The rough (longhaired) coat is high maintenance and requires a lot of grooming especially when shedding.

A de-matting rake to untangle mats should be part of your dog grooming supplies for this dog breed.

Collie - Dog Problems

The Collie needs companionship and attention and is best suited for an owner with a calm demeanor who is willing to spend time with training and grooming.

It is not suited for someone who is away all day. Nor is it suited for a high energy family that is on the go all the time since this dog breed responds badly to stressful situations.

Potential dog problems include snapping (when threatened, startled, or irritable), fearfulness, neurotic behavior, separation anxiety, barking, and boredom.

Nipping is another dog behavior problem of the Collie stemming from its herding instinct and can be corrected through proper dog behavior training.

Collie Training

The Collie is a sensitive breed, highly intelligent, and very easy to train.

It’s a “working” dog that needs daily exercise and a “job” to do - even if it’s dog obedience training.

This breed’s herding instinct means it is likely to chase children and cars unless properly trained with dog behavior training.

The Collie has an average lifespan of up to 12 years. Potential health problems include eye, skin, and nose problems.

As always, buy from a reputable breeder and check for health conditions - particularly eye problems which can be inherited.

Temperament, trainability, and friendliness are a plus. Potential behavioral problems if the dog’s needs are not met and potential health problems could be a minus.

If you do decide to get a Collie as your family dog, don’t forget to request your FREE copy of my List of Clever, Cool, Cute Puppy and Dog Names and The Puppy and Dog Owner’s Guide To Potty Training and Housetraining.

Training Your Collie or Border Collie?
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