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Facts about Collie Puppies
Are you unsure how to care for Collie puppies, or just want to learn more about the breed?
Maybe you are thinking about buying a puppy and want to know if this is the right breed of dog for you?
No matter what your situation may be, you will find the answers to your questions right here!
Breed History
The breed is also known as Scotch or Scottish Collie. Some people just use the name of the most famous Collie in the world - Lassie.
It originated in Scotland and was used as a guard dog and sheep herder (the name of the breed comes from the Scottish word "colley", which means a "black sheep").
Surprisingly, not much is known about ancestry of the breed. Some experts think that its ancestors were brought to Britain by Romans sometime in the first century A.D.
The breed became popular after Queen Victoria discovered it during one of her visits to her Scottish retreat. Many other members of the Royal Family and aristocracy have owned the breed. J.P. Morgan's Collie puppies have won numerous dog competitions in the early 1900s.
Today, Collie dogs are commonly used in Search and Rescue, drug detection, as therapy dogs and, of course, as pets and companions.
Physical Characteristics of Collie Puppies
This is a large and, though it doesn't look like one, strong dog. It has a long body with a long tail, an elongated, wedge shaped head, brown or blue almond-shaped eyes and a black nose.
As far as their coats are concerned, there are two types. Rough Collies have long double coats and smooth Collies have short double coats. Both types come in tricolor (black, tan and white), sable and white or white with sable or tricolor markings.
| Height | Weight | ||
| Male | 24 to 26 inches | 60 to 80 pounds | |
| Female | 22 to 24 inches | 55 to 65 pounds |
Temperament
Collie puppies make excellent pets. They are intelligent, friendly, outgoing, family oriented and protective of those they love. They get along well with other pets and love children. On the other hand, they can be wary with strangers and those they don't like.
They are very energetic and, unfortunately, if they have nothing to do, get bored quickly. When bored, they resort do destructive behaviors, such as barking, digging and jumping.
When training, be gentle - this is a very sensitive breed and if you use too much correction, your pet can become stubborn and will stop to respond.
Visit dog behavior to learn more about Collie training and behavior.
Best Owner
Though they can adjust to an apartment living, Collie puppies will do best with an active family in a suburban environment. They are excellent jumpers, so make sure your fence is at least five feet tall.
Some Collie breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.
Activity and Exercise
This is a moderately active breed and needs plenty of exercise.
If you have a fenced yard or can take him to a safe area, your pet will enjoy running off leash.
If your yard is not fenced, consider getting an electronic dog fence. There are a lot of systems that are cheap (a lot cheaper than a physical fence), easy to install and will keep your pet well protected.
At a minimum, Collie puppies need at least one long walk every day.
Great gift ideas for Collie lovers
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Large selection of Collie gifts including shirts, address labels, calendars, socks, jewelry, mousepads, ornaments, mugs and many other dog gifts
Grooming
Brush rough Collie puppies at least once a week while the smooth ones can get away with once every one or two weeks. During heavy shedding that occurs twice a year, you may need to brush more often.
Bathe only when necessary.
Health Concerns
Like all dog breeds, Collies are susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.
Though this is a relatively healthy breed, some Collie puppies may suffer from eye and hip problems. To learn more about dog diseases and health care, visit dog health problems.
To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Collie breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).
No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.
To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for Collie puppies is between 12 and 16 years.
Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?
If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Collie rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.
Not happy with your pet's behavior? Need help with training your dog for obedience? Then check this Collie Behavior and Obedience Training Guide.
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