The Collie, also known as the Scottish Collie, is a breed of dog in the Herding Group. There are two types of collies, the Smooth Collie and the Rough Collie, which are distinguished by the length of their fur coat. Famous for their loyalty, bravery, and kind spirit, the Collie is one of the most well known dog breeds thanks to the Collie star in the series “Lassie.” The Collie was recognized by the AKC in 1885 and AKC approved in 1977.
Collies are generally a medium-sized dog breed that weigh between 25 and 75 pounds. They are somewhat lightly built with a pointed snout and erect or partly erect ears. Collies bred for working cattle tend to be stockier than those bred to be pets. Collies are always alert and are active and agile.
Certain types of Collies have been bred as pet and show dogs for many generations. These types have proven to be highly trainable, gentle, loyal, and well suited as pets. Working collies are extremely energetic and agile dogs with great stamina, able to run all day without tiring, even over very rough or steep ground.
Collies are generally considered a healthy dog breed. Potential hereditary defects and disorders that affect Collies include collie eye anomaly, deafness, dermatomyositis, hypersensitivity to ivermectin, microphthalmos, optic nerve hypoplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and progressive retinal atrophy.