Farm Collie

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Farm Collie is a herding dog of collie type. There can be many definitions for 'Farm Collie';

1) any collie-like dog that works on farms,
2) any collie-like dog that does farm work such as herding, guarding etc,
3) A dog of the Scotch Collie type that works livestock in a loose-eyed style.
4) The remnants of the original Scotch Collie that lived and worked on farms in America from which the Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd breeds derived.
5) A Rough Collie of old fashioned looks that does not meet current interpretations of breed standards.

Here all the discussion is about the remnants of the original Scotch Collie (No.4).

Color

Both Rough and Smooth varieties are available in four distinct colors: Sable collies are generally the most recognizable, the choice of the Lassie television and movie producers. The sable color on these dogs can range from a light blonde color to a deep reddish-brown, with or without mahogany, and with any hue in between possible. Tri color dogs are mostly black and white with rich tan markings. Blue Merle collies are best described as tri colour or black-and-white dogs whose black has been diluted to a mottled gray-blue color. White collies are usually mostly white on the body with a head coloration of any of the three previous. They may also have some colored body patches.

Coat

Their coat is long, straight, double coated and has a big matt.

Personality

Scotch Collies are very multipurpose. There is one line that is being bred towards a "Squirrel Dog" type, though it still has the traditional look and temperament of the Scotch Collie. Most Scotch Collies can be used as hunting dogs, however there primary focus is as a herding dog, and is nowadays kept as a house pet by some. They are excellent with children. Scotch Collies generally get along with other dogs and are usually good with non-canine pets. Depending on the individual dog and the humans that surround him, they are friendly to reserved and or aloof with strangers. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans must be higher up in the order than the dog in order to have a successful human/dog relationship.

Care

The coat should be brushed every one to two weeks. If the coat has a BIG matt, the matt may need to be cut out, as opposed to combed out, as to avoid pain to the dog. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.

Training

This breed is intelligent and easy to train. Early socialization and obedience training is recommended. There is no need to crate the Scotch Collie as it is seldom destructive and enjoys free roam of the house/yard. Kenneling is also not suggested, unless you have a large run. The Scotch Collie does wonderfully on Farms and enjoys having room to roam.

Activity

Scotch Collies have lived very successfully in Apartments, though they do need daily exercise. They need plenty of exercise, including a daily walk or jog. They are not nearly as active as Border Collies, but are not couch potato's and will NOT be okay with just access to the yard. They will also enjoy a game of Frisbee in the park, etc. Provided they get their daily walk or jog, they will not be hyper and will usually content to watch over the house while you are gone.