Scotch Collie

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Scotch Collie or Scottish Collie is the name given to Collie dogs that originated in Scotland. With passage of time, Scotch Collies became 'Collies' in the late 20h century. Scotch Collie was the name given to what is now commonly known as the Collie (Rough-coated and Smooth-coated). Certain other breeds, most notably Collie descendants such as the English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie, have sometimes also been referred to as the Scotch Collie.

The Scotch Collie breed consists of both the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie. Both coats have existed as far back as the breed is known. The origin and history of the Scotch Collie is not entirely known, but we do know that it included ancestors originating in Scotland and northern England. Before this time, however, the breed has an ancestry that spans thousands of years as the Scotch Collie's ancestors had been used to herd sheep and cattle for many centuries in both the Highlands of Scotland and throughout early England.

Color

Collies come in four basic coat colors; 'Sable and White' where the 'Sable' ranges from pale tan to a golden mahogany; 'Tri-color', black with white and tan markings; 'Blue Merle' and 'White', which is predominantly white with mottled gray colored patches.

Coat

This breed comes in two coat varieties; Smooth Coated, looks like he has a crew cut and the Rough Coated, with the only difference being the length of his coat. The Rough Coated has a straight, harsh outer coat over a soft, furry undercoat. Both varieties have same coloration.

Personality

The Collie has a very stable and well-mannered temperament and is generally considered not aggressive. This breed is very intelligent and trustworthy but they do tend to be wary of strangers. Very devoted and protective of his family, it is an excellent children's companion and a great watchdog.

Care

Generally healthy dogs the Collies breeds may are prone to PRA (progressive retina atrophy) and hip dysplasia leading to acute lameness and arthritis, they are also sensitive to various drugs. Obviously the smooth variety does not require as much grooming as rough. The short and stiff coat of the Smooth Collie requires brushing weekly while the Rough variety requires daily brushing. In the spring and summer this breed sheds heavily. Monthly baths are recommended as their long coat traps dirt easily.

Training

This very intelligent breed has an obedient nature and is one of the easiest to train. This willful dog must be trained gently to avoid shyness and refusal to cooperate with his owner. The Collie has been trained as a search and rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star, and as a guard dog.

Activity

The Collie will do okay in apartment life as long as they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors while energetic outdoors, this large breed does best with at least a medium sized yard.