http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/Collie.asp Articles about Collie en-us Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:05 EST Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:30:05 EST dogs@terrificpets.com Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1028965.asp Shetland Sheepdogs, more commonly known as shelties, are often confused with collies and are sometimes referred to as "miniature collies". However, the Sheltie and the Collie are two distinct breeds. And, while they do look very much alike, there are quite a few differences. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1028965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/1028965.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245265.asp In the United States, many people have never even heard the terms "rough coated collie" or "smooth coated collie". This is because the vast majority of the collies we see here in the US are what is known as "rough coated collies", meaning that they have long hair. However, there is a short haired collie, most often known as the "smooth coated collie". They are rare in the United States, but quite common in the United Kingdom. The American Kennel Club considers rough and smooth coated collies to be the same breed, and they are judged by the same breed standards, so that the only difference is the length of the coat. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245265.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245365.asp Collies are sweet dogs with mild and gentle dispositions. They typically make great family or working dogs and are extremely intelligent. However, early, consistent and appropriate training is critical with the collie, as they can be prone to timidity and skittishness. These traits can be overcome, but it requires appropriate action on behalf of the owner. Here are some things to understand when training your collie: http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245365.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245465.asp So, you've purchased a collie puppy for your family. You've made an excellent breed choice, as collies are gentle and sweet dogs that are very loving and loyal to their families. But, as with any breed, your collie requires training in order to be the best family pet possible. Here are some things you need to know about owning a collie in order to make them the best family pet possible. Collies need to be with people This is not a dog that can live happily in the backyard while your family is indoors. Collies can suffer from separation anxiety, and they'll be quite unhappy if they are isolated from the rest of the family. When isolated, they are prone to being destructive. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245465.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245565.asp Collies are one of the best breeds of dog for family pets. But, they do require training, including training on when it is and isn't appropriate to bark. Collies are barking dogs by nature, as this is part of their herding instinct, and if not trained appropriately, they can be prone to excessive barking. But, there are ways to teach your collie to bark only when it's appropriate, especially if you begin training early on. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245565.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245665.asp If you'd like to pursue some form of dog competition with your collie, obedience competitions are one of the best choices. Collies often excel at obedience trials due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. If you'd like to put your collie in obedience trials, begin with basic obedience training and socialization first. While collies will usually master the commands quite easily, it is important to remember their natural temperaments and fears before putting them into the ring. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245665.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245965.asp Three breeds of dog that are commonly confused are the Collie, the Border Collie and the Shetland Sheepdog. All three are distinct breeds. And, while they have some similarities, they also have many differences. Following are some of the most common differences and similarities between the breeds. Collies Collies were developed in Scotland as sheep herding dogs. They come in two varieties: the rough coated, or long haired collie, and the smooth coated or short haired collie. They stand approximately 20-25 inches tall at the shoulders. Males weigh between 46-66 pounds and females weigh between 39-55 pounds. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10245965.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246065.asp Collies are masters in the show ring. They are one of the most beautiful breeds of dog you'll ever find, and they possess an air of elegance in their movements that makes them perfect show dogs. If you want to show your collie, however, they will require some regular grooming. Following are the things you should know about grooming a rough coated collie for show. First of all, rough coated collies require regular brushing to keep their coats looking good. You should brush them at least once a week; more often if they're to be shown in the near future. Never brush your collie while his hair is dry, as this can cause it to break off. Spritz him with a little water before you begin brushing. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246065.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246165.asp The Collie breed was developed in the Scottish highlands and lowlands as a herding dog for flocks of sheep. Many years and much care was taken to breed in the appropriate herding instincts to make the collie a superior shepherding dog. If you own a collie as a family pet today, you'll note that many of these shepherding instincts show in your collie's behavior. Following are some things to note about how collies behave that are directly related to the use of the breed as a shepherding dog. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246165.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246265.asp Agility competitions are favorites among dog enthusiasts. Agility competition is a great way to keep your dog active and fit in body as well as keep his mind active and alert. It's also a great way to spend time and bond with your dog, since dog and owner work closely together when running agility courses. Agility courses are, simply put, an obstacle course for dogs. Each obstacle course will have several different sorts of obstacles, including hoops, "teeter-totter" type devices, dog walks (like a "catwalk"), A-frame obstacles and tunnels, along with other jumps and obstacles. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246265.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246265.asp> Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246365.asp The following famous people are/were collie owners Queen Alexandra Queen Victoria Shannon Doherty Herbert Hoover Courtney Cox David Duchovny/Tea Leoni President Lyndon Johnson Renee Zellweger Elvis Presley Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Oprah Winfrey Calvin Coolidge The television show "Lassie" about a collie that had been featured in books and a movie, ran from 1954-1974 and caused a major surge in the popularity of the Collie breed in the US. Lassie is the only animal to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10246365.asp> Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277865.asp Eye anomaly, also more commonly known as Collie Eye Anomaly or CEA, is found in all breeds of collies including the Smooth and Rough Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds. The condition also occurs to a lesser extent in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and some types of heelers. CEA is a recessive genetic condition, which means that both parents have to be carrying the recessive gene for the condition to be passed down to their puppies. While this may sound like terrific news to eliminate the condition, the current estimate is that up to 85% of all collies in the United States are affected by this condition and that the numbers are almost as high in other countries and areas around the world. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10277865.asp> Mon, 1 Oct 2007 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102105865.asp Many breeds of dog are vulnerable to specific health problems, and the Collie is no exception. These beautiful animals are subject to a genetically-carried eye problem known as Collie Eye Anomaly. It's a disorder that occurs deep within the eye and strikes all types of Collies. Also known as choroidal hypoplasia, collie scleral ectasia syndrome and optic nerve/disc coloboma, it causes four main changes in the dog's eye. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102105865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102105865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118065.asp Since its inception as a breed, the Border Collie was always intended as a working animal. It is noted for its exceeding intelligence, strong work ethic, agility and endurance. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118365.asp Border Collies are instinctive work animals by nature; they will work until they are made to stop—often to the point of self-injury and exhaustion. But even the most intelligent and instinctual working dog (argued by many to be the Border Collie) requires dedicated, consistent training to hone his or her skills. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118465.asp Border Collies are instinctive work animals by nature; they will work until they are made to stop—often to the point of self-injury and exhaustion. But even the most intelligent and instinctual working dog (argued by many to be the Border Collie) requires dedicated, consistent training to hone his or her skills. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118865.asp Border Collies rose to fame outside of the working dog community largely because of the beauty of Hollywood favorites like Lassie; interestingly, though, the Border Collie is not a dog that is greatly prized for looks, and so the standard for color in the Border Collie is more relaxed in comparison to many other dog breeds. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102118865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119065.asp There are many ways to test puppies today. Some are excellent tools for determining genetic health--possibly before a mating match is even made. Other tests are more subjective, including temperament and personality tests. The issue for breeders and owners is how useful testing might be and how the results should be interpreted. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119565.asp The importance of color in the Border Collie depends primarily on the owner; owners of working dogs have historically cared little about the color of the dogs-only that the dog be able to perform his or her duties. Owners interested in entering conformation show rings need to pay more attention in order to present a winning dog, and dogs must meet the Border Collie breed standard of the sponsoring Kennel Club. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119665.asp Border Collies have gained recognition by major kennel clubs, including just recently the American Kennel Club (AKC), much to the chagrin of devoted working dog owners and breeders. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119765.asp As a dog recognized for superior intelligence, athleticism and a strong work ethic, Border Collies are prime candidates for obedience training and competing. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119965.asp The history of the Border Collie as a working dog is fairly well known. The Border Collie was developed in the border lands of England and Scotland as a livestock herding dog and was most commonly used to herd large flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. The dog was so valuable and prized that few working dogs have been able to live up to the Border Collie reputation; a reputation that today lives on in canine competitions and athletics. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102119965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120165.asp As a working animal, the Border Collie has few worthy competitors; as a pet, the dog is nearly beyond compare, too-but only in the hands of the right owner. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120365.asp Border Collies are much-loved dogs with a long history of serving mankind; they've been Hollywood heroes as well as heroes in everyday life. Here are some fun and interesting facts you may and may not know about the Border Collie. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120465.asp Border Collies are much-loved dogs with a long history of serving mankind; they've been Hollywood heroes as well as heroes in everyday life. Here are some fun and interesting facts you may and may not know about the Border Collie. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120465.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102120465.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102121065.asp Border Collies are much-loved dogs with a long history of serving mankind; they've been Hollywood heroes as well as heroes in everyday life. Here are some fun and interesting facts you may and may not know about the Border Collie. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102121065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102121065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172865.asp In addition to their roles as show dogs and working dogs, bearded collies have also been seen in the movies, television, and even in catalogs. Some of the credits include The Shaggy Dog, a 2006 Disney film starring Tim Allen; Agent Cody Banks, a 2001 film that shows Cody in one scene walking a Bearded Collie; and a Bearded Collie appeared in the September 2001 issue of the Land's End catalog. Other credits include Please Don't Eat the Daisies, a sitcom from the 60s where the co-star is believed to have been a Bearded Collie, and there is speculation that Tiger from The Brady Bunch was either a Bearded Collie or a Bearded Collie mix. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172965.asp The long shaggy coat of a Bearded Collie needs brushed on a daily basis to prevent the coat from matting. In addition, they need to be checked on a regular basis for ticks, which can easily hide under the long hair of a Bearded Collie. Another problem that you may find with this breed is because they enjoy playing outdoors in all kinds of weather, you may find a collection of leaves, mud, twigs, and other manner of things embedded in their fur. You want to make it a practice to check your dog's coat for foreign material whenever he comes in from outdoors. This will not only prevent him from being uncomfortable, but it prevents you from having the outdoors all over the house. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102172965.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173065.asp One of the most important things to learn about a Bearded Collie is they are not happy being confined to the backyard for hours at a time. If they have nothing to do or become bored, they will find their own excitement, which may mean escaping the yard. They are known escape artists, and when determined, they will make their way down the street or wherever else suits their fancy. Bearded Collies are not content to be left with nothing to do, and if you put them in the backyard for long periods, they will find a way to escape. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173065.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173065.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173165.asp If you want to breed your Bearded Collie, you may want to seek out a professional breeder rather than try to do it yourself. With a professional breeder, you can seek out the very lineage you want in order to make sure you are doing everything you should be doing in order to get the best match for your dog. Whether you are breeding a male or female, a professional breeder can assist you with the process, and you will stand a better chance of success than looking for a mate for your dog and hoping they will be attracted to one another. Although we don't often think of animals being attracted to one another, sometimes a female in season is not attracted to the male with which she is placed. Professional breeders can help overcome this problem by having a selection of males for breeding purposes. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173165.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173165.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173365.asp It's fortunate that Bearded Collies love to play because playing keeps them mentally alert. Just like humans, if they allow their minds to relax, they will lose their sense of concentration. In addition, playing means your dog is not bored, and if he is not bored, he remains mentally alert. It works similar to humans we lose our concentration on a task if we find that task boring. For example, students who try to read a book for school that they find boring will tend to doze off while reading. Likewise, a boring movie will make us fall asleep. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173365.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173365.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173565.asp Although it is possible to keep a Bearded Collie as a pet, they are very energetic dogs, and as such, they work well as herding dogs for both sheep and cattle. Their history takes them back to the Scottish Highlands where they performed their duties as a working dog doing just that, herding the sheep. They are a very strong and reliable breed that is able to endure the harshest working conditions, even that of a difficult herd of sheep or cattle. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173565.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173565.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173665.asp By virtue of its very nature, the bearded collie is a working dog. That doesn't mean, however, that you cannot transform it into a family pet, but you have to remember it will not be content to sit at your feet or be confined to the backyard. They require a great deal of exercise, and are happiest when they are doing something. In spite of their need to have frequent exercise, they prefer to be indoors with their families when they are not working or exercising. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173665.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173665.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173765.asp While your bearded collie is still a puppy it's important for you to learn how to take care of him. One of the most important things to know is that the bearded collie has an abundance of energy. If you are going to use him as a working dog to herd sheep or cattle, he will get plenty of exercise in the performance of his duties. On the other hand, if you are planning to use him as a family pet, it's important to understand the amount of energy he possesses so that you can make certain you make accommodations for exercising him on a daily basis. One important thing for those with children is the bearded collie is very good with children. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173765.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173765.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173865.asp It's always interesting to find out facts that we don't know about a dog breed we own or would like to own. Information about the Bearded Collie that you may not know includes the following: http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173865.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173865.asp> Thu, 1 Jan 1970 00:00:00 EST http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173965.asp The bearded collie is a wonderful family pet that is good around children. He is a people dog for sure, and loves being around his human family. He is a good indoor dog whether he's a worker or family pet. He loves to play, so the children can definitely help keep him occupied for some time playing with him indoors or outside in his exercise area. In fact, children love playing with dogs more than adults do in many cases. After all, what do children do best? It's in their nature to play, and playing with the family dog is part of that. http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173965.asp#comments http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102173965.asp>