Breed Standard
Head: Long, clean, wedge-shaped. Size in proportion to body. Flat skull. Slight stop.
Ears: Medium size, fairly wide set. Carried forward and semi-erect.
Eyes: Medium size, almond, set obliquely in the skull. Dark brown color, except blue merles that often have blue or blue flecked eyes.
Body: Medium size, longer than tall. Powerful neck. Deep chest. Ribs well sprung. Straight back with a slightly arched loin.
Tail: Long, reaching the hocks. Generally carried low. Profuse covering of hair.
Hair: Rough Collie: straight, harsh, long, and dense; soft, dense undercoat; abundant on the mane and frill; feathering on the legs. Smooth Collie: flat and harsh; dense undercoat.
Coat: Three colors are accepted: Sable – from light gold to dark mahogany. Tricolor – predominantly black with tan shadings on the head and legs, and white markings. Blue merle (marbled) – blue-gray marbled or mottled with black.
Size: Dog: 56 to 61 cm. Bitch: 51 to 56 cm.
Weight: Dog: 20 to 29 kg.Bitch: 18 to 25 kg.
History
The Collie is descended from Scottish herding dogs. When the Romans invaded, their dogs were crossed with native Scottish dogs. Early shepherds began crossing the short-tailed and long-tailed shepherd dogs, and the result was the superb animal with an aristocratic bearing that we know today. The origin of this breed's name is disputed. Some believe the name comes from the word (colley), an early variety of Scottish sheep with a black mask and tail. Others believe the breed is named for its beautiful collar. The rough Collie is much more popular than the smooth Collie. The smooth Collie is more popular in Great Britain than it is in the United States, but is gaining some popularity in the States. The smooth Collie is the same as the rough Collie, but without the long coat. The AKC considers the rough and smooth Collies as variations on the same breed and they are judged by the same standard with the exception of the coat.
Behavior
This active, lively dog is typically well-balanced, but can be anxious and timid. This gentle, sensitive Lassie dog is a faithful companion. The Collie is reserved toward strangers, but not aggressive. He should receive firm, but gentle training.
One of his greatest assets is his natural love of children. Even when not raised with children, the Collie can be charming, playful and protective with most well behaved kids. Stories have abounded for years of children guarded and protected by the family Collie.
The Collie can live in the city but he will be happier with a yard and space to run. Regular exercise is required. Brushing two times per week is adequate.
Function
Sheepdog, Guide Dog, Pet.
Health
Some collie breeds (especially the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie) are affected by a genetic defect, a mutation within the MDR1 gene. Affected dogs are very sensitive to some drugs, such as Ivermectin, as well as to some antibiotics, opioids and steroids – over 100 drugs in total. Affected dogs also show a lower cortisol concentration than normal. Collies may have a genetic disease, canine cyclic neutropenia, or Grey Collie Syndrome. This is a stem cell disorder. Puppies with this disorder are quite often mistaken as healthy Blue Merles, even though their color is a silver grey. Affected puppies rarely live more than 6 months of age. For a puppy to be affected, both the sire and the dam have to be carriers of the disorder. This is generally a very healthy breed.
