Collie FAQs
Are collies colorblind like other dogs?
Actually, it is a myth that dogs are colorblind! In the past, it was assumed that since dogs weren’t able to distinguish between as many colors as humans, that they therefore only saw in black and white. However, recent scientific studies has shown that dogs do have a varied range of colored vision although it’s [...]
Are rough and smooth collies judged differently in the show ring?? Do they have a different standard?
No. The rough and smooth collie are both judged using the same set of breed standards. Its just that one has long hair and the other has short!
Can collies really tell when a storm is coming?
Dogs have a very keen sense and can detect changes in the atmosphere as well as sharp hearing that can detect the sounds of thunder and an approaching storm long before humans notice it. Its well documented by various collie owners about how their own collies (who some are scared of storms!) will detect an [...]
Do collies smell or have doggy odor?
Collies are known as being clean dogs, without a doggy odor. However, when taken care of, no dog, collie or not, should have an odor. Dogs typically smell because their owners don’t pay attention to dog grooming. Just like humans, if a dog is allowed to go for days and days without “cleaning”, they will [...]
How many Collie coat colors are there? Do all collies look like Lassie?
In the American Collie Standard, there are 4 recognized colors - only one of which looks like the typical “brownish” lassie color! There’s the sable & white (the color Lassie was), the blue merle (looks similar to the Australian Shepherd dog), the tricolor (black with markings of brown and white), and the white color (which [...]
How Often is a Female Collie in Heat / Season?
You should consider your female collie to be “in season” for 21 days: 7 days coming into heat, 7 days in heat, 7 days going out. Conception is most likely during the middle 7 days - but remember, Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the rules. Confine your pet for the entire 3 weeks, especially if it’s [...]
I saw a shorthaired collie the other day. Did the Lassie dog have a haircut?
No! This is actually a smooth collie. There are 2 main varieties of collie coats - the rough collie, which has the familiar long bushy “lassie” coat, and then the smooth collie which has very short hair like a Doberman or Dalmatian does. Featured below is a sable/white smooth collie.
Is a collie a good family pet?
Most definitely! The collie is prized as being one of the friendliest, most adaptable, and most caring dog breeds.
Their gentle nature, sweet spirit, and drive to please humans make them wonderful family dogs.
Top Ten Facts about Rough & Smooth Collie Dogs
Photo by Cristobal
Twice a year Rough Collies “molt” their undercoat. As with many long haired breeds, you must rake/brush this fur out. If you are a very neat person, then you had better know how to use a vacuum cleaner! (They are not a good house pet if someone in the family has allergies ..get [...]
Um… what exactly is collie rescue?
Collie Rescue is the term for no-kill animal shelters that are dedicated solely to saving and rehoming the collie breed. Unfortunately there are collies, for one reason or another, who no longer have a home. Collie Rescue groups takes in those collies, tends to their housing / food / medical needs, and places them in [...]
What are some of the most common things the every day collie owner would have to worry about?
Besides the general dog stuff (such as food, shelter, fresh water, companionship, and exercise), a collie owner would need to know that collies are sometimes very “nippy” due to their herding instincts, they love to “mouth” things and put their long lovely noses everywhere! Some collies have also been reported to have a habit of [...]
Where did the collie come from?
It is believed that the collie originated from the hills of Scotland centuries ago.
