Collie Care & Health
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Temperament
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Collies are very affectionate animals who respond to love and affection rather than harsh discipline. They are an excellent family dog and like to be regarded as a member of the family. They are not a dog to be left in the yard with very little human contact.
Collies do well in training as they are intelligent and relish the chance to work with their owners/families, but they are a sensitive animal and must be treated accordingly when training.
Exercise
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Although a Collie is considered a medium to large dog, it is not necessary to have a large backyard. Provided he has room to play, and you can take him for regular walks, he will be perfectly happy in a smaller yard.
Collie Statistics
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An adult male -
will measure 51-61cm at the shoulder and will weigh 26-30kg.
An adult female -
will measure 51-56cm at the shoulder and weigh 22-25kg.
A Collie's life span can vary but the average is about 11 to 12 years.
Grooming​
It is not necessary to spend hours brushing the Collie Rough's long coat or the short coat of the Collie Smooth. A good brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. Of course, if you intend showing your Collie, a little more attention would be required.
As Collies do not acquire the usual "doggy" smell, a bath would only be necessary every 4 to 6 weeks in summer weather and less frequently in cooler weather. A dog groomer is a good idea, if you can manage that.
Otherwise, an occasional good rub down with a wet flannel will remove surface grime and freshen him up between baths, or a sprinkling of baby powder brushed through the coat will act as a dry-cleaning agent.
Exercise
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A Collie does not need special food.
A quality commercial complete dog food is adequate. You can also mix in any table scraps but no cooked bones. Cooked bones can splinter and cause all sorts of problems. A raw shank bone given once or twice a week will keep his teeth clean. Plenty of fresh water must be available at all times.
Please confirm dietary requirements with your breeder or vet.
Choosing a puppy
Always look for a puppy that is friendly, alert and interested in his surroundings.
Check that the ears are clean and the coat has no signs of flea infestation. Check that there are no signs of diarrhoea in his pen.
If you are buying a puppy as a pet only, the Collie Club recommends that he/she be de-sexed at an age recommended by the breeder; This is part of being a responsible pet owner.