Collie: Breeder selection and lines
When choosing a Collie, verify the named records and the issuing scheme before relying on a breeder's description. Treat the record as background information, not proof of how this individual dog will respond. Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine. Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
What to verify before choosing
Collie's recommended parent-club health tests is recorded as ['Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2 (PRA-rcd2) - DNA Test', 'Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) - DNA Test', 'Dermatomyositis (DMS) - DNA Test', 'Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA, CH) - DNA Test']. Here, that matters because it identifies a record to verify, not a diagnosis of the dog in front of you.
Read the record, not the promise
- Ask for named tests, dates, scheme or laboratory, parent identity, and the written result; compare the record with the intended home routine.
- Keep the recommended parent-club health tests in view (['Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2 (PRA-rcd2) - DNA Test', 'Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) - DNA Test', 'Dermatomyositis (DMS) - DNA Test', 'Collie Eye An) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
- Verify the document with the issuing scheme or laboratory before treating it as evidence for a decision.
Walk away or pause if
Do not proceed on verbal assurances when required records are missing, unverifiable, or inconsistent.
References
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: Smooth Collies, while they won't mat, require regular grooming, as they have a double coat, and the undercoat needs brushing out during shedding periods. Rough Collies need attention to avoid matting, especially in certain areas such as behind the ears and elbows, and to remove loose undercoat. A weekly brushing down to the skin eliminates that problem and…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: While there are variations among individuals and families, Collies generally are quite active and require regular exercise. They need aerobic exercise and the chance to be able to run and play. Teaching them to fetch can provide good exercise, and having a fenced yard where they can run and going on daily walks help too. They should not be relegated to the…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: While Collies are very smart and easy to train, puppy classes are recommended for general socialization and training. But it shouldn't end there. Collies love training and learning, and both make for a better companion and build a good relationship with the owner and family. Collies thrive on positive teaching methods. They excel in obedience, agility, and…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The majestic Collie, thanks to a hundred years as a pop-culture star, is among the world's most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. The full-coated 'rough' Collie is the more familiar variety, but there is also a sleek 'smooth' Collie.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 2 (PRA-rcd2) - DNA Test', 'Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) - DNA Test', 'Dermatomyositis (DMS) - DNA Test', 'Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA, CH) - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Collie.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools