Collie: Exercise and activity
Plan Collie's activity around both the work the dog enjoys and the recovery it needs afterwards. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Pair physical activity with a breed-appropriate mental outlet and a planned rest period. Increase duration or intensity, never both together, and keep the next rest period predictable.
How to read the activity reference
Collie's exercise is recorded as While there are variations among individuals and families, Collies generally are quite active and require regular exercise. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Balance movement and recovery
- Pair physical activity with a breed-appropriate mental outlet and a planned rest period.
- Use this exercise note (While there are variations among individuals and families, Collies generally are quite active and require regular exercise) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Increase duration or intensity, never both together, and keep the next rest period predictable.
Stop the activity if
Reduce intensity and seek veterinary advice if exercise causes pain, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulty.
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
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