Collie: history, types, choice and care

Many of the modern breeds of dogs were created in due time in order to ensure the protection of the herded herds against predators. An example of such an animal is the collie.

Even experienced professionals can not yet say exactly where the name of the collie dog comes from. There are several versions:

• one raises the name of the breed to the Gallic word "useful";
• the other to the Scottish word coal;
• the third to the local designation of black-headed sheep.

Most often the word "collie" is used in relation to the Scottish shepherd, bred in the territory of this British region. Exactly the same kind of individuals that are bred elsewhere, simply referred to as shepherd dogs or shepherd dogs. In addition to the British Isles, they live mainly on the Australian continent and in North America. However, a collie can be found in any other corner of the world.

In the main territory occupied by the breed, it was actively used in the past to breed new herding dogs. Both purebred and hybrid lines were created. Some branches include the word "collie" in their name. However, the presence of such a group definition is optional.

The earliest known mention of the Scottish Sheepdog is dated 1790. But there is no doubt that the collie breed began to be used much earlier than it began to be mentioned in written sources. The most ancient names are “koeli”, “collis”. The modern name appeared later. The ancestors of the Scottish shepherd were brought to Britain by the Roman invaders. Initially, the animals were painted black.

The main direction of selection naturally became improving herding qualities. Along the way, their appearance changed and improved. In 1860, the first collies were taken to London, where their breeding began. English breeders are busy working on the breed.

In the same year, 1860, the Scottish shepherd dog was first shown at the Birmingham exhibition. After 19 years, in 1879, it was highly appreciated in the New World. The first of the clubs of collie lovers appeared in the United States in 1886. In the next 50-70 years, the breed triumphantly marches around the world. And it owes its success to a number of valuable qualities.

It should be noted that the above hypothesis about the early history of Scottish shepherd dogs is not shared by all specialists. Some dog experts believe that the ancestors of the breed may not be Roman dogs, but those that appeared on the British Isles when settled by the nomads of the Stone Age. If this assumption is true, then the earliest traces of the presence of a collie should be sought in the southern regions of England. It is unlikely to ever conclude this argument convincingly.

There is no agreement between the professionals and about what kind of breed were predecessors of the Scottish Sheepdog.

There is an opinion that the main role in the formation of the modern collie was played by the Golden Moray Sheepdog, which settled in the past East of Scotland and the fertile areas of the mountains. This breed was different:

• black and white;
• weight 11.5-13.5 kg;
• relatively short legs;
• elongated body.

The front legs of Golden Moray differed by their curvature, while the hind legs were cow-set.The prevailing opinion about the higher intelligence of stunted individuals influenced the appearance of the ancestor of the Scottish Sheepdog. Tall puppies simply destroyed. Characteristic features of Moray were:

• wide, convex skull configuration;
• yellow round eyes;
• low hanging ears;
• especially dense two-layer wool.

The length of the coat was often small, however, some preferred dogs with long noisles. Its owners were not so much the shepherds themselves, as farmers with wealth. Supporters of the origin of the collie from Moray believe that already in the first centuries of the ancestral breed, the decorative qualities were especially valued not so much as practical.

Pets were perceived as a decoration of the house and the plot, as a subject of pride of the owner. In the late Middle Ages and early New Time, the formation of the Scottish breed occurred due to hybridization with the sheepdogs of the northern districts of England (which border directly on the Scottish lands).

As a result, there was an increase in size and reduction in body length, increased muzzle. The bulge of the skull simultaneously shrunk, and hair was shortened. But at the same time, the dominant black and white color remained inviolable.

An important role subsequently played by hybridization with the Irish setter. The prevailing color has changed, and all tones of red color began to be considered as corresponding to the standard. Modern Scottish Collies have borrowed from setters:

• relatively tall;
• heaviness;
• straightening legs;
• dullness of the muzzle;
• characteristic "raw" lips.

Sometimes their external similarities with retrievers are noted. But experts do not have any convincing evidence that such a hybridization actually occurred. In any case, a close examination of the genealogical prize-winners of exhibitions does not allow, for the time being, to detect traces of such a cross. But it is authentically known about the crossing with the greyhound, undertaken to pull the muzzle and increase the aristocratic appearance. For some time, it was the type with the greyhound features that was most in demand among all the collies.

In the 21st century, similar dogs still occur, although not as often as before. It is because of the influence of the greyhound there is no clear transition, and the frontal lobe of the head is slightly oblique. Even more significant influence on the modern Scottish shepherd has had a hybridization with a dog bandog. Its origin is unknown, and there is no generally accepted translation of this word into Russian yet.

According to experts, the final folding of the "Scots" look happened between 1860 and 1890. Even when considering the whole history of cynology, it is difficult to find other examples of equally rapid clearance of the breed.

Working dogs without pedigree, which were then acquired in the markets of working livestock, differed relatively small value. It would be difficult for their limbs to be called the beauty standard even for the most undemanding person. And even with the appearance of the first clubs that kept the lists of breeding livestock, any data, with the exception of the nickname and the name of the owner, did not appear in these lists.

Until 1895, collies were recorded in breeding books, often as shepherd dogs, and only then a clear, isolated section was singled out. The main center of breeding and breeding has become Birmingham. In the twentieth century, the changes continued, and breeders made every effort to make the Scottish shepherd dogs look as noble as possible. Breeders managed to significantly improve these indicators (if we take as a basis those dogs that lived at the beginning of the last century).Therefore, it is important to know what this breed looks like now.

The term "collie" in canine practice does not apply to one breed, but to a whole group of herding breeds that were bred in Scotland and the northern regions of England. In this category, it is customary to attribute not only officially recognized species, but also small local subtypes. In the generally accepted characteristic of a collie, 5 typical features are indicated:

• proportional body;
• medium height;
• ease of addition;
• tapering of the muzzle;
• specific coloring.

The history of the breed was reflected in it in the most convincing way - so far most of the individuals of the collie have a highly developed herding instinct. Users, as well as professional dog handlers, note these valuable properties of these dogs:

• physical endurance;
• impressive dexterity;
• good learner.

The weight of the vast majority of collie is 22-32 kg. For grazing cattle pick the most large dogs. There are various types of tails - lowered, raised, sometimes even with a bend. However, it is not possible to twist it in a ring and touch it on the back.

Any collies are different activity and vigor. They can run all day over rough terrain with difficult terrain. It is noted by experts that the intellectual capabilities of the breed make it possible to attribute it to the top twenty smartest dogs in the world. This circumstance made the "Scots" regular participants in the competition for:

• flyball;
• shepherd's art;
• agility;
• freestyle

Separate breeds of the collie group, primarily the long-haired and short-haired, are prone to genetic ailments. They are relatively poorly tolerated infections. Another weakness of these branches is increased susceptibility to certain drugs. Growth in withers according to the standard is from 0.55 to 0.65 m.

The figure of the dog is muscular. Muscles abound and long, elegantly curving neck. The shape of the head resembles a cone; its features are not too sharp, the skull has a flat shape. Triangular ears are not too large.

Because of the almond-shaped eyes, it seems to many that the animal looks somehow sly and mysterious. In this view should not express even minor aggressive notes. Bottom of the black nose are strong jaws with a scissor bite. Collie's long body includes:

• straightened back;
• relatively low chest;
• elongated straight legs;
• saber tail.

The dog walks easily and widely, while moving very smoothly. The official standard allows only 3 colors:

• tricolor;
• sand (of various shades, with the exception of cream and straw tones);
• blue (dominated by light colors).

Regardless of the color of the dog should be large white spots. The classic shepherd dog from Scotland has:

• white gap on the face;
• the same collar;
• whitish tip of tail;
• white socks.

The appearance of a collie is really amazing and surprising. He invariably expresses calm nobility. Even this dog literally exudes friendliness.

It would be much more difficult for livestock owners and accompanying employees to do their jobs without the help of a collie. A well-trained dog will be able to do something that would additionally require at least 20 people. Even today, when various technical innovations come to the rescue of pastoralists, the value of the four-shepherd is hard to overestimate.In the city, a collie may look unconvincing, not attractive enough, but everything changes when the dog is in a familiar environment.

But it is important to understand the limitations associated with the past of this breed. It was used exclusively for grazing, and not for the purpose of protection. Larger wolfhounds acted as guards. Scottish Shepherd dogs, by their very jaw structure, are unable to bite, resulting in serious injury to the victim. Already in antiquity, dogs were widely ruthlessly discarded from dogs that opened their mouth wide and mutilated livestock.

Incompetent trainers seek only the appearance of endless tantrums. The fact is that inculcation of aggressiveness conflicts with the centuries-old installation blocking the unauthorized attack on other animals, especially on people.

The psyche of the dog cannot process the mutually exclusive motives in an acceptable way, and this is why weird behavior appears. But we must understand that as a defender, when the attack is already underway, the collie shows himself very well. The main thing is that the pet is well educated and trained, then it will really protect itself and the owners if necessary.

The collie tries to concentrate its emotional attachment on someone and not distribute it to the whole family. Devotion is highly dependent on the age at which the collie appeared in the house. Adult animals, especially oversold ones, are less gullible and not so committed. A common opinion about long-haired collies, attributing to them excessive enthusiasm and exorbitant activity, is not too correct.

If dogs can run for a long time and exercise in freedom, excess emotionality is removed. The Scottish shepherd should find at least some conclusion of its boiling energy - and she will definitely look for him, despite all the discontent of the owners.

Do not be afraid that the collie will require some kind of extreme mode, especially intense physical exertion. They can maintain a decent physical form without special training. For adults, it will be enough to walk down the street in steps, occasionally family trips to the countryside will be required.

In our country, collies are used mainly in the Altai and Far Eastern regions. There are not too many sheep, but there are spotted deer. No other dogs, even the most authoritative and popular ones, are suitable for accompanying deer. But the Scottish shepherd is used for a long time not only for shepherd's work.

Unusual qualities allowed to use it in guard purposes. The first such attempts were made in the early twentieth century. Now the collie is used by the border services of the Scandinavian states. Along with the, their use as pets is continuously increasing.

Over the long history of collie, many subtypes of this breed have been bred.And special attention should be paid Australian Shepherd Aussie. Contrary to the name, she appeared in the United States. The main use of these dogs is grazing and cattle guarding. Aussies are supposed to have been derived using:

• Basque Sheepdogs;
• classic English Collies;
• Spanish Shepherd Dog

A characteristic feature of Aussies is considered thick moderately long hair. The head is decorated with semi-erect ears, and the body ends with a short tail. Often it is necessary to face heterochromia. In Australia itself, there are short-tailed herding dogs. They appeared as a result of the crossing of shepherd dogs and dingos imported from Europe.

Short-tailed dogs are distinguished by their light build and relatively short hair. It is important to distinguish them from the Australian healers, they are also Australian shepherd dogs. When breeding this subspecies, different instances of dingos and collies with short hair were needed. A typical feature of this species is considered:

• powerful physique;
• rather short coat;
• vertical ears.

Australian Métis have bluish or red with speck color. The main tone is diluted by burns. Still noteworthy are two groups of Collies, developed on the southern continent. Kelpi developed on the basis of dogs imported directly from Scotland or the northern regions of England. Experts suggest that when Kelpie appeared, hybridization with dingoes was used, but this point has not yet been clarified.

The breed has short hair and erect ears. There are quite different colors, including black, red or red-brown tones. In the development of Australian coolies, not only European collies were used, but also dogs from Germany and Spain.

Deserves attention and english shepherd. Its name should not be misleading - the breed was bred by American breeders, and the English by origin were only the original individuals. Hanging ears of the English shepherd look very good. It is characteristic thick coat of black or black and tan color, diluted with white markings. Blue-Lacy got, crossing already English Shepherd Dog with a variety of breeds. What were these breeds, even experts still have not figured out.

It is precisely known that Blue Lacy can have three color variations:

• redhead;
• blue;
• tricolor.

The most famous among all the Collies, however, remains Border Collie. Her main specialization is sheep grazing. Border Collies are not suitable for working with large cattle. This breed can have both partially erect and hanging ears. The silky hair of a border collie can be very long, but it is very short on the legs and on the face.

The colors of this breed are black, red, black and tan and merle. Regardless of the specific colors, they have white markings and the same collar. Sometimes dogs get almost completely white. Blue merle means the predominance of pure silver-blue tone, diluted in different places with small dark spots.

Under the standard blue merle do not fall:

• natural slate color;
• large black areas;
• rusty shades (even undercoat).

Marble Collie looks no less brilliant. He can have both brown eyes and different blue eyes. But the bearded breed collie is even ahead of many others in decorative terms. No wonder it almost ceased to be used in the shepherd's business, but found use as a companion and exhibition sample. The "bearded" always hanging ears and elongated silky hair throughout the body. In addition to black, brown, blue, gray and red colors, sand is allowed; white markings are possible.

As for the Cumberland Shepherd, it is considered to be absorbed by a similar species - a border collie, as well as the immediate ancestor of the Australian branch. The pure Cumberlands themselves have long disappeared. Their characteristic feature is the high density of black fur.

The shepherd dog McNaba (or simply McNab) is quite popular. It received its name in honor of the creator. Different individuals may have erect or partially erect ears. Short black or red hair is complemented by white inclusions on the chest and face. A New Zealand collie were bred with the support of the border collie. A New Zealand variety does not open its mouth during grazing. Many shepherds believe that these dogs at one glance can give the cattle any order.

In addition to her, in the past there was also the so-called Smithfield Sheepdog. These were large dogs that helped not only protect the herds of cattle, but also distill them. They received their name in honor of the oldest of the London meat markets (for obvious reasons, they could always be seen there).

In the XXI century, the Smithfields are called Tasmanian dogs, similar in appearance to the bearded collie. Among other breeds, Welsh Shepherd Dogs and Shelties deserve attention (they are Shetland Sheepdogs). In fact, a collie in the everyday sense is a classic Scottish shepherd. Since it is bred in the highlands of Great Britain, it has excellent wool and thick undercoat. That and the other allows them to successfully endure even severe weather.

But the shepherd origin of the collie does not mean that the care of them by the owners is not important enough. Scottish shepherds may well live on the street. However, it would be much more correct to keep them closer to the owners. Of course, these animals are not inclined to smash their homes due to a lack of communication with people, as boxers sometimes do. The thing is different - dogs are affectionate and friendly, because the owners will benefit from their approach and constant contact.

As in relations with other breeds, it will be necessary to:

• clearly define the place where the dog will rest and sleep;
• purchase toys;
• take care of the bed;
• stock up on bowls for food and water.

Longhair shepherds deserve daily combing (at least hour). Along with the usual brush, for this purpose they also use a comb with small teeth. Combing should be done carefully, carefully. In this case, long hair lifted up to reach their roots. The greatest attention is always required:

• mane;
• tail;
• fur on the feet and other parts of the limbs.

It is in these three places that the inattentive pets are most often covered with mats. As for smooth-haired individuals, they can be combed 1 time in 5-7 days. But you can not reduce the entire care only to work with the dog's hair. It is necessary to bathe Scottish shepherd dogs once in 2 months. Extraordinary bathing is carried out with heavy pollution.

To improve the result, water procedures are carried out using an emollient shampoo. You can buy it at any veterinary pharmacy. Ears are treated with a special solution once a week. Simultaneously with the treatment, they inspect the ears themselves in order to detect injuries, inflammatory reactions or an excessive amount of discharge in time.

Have to also systematically brush your dog's teeth. Violation of this rule threatens with the appearance of bad smells and the formation of tartar.

Claws are not trimmed according to the schedule, but according to the speed of their growth. Excessively long claws will interfere with normal movement. But a collie, due to increased physical activity, the need for additional clipping claws occurs less frequently.

Be sure to follow the discharge, gathering in the eyes. They are removed with a cloth soaked in boiled water. Pharmaceutical chamomile solution can be considered a good alternative. The systematic appearance of discharge should immediately alert the owners.

Collies are suitable for feeding only natural products. They can be replaced by dry food elite class. In the diet of a dog that is fed natural food, there must be a fish. The maximum interval between top dressing seafood is 30-40 days. Cheese and biscuits are suitable from delicacies.

Categorically you can not give a collie:

• salted or fresh fat;
• beans, beans, peas;
• flour products.

The Scottish Sheepdogs are distinguished by good health and are almost not susceptible to congenital ailments. They can live from 12 to 15 years, if only their care is correct. Of particular importance for life expectancy are:

• normal diet;
• regular visits to veterinarians;
• systematic vaccination;
• regular treatment with drugs that suppress skin parasites.

But we must understand that even a collie can have quite serious disorders. There is even a special collie-eye syndrome. In this syndrome, which is inherited, the eyes develop abnormally. Another pathology of their development is distichiaz, expressed in the appearance of an extra row of eyelashes. Also collies can suffer from:

• epilepsy;
• dermatitis (eyelid turn);
• leaf-like pemphigus (autoimmune skin lesion);
• Vitiligo (melatonin malfunction);
• congenital deafness;
• dysplasia;
• aspergillosis;
• elbow dislocation.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, digestion failures are a serious danger for animals. In hemolytic anemia, the immune response attacks the red blood cells. The Scottish Sheepdog is very sensitive to most medicines.

Returning to the care of wool, it is necessary to mention a few mandatory attributes:

• comb with fine teeth;
• comb with large teeth;
• brush;
• a spray for spraying water (removal of static electricity).

First, the collie is combed along the hair, going from the neck to the tail, with the help of a large comb. Next, take a smaller comb or brush to bring the coat finally in order. Dogs up to a year to comb harder, and therefore have to do it more often. Increase the combing will have during periods of molting.

A common mistake is not brushing, when the collie seems clean and in perfect order. We must make it a rule, regardless of the appearance of wool, do it 10 or 15 minutes a day. It is noted that touching the comb not only improves the condition of the hair, but also positively affects the blood flow in the upper layer of the skin. As for washing, it is very rarely required.

If there is no special zoo shampoo, you can do with baby soap or soap for sensitive skin. It is necessary to carefully monitor that water and detergent compositions do not fall into the eyes, ears. Bought a dog immediately combed out. Next, it will have to keep in a warm room at least 8 hours, this requirement is especially important in winter. Collies rarely get dirty, if this happens, it is advisable to wash only contaminated areas and not to use detergents.

The undoubted advantage of a collie is its loyalty to the owners. Yes, this is a typical feature of many breeds. However, the "tartan" stands out even against the general background. There are cases when she rushed to the defense of the owner or other family members, risking their own lives. More importantly, the collie can show affection in a relaxed atmosphere.

The animal will try to imitate the owners and adapt to them. Sociability makes it almost unacceptable isolation or long separation from the owners. Pastoral behavioral patterns developed over many centuries compel collie to try to bring all family members together. When a company of people or pets is gathered around, the shepherd dog experiences genuine bliss.

The attitude towards children towards her is literally reverent. The breed is considered an ideal four-legged nanny, capable of both playing with children and covering them from any dangers.

Small collies are distinguished by increased curiosity. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully control the behavior so that they do not end up in danger. The dog is exceptionally active, and at first its readiness for the game, for competitions and morning and evening jogs with the owners almost always touches. But you need to think thoroughly what your possibilities are, whether it will be possible to spend a lot of time with a collie. The positive characteristics of the breed are:

• highly developed intelligence;
• canceled memory;
• artistry;
• lack of aggressiveness (at least in healthy and well-trained animals).

Developed mind greatly facilitates the training. But it is important to understand that sometimes the collie uses insufficient skill and insufficient insistence of the hosts. Then the puppies are stubborn, cunning, and demonstrate that the trainer's requirements are incomprehensible to them. This trick is stopped elementary: you should only clearly and consistently pursue your line - without rudeness and violence, but in cold blood and without deviations to the side.

A collie is always beautiful and elegant - all connoisseurs and experts note this. Breed, as befits a "shepherd", calmly endures cold and heat. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the complexity of caring for it and the need to carefully select the usual medicines for the treatment of diseases.

The most robust health is distinguished by the “classic” collies, which are distinguished from the representatives of the branch “modern” by:

• a drier constitution;
• neck elegance;
• limb lengthening;
• dry head;
• more robust bundles.

A full-fledged "classic" makes more free movement and retains physical activity until a later age. But "dryness" should not be overly expressed. The cons of individuals may be a lanky constitution, a flattened chest and an oblong muzzle. "Modern" moves somewhat constrained, often suffering from disorders in the skeletal structure and ligaments. Only to a small extent these flaws are justified by the sweet expression on the face.

Other problems of "modern" are:

• weakness of the ligaments;
• sagging back;
• shortened neck (up to its complete lack of visual);
• overly curved ribs, giving the impression of a barrel;
• too developed undercoat.

As is the case with other breeds of dogs, it is advisable to call a collie a concise sonorous name. After all, the conditional name will have to be pronounced very often. And one more nuance: the harder the name, the harder it is to stop the dog in a critical situation, call it.

"Girl" is often called Kelly, but such options as are also common:

• Madeira;
• Jasmine;
• Nicole;
• Olivia;
• Grace;
• Francesca;
• Betty;
• Emily;
• Kat;
• Vega.

Collie "boys" are called:

• Forsyami;
• Dandies;
• Ricky;
• Olafami;
• Lloyds;
• The Oscars;
• Lawrence;
• Bruno;
• Mikami;
• Danami;
• Mozarts;
• Henry;
• Oliver;
• Steves.

The pretentious names of foreign origin are not liked by everyone, and it is not necessary to be limited to them. From the more familiar dog nicknames fit:

• Persian;
• Thunder;
• Ky;
• Yakut;
• Polkan;
• Sultan;
• Bertha;
• Busya;
• Elsa;
• Sophie;
• Ada;
• Arrow;
• Beta;
• Beetle;
• Venus.

When the decision to start a collie is made finally, you need to carefully select the appropriate dog. And with this, the purpose for which the animal is acquired is of particular importance. It is she who determines which parameters will be most important. So, when buying puppies as a person’s best friends, level of health and character traits. But many have a much more ambitious goal - to win in various exhibitions.

Ambitious people will also have to deeply study the standards of the breed, the characteristics of a particular animal, and then check it for inconsistency with the breed standard. No less significant for the exhibition work is a good pedigree. Any jury, any experts will certainly evaluate it. And yet, the health of the dog always comes first. Strong and normally developed collie at the age of 8 weeks is different:

• flat back;
• slightly rounded snout without constrictions;
• strength and smooth structure of the legs;
• elongated neck;
• ears hanging forward;
• body, close to square;
• scissor bite;
• powerful coat.

But we must look not only at the animals themselves. High-quality, healthy livestock can not be grown in bad conditions, when around tight and dirty. Responsible sellers without hesitation acquaint buyers with all the conditions of their puppies. The pets themselves should be slightly plump and prone to active movement. They should not have parasites or diseases of any kind, so you will have to ask veterinaries for help from the breeders or the owners of the nursery, confirming the excellent health of the pet.

About the features of the collie breed, see the following video.