Counter Strike
Collie As A Pet
Conformation And Color - As far as conformation is concerned, it would be accurate to say that the collie is very well put together. While its heavy coat may tend to disguise its true shape a bit, the impression one gets from looking at the collie is one of balance. Indeed, when the collie is moving at a slow trot, its gait is exceptionally smooth and effortless. As would be expected in a herding breed, the collie is very strong, very athletic, and although can run very fast, can also turn on a dime. The typical collie stands about 25 inches at the shoulder, the female usually being about an inch shorter, and weighs in the neighborhood of 55 to 70 pounds. Some will classify the collie as one of the large dog breeds, while others consider it more medium in size. Both arguments are essentially true. In the show ring, great emphasis is usually placed on the collie's expression, although if you look at the breed standard it is not terribly clear just what is meant by this. Apparently those who know their collies understand what to look for as far as the dog in question having an expression properly befitting a collie.
Also, as far as the show ring is concerned, there are four recognized collie colors. They are (1) Sable and White, where the sable color may vary from a dark mahogany to a light gold, accompanied by white markings, (2) Tricolor, a primarily black dog with white markings and tan shading on the head and legs, (3) Blue Merle, a mottled blue-grey and black coat with white markings, and (4) White, in which the predominate color is white, which may be accompanied by sable, or merle markings. In the show ring no single one of these standard colors is regarded as more important than any of the others.
The Collie As A Pet - If you purchase a collie to have as pet, there are a few things to be aware of, though this can be said for most dog breeds. The collie makes a fine family pet, and is generally quite good with children, though to avoid any potential problems it is best to introduce the collie to small children when it is still a puppy. At times the herding instinct may kick in, and a collie will try to herd anything that moves. This can include herding small children, which can frighten them. If the collie has been introduced to children at an early enough age, nothing bad is likely to come of this. Being a very intelligent and trainable animal, the collie can be taught what it can herd and what it must not.
When I was very young, about 6 years old, a stray collie showed up one day at our front dog. It stayed around, and since no one claimed it, my parents decided to keep it. It was a friendly, well-mannered dog, but did have the annoying habit of herding me whenever I went outside to play. We were good friends though, so good in fact that if the dog wanted to keep playing it would get between me and the door to the house, and lie in front of the door, so I couldn't get in. Eventually though, my parents had to find it another home as it jumped up on an old woman who lived in the neighborhood, and although it was being perfectly friendly, it scared the woman half to death. In those days it seemed that if you had a dog for a pet, even a stray, you just had a dog, and not an animal that might require some training.
The collie is an extremely loyal dog but at the same time is very sensitive. You can't have a collie as a pet and simply ignore it most of the time. The collie craves attention. It is simply not one of the dog breeds that is content to go about its own business. The dog also needs plenty of exercise. Though a family pet, it is still a working breed and, if allowed to become a couch potato, which it might if not exercised regularly, could develop health problems. A collie kept in good health and physically fit will live for 10 years, and perhaps a bit longer, typical for a larger breed.
While today's collie isn't at the top of the list of favorite dog breeds, and you don't see as many of them as in years past, they still make wonderful pets. The collie is loyal, playful, and a very good watchdog. If you don't mind a greater than usual amount of barking, and can take the time to give your pet a good brushing once a week, when you are looking at the various dog breeds to choose a pet from, don't overlook the collie. If it's a female, name her “Lassie” and keep up the tradition.