How many types of collie are there? It is usual that when thinking of a collie the image of the well-known dog Lassie is kept in mind, but the truth is that there is more than one breed with the name of collie, as determined by the International Cinological Federation (FCI). Thus, the FCI collects in group 1, the one corresponding to sheepdogs and cattle dogs, except Swiss Cattle Dogs, a section 1, of sheepdogs, in which a point destined to sheepdogs of the United Kingdom is included. This is where the Old English Sheepdog, the Shetland Sheepdog, the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi come in, as well as these types of collie dogs that we will meet in this article: border collie, bearded collie or bearded collie, collie short-haired or smooth collie and long-haired collie or rough collie.
Next, on our site, we will detail the different types of collie that are currently recognized, reviewing their most important.
Collie long-haired or rough collie
Probably the most popular type of collie is the long-haired one thanks to Lassie, although in recent years the border collie has been gaining ground. Its origins date back to the 19th century and, although it was a sheepdog, it has become a highly appreciated companion dog. His aesthetics intervene in his success, with an unmistakable and elegant long coat, his manageable medium size and his good character
He is a dog intelligent and affectionate He gets along well with children, is usually very protective of them, and has considerable abilities for learning, which also implies a continuous need for stimulation at the mental level. Also, as they are very active dogs, you will have to offer them opportunities for action.
So the Long-Haired Collie is a good mix of beauty and skill. To maintain the first one, you have to invest time daily in its care, since, otherwise, the fur will get tangled. Their nose should also be watched, as it is prone to sunburn. The very elongated snout is another of its distinctive physical characteristics.
Finally, the rough collie specimens measure between 51 and 61 cm Their weight is highly variable, as some of these dogs stay at about 18 kg, while others reach 30. Their life expectancy ranges between 12 and 14 years. His long hair can be tricolor, white and sand or blue merlé.
Short-haired collie or smooth collie
Less popular than the rough collie and not very widespread outside the United Kingdom, the smooth was also a sheep herding dog originating in the 19th century, more commonly found today as a companion dog, perfectly accustomed to life in the city.
Except for the obvious difference in the coat, which in this breed is short and dense, it shares numerous characteristics with the rough collie, as they are tolerant dogs with children, very valid for learning and capable of developing a great activity. Also, as in the rough collie type, its muzzle is very elongated. For all these reasons, together with the fact that rough collies occasionally gave birth to smooth puppies, they were considered the same breed for a long time. However, there are also considerable differences, for example that short-haired collies tend to be more shy.
The short-haired collie shares measurements with the long-haired collie, since the specimens of the breed measure from 51 to 61 cmand weigh between 18 and 30 kg. The coat can also be tricolor, white and sand or blue merlé.
Border collie
The border collie is one of the best-known types of collie today, as its excellent qualities for learning have been valued, in addition to its good character and aesthetics. They are dogs that originated in the eighteenth century and worked as cattle herders. Currently, although there are specimens performing this task, it is very common to see them as a company and participating in different canine tests of obedience and ability.
They are dogs affectionate, good with children, very intelligent and active In fact, according to Stanley Coren's list, this is the smartest breed of dog This need for activity can complicate your tenure in an apartment. It is also important that they receive all the mental stimulation that such intelligent animals require. Otherwise, behavior problems will arise.
Physically, the snout is elongated, but less than that of the smooth and rough collie. Their life expectancy is around 12-14 years. They are medium and light dogs, weighing about 14 to 22 kg. Its height measured at the withers oscillates between 46 and 54 cm Its coat of long and dense hair comes in different colors, such as red, blue merlé, tricolor, brown, black or, perhaps the best known, black and white. Get to know all the colors of the border collie in this other article.
Bearded collie or bearded collie
We finish the review of the types of collie recognized by the FCI with the bearded or bearded collie. It is an ancient breed, since it is said that it originated in the 16th century. They were sheep herding dogs that are kept as company today. The breed almost disappeared as a working dog and was not revived until the 20th century.
They are dogs cheerful, friendly, good with children and have adapted to life in cities. Nor do they usually show any problem when it comes to living with other dogs, so they are suitable for homes with more animals. But, unlike the previous collies seen, they are not easy to train. Therefore, they will need patient training and, better, a caregiver with some experience, time and energy. It is important to provide them with continuous stimulation both physically and mentally. In addition, his coat requires regular care to maintain its splendor.
Your life expectancy is estimated at between 12 and 13 years. They are medium-sized dogs with a visibly elongated body. They can weigh between 18 and 27 kg. Its height measured at the withers oscillates between 51 and 56 cm Its coat is long, covering ears, which cannot be seen, legs and tail, and it appears in different colors, such as grey, blue, fawn, brown or black. The hair is naturally parted in the middle of the back.
