El Long-haired collie is a sheepdog that, due to its beauty and good nature, has become one of the most appreciated among show dogs and pets. It is also known simply as a collie (although there is a short-haired variety) or, erroneously, as a Lassie.
In general, this variety of collie is calm, although it needs daily exercise, affectionate, intelligent and very docile, so living with this dog can be really pleasant as long as it is cared for appropriate and know how to train it. Keep reading and discover on our site everything you need to know about the long-haired collie to offer your furry companion a good quality of life.
Origin of the long-haired collie
The Long-Haired Collie and the Short-Haired Collie share the same history and are still considered one breed by the American Kennel Club today. The International Cinological Federation, on the other hand, treats these dogs as two different breeds.
Both dogs originated in the highlands of Scotland, where they served as herding dogs. In the past, these dogs were smaller and less stylized, but in the second half of the 19th century they captured the attention of dog show fans and Queen Victoria. It was then that, through carefully chosen crosses, the current type of the breed was achieved. By 1886 there was already a racial standard.
In the 1940s, '50s and '60s, the Collie became one of the most popular dog breeds in the Western world. This is due to the fame acquired by Lassie, the canine character created by Eric Knight, and who was the main character in novels, radio soap operas, movies and television series. That popularity declined later, but even today the collie is still a well-known dog and highly appreciated as a companion animal.
Physical Characteristics of the Long-Haired Collie
This dog's body is slightly longer than it is tall, the chest is deep, the back is strong, and the back is slightly raised. The legs are strong and muscular, but not thick.
The head of the Collie Collie is shaped like a truncated wedge and smooth in outline. Although it gradually tapers from the ears to the tip of the nose, it does not have a pointed snout. The nose is black, the eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped and obliquely arranged. Their eyes are dark brown, except for blue merle specimens, in which one or both eyes may be totally or partially blue or mottled blue. The ears are small and the dog holds them back when at rest, and semi-straight when attentive.
This dog's tail is long and reaches at least to the hock. When the dog is at rest, the tail hangs down, but its end bends slightly upwards; when the dog is in action, it carries its tail up, but never on its back. On the other hand, the coat of this dog is, without a doubt, the most beautiful feature of the breed. It is a very dense hair and that fits the contour of the body. The outer coat is smooth and coarse, while the undercoat is soft, shaggy, and so dense that it almost hides the skin. It can be sable with white (shades from light gold to dark mahogany, with white parts), tricolor (black, tan and white) and merle blue (light silver blue predominates, splashed and mottled with black).
The males reach a height at the withers between 56 and 61 centimeters. The females reach a height at the withers between 51 and 56 centimeters. The ideal weight is not indicated in the breed standard, but these dogs usually weigh between 23 and 34 kilograms.
Long-haired collie character
These dogs are gentle, affectionate, intelligent and sensitive. They are docile animals that do not tend to be aggressive, and they need a lot of physical and mental exercise, as well as company to be happy.
Because they tend to be social dogs, Longhaired Collies tend to get along with people, dogs, and other pets. Of course, this can only happen if the dogs have been properly socialized, otherwise they can be shy and reserved.
Long-haired collie care
Collies lose hair regularly, although during the shedding season (twice a year) this fact is accentuated. Thus, hair care is not complicated, but it takes time. It is necessary to brush and comb these dogs two to three times a week. It is not good to bathe them very often because the coat loses its protective oils, and it should only be done when the dog is dirty.
These dogs need a lot of exercise, so in addition to long daily walks, they must be given some play time. Canine sports like agility help burn off the collie's pent-up energy, but herding is best if you get the chance. Long-haired collies also need to be accompanied most of the time, as they can't stand being left alone for hours.
Because of their sociable nature, these dogs can adapt to life in apartments and flats if they are offered the opportunity to exercise regularly outside, and are allowed three long daily walks. However, they live better in a house with a garden. Although they tolerate warm and cold climates well, it is better if they live indoors and only use the garden to exercise.
Education of the Long-haired Collie
Collies are also excellent students and respond very well to training, provided it is done properly. In this sense, the most advisable thing is clicker training or through positive reinforcement, since in addition to being friendly to the dog, it provides mental stimulation that not achieved with traditional methods.
In general, these dogs do not present behavioral problems when they have received adequate socialization and basic dog obedience training. However, some specimens can be barkers and others tend to push children and pets nipping at the heels.
Collies can make excellent companion animals if given enough physical exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. They are usually perfect companions for people of any age, as long as they have the strength and energy to keep up with their exercise rhythm. They tend to get along well with children, but it is not advisable for them to be pets of very young children because they tend to mistreat animals unintentionally.
Collie Collie He alth
Perhaps due to the intensive and unplanned breeding that the breed suffered at its height of popularity, the Long-Haired Collie is prone to some inherited canine diseases. Among all of them, the most common are the following:
- Collie eye anomaly
- Gastric torsion
- Distichiasis
- Deafness
To detect them in time, in the event of suffering from them, it is best to follow the veterinarian's guidelines and attend regular check-ups when the specialist indicates it. On the other hand, it will be necessary to keep the vaccination and deworming schedule up to date in order to prevent it from contracting contagious diseases, such as rabies or parvovirus.
