If you were asked to name the most famous dog in cinema, chances are you’d think of Lassie. Well, of course—who else? Loyal, intelligent, and beautiful—a true perfection wrapped in fur. But few people know that Lassie belongs to the Collie breed.
However, Collies are not special just because of cinema. They have a fascinating history, a unique character, and a luxurious coat that requires proper care. So let’s find out why this dog is a true treasure for any family.
Where did Collies come from?
Their history begins among the picturesque green hills of Scotland. Originally, Collies were hardworking dogs, assisting shepherds in herding flocks of sheep. And not just in any way, but so efficiently that farmers passed these dogs down as part of their inheritance, along with livestock and land.
Then, Queen Victoria intervened in their story. While vacationing at her Balmoral estate, she saw a Collie and thought, “This is the perfect dog!” (or something along those lines). From that moment, Collies became favorites of the British aristocracy, leading to dog shows, breed standards, and widespread admiration for these intelligent canines. By 1881, they were officially recognized, and ever since, they have confidently made their mark as the ultimate family dogs.
How to recognize a Collie?
Today, there are two main types of Collies:
Long-haired Collie – the elegant beauty that played Lassie. It has thick, long fur with a soft undercoat, and a luxurious mane around the neck and “skirt” on the hind legs that complete its regal appearance.
Short-haired Collie – the same graceful dog but with a smoother and shorter coat.
Both types have a long muzzle, large expressive eyes that can melt even the coldest heart, and ears that slightly tip forward, as if they’re always ready to listen to all your secrets.
As for size, Collies range from a compact 18 kg to a sturdy 34 kg, with a height between 51–66 cm.
Their color palette is also impressive:
- Sable and white – a stylish reddish-white combination.
- Tricolor – a classic look of “black tuxedo, white shirt, and a ginger bowtie.”
- Blue merle – a silver-gray coat with black spots.
Collie’s Personality
Collies have a unique balance of gentleness, resilience, and energy. They are calm but never boring, playful but not overbearing, loyal but not clingy—they won’t follow you to the bathroom with sad eyes.
Additionally, they are:
- Intelligent – they learn commands easily, understand their owner’s mood, and sometimes even seem to read minds.
- Active – they love outdoor adventures.
- Friendly – they get along well with children, other animals, and even neighbors who borrow salt but never return it.
- Sensitive – they don’t tolerate harsh treatment or yelling and respond best to kindness and positive reinforcement.
Training and Physical Activity
Training a Collie is like playing a video game on beginner mode—they learn quickly, remember commands well, and genuinely enjoy training. Even if you’re new to dog training, this breed will make it easy for you. Just follow a few simple rules:
- Use positive reinforcement (praise, treats).
- Socialize them from an early age.
- Provide mental stimulation (commands, tricks, games).
- Never raise your voice – Collies can take yelling as a personal tragedy.
To keep them engaged and maintain their physical activity, make sure to include walks, running, fetch games, and agility training. Collies aren’t couch potatoes—they’ll gladly snuggle up for a movie night, but only after they’ve had plenty of exercise. If they don’t get enough activity, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves, like hiding your slippers in unexpected places or helping you unpack grocery bags.
Collie’s Health
Collies generally have strong immune systems and good overall health. To ensure a long and happy life for your furry friend, pay attention to:
- Vision – Collies can inherit retinal issues, so regular vet checkups are essential. Think of it like an eye doctor visit—just without the letter chart.
- Allergies – they can be sensitive to certain foods or even pollen. If you notice excessive scratching, watery eyes, or irritated skin, consult a vet.
- Drug sensitivity – some Collies have an MDR1 genetic mutation, making them react poorly to certain medications. Always consult a vet before giving them any medication, even if your neighbor’s dog takes it without issue.
- Hip dysplasia – while not a given, some Collies may be prone to it. Proper nutrition, moderate exercise, and regular check-ups can help reduce the risk.
Collie Coat Care
Collies always look like they just stepped off a glossy magazine photoshoot. But their beauty isn’t magic—it’s proper grooming.
Collies have a thick undercoat, which needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week, and daily during shedding seasons. Pay special attention to tricky areas: behind the ears, on the chest, and under the armpits. If the fur gets tangled, don’t rush for scissors—gently detangle knots with your fingers or use a special spray. Your Collie will thank you, and you’ll save yourself some stress.
Should you cut a Collie’s fur? Not really!
Collies should never be shaved or heavily trimmed, as their coat protects them from both heat and cold. However, you can trim the fur on their paws and belly to keep them cleaner and tidy up the fur on their paw pads.
Bathing is needed every 1-2 months or as required (such as after a mud puddle adventure). Use gentle shampoos, rinse thoroughly, and always dry their coat with a blow dryer—otherwise, they’ll develop mats.
During shedding season, you can book an express de-shedding session at a grooming salon to speed up the process and keep your home fur-free. V.O.G DOG SALON offers specialized cosmetics, tools, and techniques for efficient and high-quality grooming.
Other essential grooming tips:
- Check and clean ears weekly with a damp cotton pad.
- Wipe their eyes with special dog-safe wipes.
- Trim nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent them from tapping like a tiny horse on hardwood floors.
- Brush teeth 2-3 times a week with dog-friendly toothpaste. Chew toys and dental treats will also help keep their teeth clean.
Grooming a Collie is simple when it becomes part of your routine—just don’t forget to praise your pup for their patience!
PHOTO: Collie after grooming in our salon
Conclusion
Why is a Collie the perfect dog for any family? It’s simple. No matter what your household looks like—a big family with kids, a small home with a cat, or a single-person household in need of a loyal friend—Collies always find their place in your heart and home.
They can be a running partner for active owners, a nanny for children, a faithful companion for lonely hearts, and even a shoe protector (in their own special way). And they will always greet you with joy when you come home.
A wonderful personality, stunning appearance, easy care, and endless loyalty—Collies truly deserve a place in your life. Because with a Collie, life becomes brighter, warmer, and a whole lot more fun!
