Among dog breeders, the shepherd is considered one of the most beloved breeds of dog. After all, these smart, beautiful and kind-eyed animals can hardly leave anyone indifferent. Naturally, the Scottish Shepherd Dog (Collie) is no exception. But before you make yourself such a friend, it is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the best way to care for and raise such a pet.

Breed description

So what is the description of the breed? Outwardly, it is a rather large-sized animal, with a well-developed and proportionately folded body, in which strength, power and grace are visible. The collie has a large head, a strong back and powerful legs that allow them to quickly run long distances. Their coat is not coarse, but rather soft with a very thick undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are slightly obliquely set, and most often have a dark brown color, small ears are not at too great a distance from each other and always look up. These dogs also have a truly luxurious, long, fluffy "fox" tail.

Origin history

The collie dog breed is believed to be from Scotland. Initially, these pets looked slightly different than their subsequent representatives. They were smaller and had predominantly dark coat color. According to the results of research conducted by scientists, it was found that nomadic tribes were brought to southern England of the Scottish shepherd dogs.Since these pets knew how to graze sheep (they called it “shepherd’s breed of dogs”), the main breeding activity in the reproduction of animals was aimed at developing and improving livestock grazing skills. This was done so that they can graze not only sheep, but also goats with pigs.

An important role in the further development and gaining popularity of the collie is assigned to Queen Victoria. She liked these dogs, so she took a few dogs with her to England, where many breeders were also interested in animals.

For the first time, a collie was presented at an exhibition in 1860, where it was listed as a universal Scottish shepherd. In the USA, animals appeared around the 80s and quickly gained popularity, and in 1986 in the territory of the present CIS the first community of connoisseurs of this breed was organized.

The nature and behavior of the Scottish Shepherd

A collie is a breed of precisely those dogs that are overly attached to their master. They categorically do not tolerate a long stay alone and prefer to spend time next to a person. Lonely people or those who do not have the opportunity to be at home often do not want to have a Scottish shepherd. Also, if those who live in a private house decide to get a collie, then you should not keep the animal on a chain or in a separate booth. It is more a man’s friend than a yard guard.

Because of the fear for their own and the owner’s safety, the shepherd’s dogs usually don’t treat strangers very well, but they don’t start rushing at someone else if they are properly educated. Sometimes a dog can also growl or bark at a stranger, simply because he is afraid of him. It is because of its timidity that this breed is not very suitable as a guard. The maximum that pets can claim is to be a watchman who will cast their voice as thieves approach.

Collies get along well with other animals and even young children. However, as noted earlier, these are shepherd animals, because they have a tendency from nature to control others. They may try to pinch a child or a cat (that's how the dogs drove the stray sheep into a herd). This can be stopped with the help of competent training, since this breed is remarkably amenable to re-education. Pets are very smart and smart.

But it is worth remembering that during training you can not show too aggression and anger. You need to act calmly, confidently, do not forget to praise and reward the pet with a treat for obedience.

Breed standard and puppy selection

The size of the Scottish Shepherd Dog is as follows:

  • in bitches, the height of the withers is 51-56 cm, and the weight is about 20-25 kg;
  • in males - 55-61 cm and 22-30 kg, respectively.

Officially recognized collie colors:

  • marble - the main shade is silver with a blue tint, with small dark specks located throughout the body;
  • sable - from sandy light to color to dark mahogany;
  • tricolor - black-red with the presence of white.

When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention to such a feature of color:

  • if the marble has large bright spots, then this is considered a marriage;
  • in sable defect are any shades of cream;
  • in tri-color puppies of the Scottish breed with a white star on their forehead are allowed.

There are also two types of collies: long-haired and short-haired. However, with short hair animals are much less common. By nature, she is more active, but also more aggressive, which also must be considered when choosing a puppy.

Features of keeping a dog

Undoubtedly, Scottish Shepherd Dog puppies are very cute and funny creatures. Nevertheless, it is very important to understand that when a baby collie appears in the house, the previous life of the owner will undergo some changes. Little puppies are somewhat similar to a baby and require a lot of attention at first, and sometimes even some safety measures.

Here are the nuances of keeping a dog:

  • you can not stroke the puppy on the head and ears, otherwise there is a risk of permanently harming their correct position;
  • Do not sharply pull toys or other objects out of your teeth, otherwise you may damage the bite;
  • you need to follow the little puppy so that he does not swallow any small and dangerous particles;
  • having laid the doggie on the bed, it is better to be near him and see that he does not fall down, because if he falls, he may even break his paw;
  • it is necessary to bathe the puppy carefully so that the water does not get into the ears, you should also protect it from hypothermia.

Note. Very small puppies are carried up the stairs, picking up in their arms.

Care, health, feeding

A collie is most often a long-haired dog, therefore, when caring for a pet, it is important to pay special attention to the coat.

Hair care consists in thoroughly combing the dog with a metal brush with long teeth. This procedure must be carried out once a week. When a collie molts, it is best to comb it out with a special slicker 2-3 times a week, depending on the need.

You need to bathe the animal as needed, but it is better not to abuse the bath procedures especially. It is also necessary to monitor the hygiene of the dog. To brush the teeth, acquired for this with a special brush, wipe the ears and eyes with a cotton swab dipped in an antiseptic, and cut the claws with a clipper or tweezers. After walking, it is advisable to wipe the dog’s paws with a damp cloth, this is especially true during the rainy season.

As for the health of the shepherd, it should be noted that this breed is endowed with truly good health. However, there are several specific ailments. These include inversion of the eyelid, retinal atrophy, congenital deafness.

Note. On average, Scottish shepherds with good care can live from 15 to 17 years.

You can feed collies with both natural products and dry food.

  • When feeding homemade food, you can give the following food:
  • lean meat of veal, beef, turkey or rabbit;
  • sea ​​fish, but only boiled or steamed;
  • any cereal (mixing them with meat);
  • kefir, cottage cheese or yogurt (necessarily low fat content).

With natural nutrition, the dog needs to be given additional vitamins and special supplements so that it receives all the elements necessary for the body to be active and healthy.

If you choose to feed the animal with finished dry feed, then this should be a premium product only. The optimal nutrition option will be selected by the veterinarian, based on the characteristics of a particular animal.

Parenting and training

The most important thing in raising and training a collie is to never raise your voice on an animal, much less force it to be obedient with rudeness or beating. This can only scare and irreversibly spoil the character of the pet.

The main weapon in raising a Scottish Shepherd Dog is affection and complete trust. Then there is a much greater chance of success, because collies are easily raised animals. That is why it is best to train a pet when a person is in a good mood, otherwise nothing will come of it. You need to know that the Scots shepherd dogs are very keen on any intonation and changes in the trainer's voice during training.

It is important to stop any puppy prank that could harm things or a person, because it can become a habit, and it will not be easy to wean an adult from this. For starters, you can stop an unwanted action with the command "impossible", said in a rude voice. After six months, it is already possible to teach the team "fu", reinforcing it with a light slap of a doggie. Encourage success is a favorite treat or affection and stroking.

Also, the dog must be accustomed to discipline. It should be fed at a specific time and a strictly limited number of times. It is forbidden to climb beds, sofas, and sleep only in the space reserved for him.And finally, the dog should show the owner when she needs to go out, and not relieve the need for a house where she wants.

Pros and Cons of Collie

In conclusion, it is worth saying a few words about the advantages and disadvantages of Scottish shepherd dogs.

From the advantages of a collie breed dog:

  • beautiful and spectacular appearance;
  • she is smart and easy to learn;
  • gets along very well with children and other animals;
  • faithful and faithful.

The minuses include the following rock features:

  • a lot of wool during cleaning;
  • does not like strangers; may be aggressive towards them;
  • sometimes cowardly.

In any case, with the correct and competent approach, the manifestation of affection and care, the collie will certainly answer in the same way and become his master a reliable friend.

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