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The Collie Dog Owners began as an MSN message board group in February 2002 when 19 year old Lisa rescued her first collies. The message board is now closed, but the website has grown to include hundreds of articles, a collie gift shop and a free collie rescue catalogue.

  THE COLLIE: Rough & Smooth

The Collie. Rough or smooth, he's got it all - poise, confidence, intelligence, and beauty. No other breed is more recognized than he. As he stands erect, ears cocked, and his deep chocolate eyes shining in anticipation, nothing screams magnificence more than this gorgeous dog.
Everywhere he goes, this gorgeous canine is greeted with the awe-struck stares of everyone who passes by. For all who own a collie (or two.. or five..), you know firsthand of the pride that swells every time someone gazes in amazement at your pet. 

So who is this fabulous dog?  Where did the he come from?  As a concerned collie dog owner, you have come to the right place for all rough and smooth collie information.  Explore through our pages and learn all about the wonderful collie dog.  To begin, head on over to Intro to Collies where you will find fast facts and general information about the collie breed.

  Bit of Collie History

This famous breed, made popular by the most famous TV collie Lassie in the early 1900's, has not always been around. The magnificent show ring beauty that you notice on today's collies did not begin to take form until the 1800's.
Do you know why collies were first bred? Although their true history remains somewhat unknown, it is believed that they were first used over in Europe to help their master herd flocks of sheep on the grassy hills.  (Continue reading about Collie Origins...)
 

LATEST ARTICLES:


By John Williams

Is trying to control your dogs barking getting a bit of a pain when all you want to do is get a decent sleep, leave your dog for 5 minutes, or have some respected guests round without having to get the earplugs out?

Training your dog to stop barking doesn’t have to be stressful, no one likes the loud barking sound coming from your dog, especially at 3 in the morning so lets go through some tips to control dog barking.

1. Need Attention huh?

Don’t give your dog the attention he wants from barking at you. if I was getting everything I wanted just for barking id probably do it too. You’ve got to teach your dog that barking won’t get him anywhere. If he wants something wait till he has stopped barking first.

2. Time to bark yet?

If your dog barks when you leave the house, 8 times out of 10 it will be because you’re making to much fuss over them when you leave. Dogs can’t fully grasp the idea of saying goodbye and may find it upsetting when you give them cuddles and play then go out the door and leave for 8 hours while you’re in work. For a dog that’s a good enough reason to bark and howl the house down for you to come back and play. Try leaving the house without any fuss, Leave the house without drawing any attention to yourself and the barking will lessen and stop.

3. Bored with nothing to do!

Dogs enjoy barking, it’s something they like to do. The barking sound might not be completely to your taste but dogs enjoy it and it’s a completely natural thing for them, so if your dog has nothing to do in his spare time then barking passes the time like nothing else. Keep your dog busy with lots of exciting toys if he seems to bark a lot at night, something to chew and play with when you’re not around will help comfort the dog and keep him from barking and waking the neighbours. With nothing else to do your dog will bark through the night until you wake up.

4. Visitor time

When visitors come round it’s an exciting time for your dog, new faces, new smells and more attention than usual. This often causes dogs to bark, they want all the attention they can get in the form of cuddles and play time. You can solve this by using the ‘Stop’ command, teach him this and praise him when he listens to you and you should have no more problems with your over excited dog.

5. Be Consistent

Unfamiliarity can trigger your dogs barking off a lot of the time so keep constant with the times he barks most, for a lot of dog owners this is at night time. Decide where your dog or puppy sleeps. If one night your dog is out in the cold and the next he’s all snug and warm in bed with you or your kids you can guarantee he won’t want to be back out in the cold getting no attention from anyone again. Stick to consistency with your dog and you won’t go far wrong, otherwise you may be in for another sleepless night shouting at your dog.

 

About the Author:
 For more information visit our dog training website at this link… Dog Training

Rough Collie YouTube Video


Collie Bathing

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By John WIlliams

Dog bathing is a must when living with a dog.  Dogs naturally get smelly and are not like cats in being able to wash themselves well and be hygienic, this is why collie owners have to look after their collie’s hygiene for them once in a while.

Dog bathing should take place when your collie starts to smell or is very dirty. Running around every day rubbing yourself up against trees, bushes, benches and rolling around on grass or getting drenched head to paws in rivers or puddles are all common occurrences in a collie’s life and all contribute to collie smelliness.

It is important to make sure you brush your collie’s coat and fur through before every bathing session to remove all bits of debris that may have got caught up in your collie’s fur since their last bath along with tangles or matted hair that may have formed. If you ignore this step any tangles and matted hair will get worse after bathing and make it an impossible task to rid of them.

You will need to use special pet shampoo and conditioner to clean your collie; human shampoo uses a different ph level and can be bad for your collie’s skin. Starting off by letting your collie get used to running water, warm water should be used to wash your collie, it is best to use a jug or’ container to gently pour water on your collie. Be sure not to put water directly on your collies face to be sure not to frighten them off or scare them.

When your collie is wet, keep reassuring them and rewarding them if the behaviour is good to get the message across that bathing is not a bad thing. Rub the shampoo and conditioner onto your collie gently and being sure to do a proper job of getting all the smells and everything else out.

To finish off, rinse all the soapy water and shampoo of your collie and dry your collie in the same way you would yourself or if your collie has easily matted hair use patting only to dry your collie, when this is all done reward your collie with praise and rewards for being cooperative with you.

 

About the Author:
 For more information visit our dog training website at this link… Dog Training

Rough Collie YouTube Video


The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog’s breed, size as well as the dog’s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog’s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.

The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized dogs like Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of “size or the specific breed calculator”, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog’s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.

It is generally assumed that, on an average, “one human year equals to seven dog years”. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.

It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly “64 percent of dogs” were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.

The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.

Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.

 

About the Author:
Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn how to care for your dogs the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php

Rough Collie YouTube Video


By Mitch Endick

The Collie is a wonderful family dog. They come in two varieties, smooth coated and rough coated. They are generally good with kids and other animals and love their adopted family. The most famous Collie is Lassie. They may not be suitable for an apartment as they need room to exercise. A properly fenced in yard would be ideal.

*Approximate Adult Size.

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Collie is 24 to 26 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 75 pounds. The female ranges from 22 to 24 inches to the withers and 50 to 65 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations.

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Collie is no exception. Be on the look out for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), and they can be drug sensitive. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming.

The Collie comes in two varieties, smooth and rough. In general, the outer coat is harsh to touch and straight. The inner coat is soft and dense. She is prone to shed and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net. *Life Span. The Collie can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History.

The Collie comes from the Scottish Lowlands as a sheepdog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.

Some Registries: *Collie Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 10 Collie puppies

Category: Herding.

Terms To Describe: Intelligent, noble, kind, sensitive, loyal, trains easily, playful, gentle, friendly,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog. Easy to housebreak. Very obedient. Highly intelligent. Can be protective of children. A high desire to please. Easy to train.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

They can be poor guard dogs, in that they are bred not to attack. Tend to shed. May suffer in hot weather. Nose may sunburn. Puppies may nip at heels, going back to herding instinct. Can be a barker. A heavy shedder. Does not have a strong fighting disposition.

*Other Names Known By: Scottish Collie, Lassie Dog, Scotch Collie

REMEMBER… Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

 

About the Author:
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

Rough Collie YouTube Video


By John WIlliams

The Collie belongs in the Herding Group of the A.K.C. There are two varieties, the Smooth coat and the “Rough”. The Collie was always a favorite “farm dog” in the United States way before the advent of television and when “Lassie Come Home” became a film and later a TV series, its popularity soared even more.

The movie emphasized the Collie’s homing instincts and it is true that this breed is the type of dog that bonds to its master. It is not the sort of dog that one can “re- home” at an older age and unless fenced it will escape and try to go back to its original home.

All varieties of Collies come from Scotland. There used to be a great similarity between the Border Collie and the Rough Collie but through the years of its historical development the rough collie has become a larger, more elegant breed and there are definite distinctions between the two breeds.

The Collie is a larger sized dog, standing about 22 - 24 inches at the withers, but not as heavy boned as many of the breeds that are this size. The coat in the Rough Collie is extremely profuse and long, having a large ruff around the neck and extending down the front and long feathers on the legs, belly and tail.

Far too many owners fall in love with this breed and purchase a Collie without undertaking the matter of coat care. It is imperative that this dog be brushed on a regular basis as the Collie has a dense undercoat which will easily mat. If the matted undercoat is left in without being combed out this can create hot spots and sores which remain undiscovered beneath the thick matted coat.

Many owners need to be taught by the breeder to groom the dog correctly right down to the skin, for if they only comb the top surface these mats can go completely unrecognized. The head of the Collie is long and has a wedge shaped appearance, having no stop. This may led to a problem because breeders have placed much emphasis on the elongation of the muzzle and the narrowness of the head.

Collies have a problem called “collie eye anomaly” which seems to be more common than in years past. Some breeders have over emphasized the head and have bred for a refined skull with no “stop” whatsoever, which may have detrimentally affected the breed.

It is speculated that this problem may perhaps be due to the increasing emphasis on a narrower skull. Hopefully this is a condition which careful breeding can get under control. Other than that and the fact that they should be x-rayed for hip dysplasia the Collie is generally a healthy breed.

The Collie is considered to be a perfect child’s companion. There are few reports of Collies with poor disposition. They are a very affectionate breed, willing to work and easily trained. They love their families and treat the children as their charges, being naturally protective and instinctive in their guardianship.

About the Author:
 For more information on the collie or a complete list of dog breeds visit this Dog Behaviour website.

Rough Collie YouTube Video


By John WIlliams

Lassie, the popular series on television has made the Collie a recognizable breed to many. The Collie is noted for his intelligence and deep affection for the family.

Appearance - The Collie descended from dogs used for herding and this trait is still strong in them. The Collie is a wonderful dog for the household as they have innate desire to safeguard. Some dogs of this breed can be anxious due to its ancestry, however, most are usually hardworking and smart. The Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. The Collie can be as high as 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds.

The Collie is an energetic breed and is known for its perseverance. The Collie has beautifully shaped almond eyes and they reflect their perceptiveness. The eyes can be brown or blue. The Collie can either have a smooth coat or a rough coat, and the rough Collies have a fuller coat. They come in sable and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.

Characteristics - These dogs are not good with apartments since they love to spend most of their time outside. A family that is outgoing and energetic, and in the possession of a relatively big back yard would be the ideal situation for a Collie. The breed is sociable and extroverted but still make excellent watchdogs and protectors. They will sound an alert if there are strange humans or creatures. The do bite gently or nip at heels of the young kids to prevent the children from straying in the wrong direction.

Puppies of this breed are extremely smart and can prove to be a handful as they can be stubborn and get into trouble. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn to socialize at an early age. You will need to demonstrate who is in charge and show the Collie what can be allowed and what is prohibited.

Health Problems and Grooming Issues - There are a few issues associated with the Collie. They can suffer from eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.

They like to eat, so ensure that the dog does not put on too much weight or there could be medical issues because of obesity. They enjoy three small meals a day.

Although he has long hair, he does not need as much grooming as one might think. In any case, the Collie’s coat must be groomed very often to reduce tangles. The Collie is alert and perceptive, ideal for protecting your household and can bring you much joy for years to come.

About the Author:
 For more information on the collie or a complete list of dog breeds visit this Dog Behaviour website.

Rough Collie YouTube Video


By John Williams

The television series “Lassie” made Lassie the beloved symbol for Collies in America. Your new Collie puppy won’t measure up to the wonder dog, but you’ll most likely find him a wonderful family dog.

The Family Protector

The Collie was originally bred to herd sheep, and still has a strong protective instinct, which makes them an excellent choice for a family dog. The American Kennel Club classifies the Collie as part of the Herding Group. These dogs weigh 55 to 80 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall.

The Collie is strong and graceful and has lots of endurance. This dog’s almond shaped eyes seem to sparkle with intelligence, whether they are brown or blue in color. The Collie’s ears — 3/4 erect with 1/4 folded — make its appearance both alert and appealing. The coat can be either rough or smooth. The rough coat is longer and fuller than the smooth coat. This breed can come in sable and white, tricolor (black, white and tan), or blue merle (tortoise shell) colors.

The Collie enjoys living in the midst of an active family. This breed is not a good choice for apartment living, since it’s a large dog and loves to spend time outside. A home with a big yard is ideal. Although the Collie is friendly and outgoing, this dog is protective of its family and takes its duties as a watchdog seriously. Your Collie will bark at intruders, whether they are people, cats, squirrels, or pieces of trash blowing around the yard.

Stubborn, But Trainable

The Collie can be quite headstrong and can get into a lot of mischief as a puppy. You should consider attending puppy obedience classes with your Collie, since it is easier to train a small puppy that hasn’t developed bad habits than a 60-pound dog that has. Also, be firm with your puppy about staying on the floor if you do not want Collie hair on all of your furniture. Once you allow your dog onto the furniture, he will feel that he has a right to be there any time you leave the room.

The Collie breed has few health problems. Eye diseases and PRA (a genetic defect leading to blindness) are the most common problems these dogs face.

A Good Eater

Collies can pack away a lot of food. These dogs have a tendency to overeat, so it is best to give them 3 small meals a day. If your Collie develops a bulge around his middle, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a food that promotes weight loss.

Although a rough coated Collie has long hair, the dog does not need extensive grooming. Brush through your dog’s coat several times a week to avoid mats, paying close attention to the hair around his face, behind his ears, and around his legs. A smooth coated Collie needs only occasional grooming.

If you want a medium-sized dog to protect your family and play with the kids, the Collie may just be the perfect pet for you.

About the Author:
 For more information on the collie or a complete list of dog breeds visit this Dog Behaviour website.

Rough Collie YouTube Video


We are currently transitioning to a new website!  Stay tuned for a completely new look to Collie Dog Owners!  The new look should be completed by Monday, June 23.  Thanks ~Lisa

Rough Collie YouTube Video


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