Scottish Shepherd (Collie)

Breed Description

The Collie is an entire group of shepherd dogs that includes the Border Collie, Australian Cattledog, Aussie, Bearded Collie, Sheltie, Welsh Sheepdog, and other varieties. The Collie’s origins trace back to the smooth-coat Collies from the northern parts of Scotland. When they first appeared, Scottish shepherds (Collies) were smaller than the modern dogs. Their coloring also differed from today’s, with dogs primarily being black-and-white or sable. Interestingly, the sable-colored Collie, which emerged in the late 1860s, became the most sought-after color, and many dog breeders wanted to select puppies from breeders.

A few years later, Collies were divided into two classes based on coat type: smooth-coated Scottish Shepherds and rough-coated Scottish Shepherds with long fur. It is notable that even Queen Victoria kept several long-haired shepherds in her estates. She decided to buy puppies from Sir Shirley’s kennel, who made great efforts to popularize his four-legged cattle herders.

There’s even a legend about the “disfavor” towards smooth-coated Collies. This variety was undervalued for many years, settling for the role of the “poor relative.”

Nowadays, the Scottish Shepherd is very popular in the USA and Australia. In Foggy Albion, the demand for Collies remains high, just like in our country. The elongated muzzle of the Collie with its fox-like gaze is recognized by almost all passersby. However, in Russia, the Scottish Shepherd (Collie) is more of a companion than a working dog helping with livestock. In its homeland, the USA and Australia, these beautiful animals continue to work as intended, helping to herd sheep and guard the herds of local farmers.

The average price of a purebred Collie puppy in our country ranges from 60,000 to 70,000 rubles. In some cases, this price may be higher, depending on the pedigree of the puppy’s parents and its individual characteristics. It’s important to note that a low price often found in puppy sale ads serves as a signal for potential problems with the animal. Therefore, it’s better to choose a puppy from a kennel. At Zooinik, you’ll find the best selection of kennels in Russia, and you won’t need to worry about the health of the pets or the reputation of the breeders. The joy of interacting with such a family companion can last a lifetime, and with proper care, this lifespan can exceed 12 years.

Appearance

The Scottish Shepherd (Collie) comes in two varieties: smooth-coated and long-coated. Having maintained a close bond with humans since the breed’s inception, and created to serve its owner, the Collie remains a loyal companion to this day. Their cheerful and lively nature, along with high activity levels, makes them suitable for families with children without any fear of tensions during interactions. The Collie (some say this is what the Scots referred to as something very necessary) strives to spend time with its family, please its owner, and earn praise. Males stand at a height of 56 to 61 cm at the withers, while females do not exceed 51 to 56 cm. The length of their coat does not play a role in this. The same applies to weight: regardless of coat type, an adult male Scottish Shepherd weighs about 23 kg, with females being somewhat more graceful.

A notable trait of the breed is their gentle nature towards elderly people. They excel in the role of caretakers, but calling them bodyguards would be a stretch. They serve more as therapy assistants for those with Alzheimer’s and other disorders rather than as security or guard dogs. Ads for puppy sales can easily be found on Zooinica. The best selection of kennels in Russia with verified breeders specializing in Collies is presented on the Federal portal Zooinica.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Upon inspection, it resembles a blunt wedge. The flat top of the skull gradually narrows towards the tip of the nose from the ears. Its shape strongly resembles that of a fox's head, with parallel lines on the upper and lower parts that are almost of equal length. In show-class representatives, these characteristics are more refined.

Морда

The middle part of the forehead aligns precisely with the inner corners of the eyes and serves as a balance point for the muzzle in relation to its length. The bridge of the nose is straight and thin, and its tip is never square in shape. The nose's top is always black. The cheekbones are not prominent.

Уши

They are positioned at the top and quite far apart from each other. They are small compared to the overall proportions. Semi-erect, depending on the dog's mood, they can be directed forward or happily raised and relaxed (when the dog is at rest).

Глаза

Medium-sized, placed slightly obliquely, with an almond shape. Mostly dark brown, but in dogs with blue markings, the iris may be blue. In these cases, heterochromia is also allowed. The gaze is mischievous, but during work or when focusing on the owner's voice, it quickly shifts to a penetrating, attentive look.

Зубы

Quite large, sharp, white canines. The jaws are well-developed and ideally should meet in a scissor bite. In this alignment, the upper canines slightly overlap the lower ones. The teeth show no signs of enamel damage in any form. The lower canines are positioned at a right angle to the jaw.

Корпус

The neck is of medium length, strong, muscular, but not too thick. The body is nearly square: the length slightly exceeds the height of the collie, with a slightly raised loin and a deep chest that expands behind the shoulders. Due to the strong curve of the ribs, the breath is very deep.

Конечности

Sloping shoulders of the front limbs at noticeable angles. Legs are muscular, straight, with elbows directed strictly backward. The hind legs have powerful thighs, but the lower part is quite dry. The hock joints are positioned rather low at the back. On both the front and hind legs, the paw pads are oval, with the toes brought together, although on the hind legs the toes are pressed slightly more against the ground.

Хвост

The length of a Scottish collie's tail according to the standard should reach the hock joints of the hind legs. Typically, collies hold it low, but do not tuck it between their paws. Regardless, the tip of the tail is always slightly curved, but it should never be curled like a donut or thrown over the back.

Шерсть

Very dense, double, close-fitting, straight. The coarser outer coat contrasts with the soft undercoat. It is longer on the neck and shoulders, resembling a lion's mane. Meanwhile, it is noticeably shorter on the face and the lower parts of the limbs.

Окрас

В настоящее время официально признаны 3 окраса: соболь с белым, блю-мерль (наиболее востребованный и популярный окрас) и триколор с преимуществом чёрного с насыщенными коричневатыми вкраплениями на конечностях и голове. Соболиный: золотистый окрас различных оттенков, сгущающийся к красному дереву. Светлые, соломенные оттенки очень нежелательны. Блю-мерль: очень нежный, серебро с голубыми облаками - так его описывают поклонники.

Character

Buying a dog usually raises many questions. One of the main ones is what kind of character the future pet will have. Before choosing a Scottish Shepherd (Collie) puppy, it makes sense to learn about the basic traits of the breed’s temperament. What kind of character will your dog have? Some of the most prominent traits are presented here:

This is one of the smartest dog breeds. Their high level of intelligence and insight aids in training and socialization, making the Collie an easily trainable breed. These cheerful dogs with elongated, fox-like faces quickly understand new commands and tasks, and their mindset allows them to adapt quickly to new situations and environments. At the same time, Scottish Shepherds are highly valued as working dogs and can successfully carry out a variety of tasks. In rankings of dog breed intelligence, the Scottish Shepherd usually places among the top. They are excellent partners for training and sports events; in frisbee and agility, they can easily outperform representatives of other breeds.

Friendly and loyal, they become very attached to their owners and never tire of showing their love for the family.

An active and playful breed, for families leading an active lifestyle, choosing a Collie puppy from a kennel will be a great success. Scottish Shepherds are always ready to accompany you on a run, play ball with children, or just have fun. They are the life of the party, ready to add a special touch to any gathering.

Since Scottish Shepherds (Collies) were historically used for herding livestock, they retain a leader’s instinct. Occasionally, they may attempt to manage family members or other pets. However, they do not show aggression; it’s important for the owner to recognize these attempts at dominance and not lose their position as the leader.

A sensitive dog in tune with the owner’s mood – this is how one could describe a smooth-coated Collie. The long-haired Scottish Shepherd is almost identical and possesses the same emotional sensitivity to those around them. They can notice the slightest changes in their owners’ moods and respond accordingly. This trait makes them ideal companions for people, especially during difficult life situations or for those suffering from depression. In such moments, Collies selflessly become a source of support and comfort.

Care and Maintenance

The essential elements for caring for a Scottish Shepherd include regular exercise, with long walks of at least 1 to 1.5 hours each day. Active and intellectual games are necessary to meet their physical and mental stimulation needs.

The appearance of a Collie indicates the need for regular brushing. This is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also to avoid being overwhelmed by fur in every corner of the home, especially during seasonal shedding. It is crucial to monitor for tangles and any potential skin irritations on your pet.

Grooming the coat of a Scottish Shepherd (Collie) is one of the most important aspects of maintaining its health and beauty. Here are some tips regarding this aspect before you decide to choose a puppy from a kennel:

Regular brushing at least three times a week will help remove dead hair, minimize the chances of tangles, and improve your dog’s mood. Use a special brush designed for long-haired breeds with soft and flexible bristles to avoid damaging the fur and skin.

During walks on sand, grass, or snow, dirt and debris accumulate in the coat. Regularly inspect and clean your dog’s fur, and don’t forget to wash its paws upon returning home. During slushy weather and autumnal muck, you can use dog suits to help keep the coat clean. However, they won’t prevent all dirt, so gently rinse away any stains and dry your pet’s coat.

Although a Scottish Shepherd doesn’t need frequent baths, occasional washing will keep its fur clean. Only use specialized dog shampoo for large breeds, and make sure to rinse out all the shampoo thoroughly. The water should be comfortably warm, and the cleaning agent should be applied to your hand first before rubbing it into your dog’s coat.The coat’s shine is enhanced by an adequate amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 in your dog’s food.Remember that taking care of the coat is not just about aesthetics, but also about your pet’s health and comfort.Ear care involves periodic inspection of the inner ear and the removal of excess wax using cotton pads soaked in a special lotion.Tooth cleaning should be done 2 to 3 times a week. Using high-quality dry food can extend the time between cleanings. Due to their special texture, dry food pellets can clean teeth and prevent tartar buildup. Additionally, special chew treats massage your loyal Collie’s gums.The diet of a Scottish Shepherd (Collie) should match their active lifestyle. They require a significant amount of protein to maintain muscle mass. Fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are also needed for th

Training and Education

Top 10 recommendations for training and raising a Scottish Shepherd (Collie), based on experiences and advice from dog trainers:

Socialization. It’s important to start early. Introduce your puppy to other dogs, animals, and new people so that your pet becomes accustomed to various situations and learns to respond correctly to changes in the environment. Imagine a scenario where a perfectly groomed dog encounters a crow on a walk and bolts after it or, for example, hides or shows aggression towards a passing cow (like if you have taken a trip out of town or live in a rural area) – in any of these examples, the impression of the dog will be spoiled, along with your mood.

Command Training. Always use only positive reinforcement when teaching commands. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or games, rather than punishing the puppy for bad behavior. Yelling or physical punishment is unacceptable and can lead to a breakdown of your bond with the dog. The result may only be bad behavior and an unruly dog.

Physical Exercise. For those looking to buy a puppy from a kennel, it’s easier to address the purchase of necessary accessories for walking with a Collie. Please note that Zoonika offers the best selection of kennels in Russia, where breeders are always ready to consult on any questions regarding the care of their puppies. For a Collie, owners must provide sufficient physical activity. This will help the dog expend excess energy and improve their overall discipline.

Mental Training. Scottish Shepherds are very responsive to intellectual games and need mental stimulation. It can be very interesting and fun for the whole family to challenge the dog with tricky puzzles, hiding toys from it, and observing its quick problem-solving. Solve puzzles, teach new commands, and engage in agility training – one of the most popular activities for Collies.

Be patient and consistent in training your dog, providing clear rules and boundaries so that it can understand what is expected of it.Play Activities. Playing with your Collie is a great way to keep its interest in training. Use games to enhance its skills and strengthen your bond.Maintain Motivation. Find what motivates your Scotty. It could be its favorite toy, a treat, or praise. Use this during training and education.Adopt a positive and friendly approach in your communication with your shepherd. Reinforce its self-esteem and confidence in being needed. The dog should feel loved and proud.Attending agility classes will help develop your Scottish beauty’s agility, coordination, and mental capabilities.Remember that every dog needs love, care, and attention. Spend time with your Scottish Shepherd, strengthen your bond, and create positive emotional connections. Zoonika brings together certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a Scottish Shepherd puppy (Collie) requires the attention of potential buyers, knowledge, and an understanding of the legal aspects of the transaction. In most cases, it is preferable to buy a puppy from a kennel rather than from private individuals through classified ads. Here’s why:

Quality and Reliability. In a kennel, you will be offered puppies with pedigrees, which gives you confidence in their lineage, health, and compliance with breed standards. For instance, at Zooinika, you will find the best selection of kennels in Russia, where, in addition to the puppy itself, you will receive documents confirming its health and pedigree.

Knowledge and Experience. Kennels typically have been breeding the breed for many years, allowing them to participate in the improvement of the breed by conducting only registered matings with the best representatives of Collies.

Care for the Puppies. Kennels generally pay special attention to the health and proper development of the puppies, which cannot be said about private sellers.

Legal Aspects of the Transaction play an important role in the purchase. Typically, a kennel provides a sales contract that outlines the terms of the agreement, care recommendations for the puppy, and health guarantees. Don’t forget to ask for documents confirming the pedigree and vaccinations.

Of course, when choosing, be sure to ask all the questions you have in mind to ensure you are confident in your decision. At Zooinika, there are only verified offers with a health guarantee.

Health and Illnesses

Scottish Collies are a breed with generally good health, but like all breeds, they have specific traits related to diseases that one should be aware of.

Some of the most common breed-related diseases associated with Scottish Collies include eye problems, such as Collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, and some genetic disorders. Therefore, it is important to engage with responsible breeders who conduct thorough selection processes to prevent these breed-specific diseases. This applies to breeding practices, where healthy parents are carefully chosen. Breeding is not recommended when known diseases or genetic defects are present. It is worth noting that recommended breeders often post their puppy sale advertisements on Zoounika. The best choice of kennels in Russia (and there are quite a few) is featured on our site, so finding a partner for breeding usually isn’t a problem.

Responsible breeders typically perform special medical and genetic tests to ensure the health of the parents before breeding. Regular veterinary check-ups help maintain the health of the Scottish Collie and detect diseases at an early stage.

Thus, knowledge of breed diseases, choosing a responsible breeder, checking the parents, and routine veterinary check-ups-these all contribute to ensuring the good health and well-being of your beloved pet. Zoounika makes it easy to attract potential buyers.