Short-haired collie: characteristics of the dog breed, photo, character, rules of care and maintenance

Shorthaired Collies are energetic animals that lead active lives, so you should be prepared for long walks every day.
Today I use collies for security and in police stations. In this article you can see photos of a short-haired collie.

Short description

The Shorthaired Collie is a dog you can trust. She is very smart and calm, so you don’t have to worry that something unexpected will happen without your presence. This breed is great for families.

Collie is very attached to all family members, and especially loves to take care of children. She also treats your other pets with kindness.

The dog will never leave his home, because he is sure that his family needs him as much as he needs them.

History of the breed

In the beginning, collies were intended to protect sheep from wild animals.
Through this activity they have earned an excellent reputation for themselves and even now they can be found doing this activity. Since 1860, this breed has appeared at shows and competitions, and their popularity began to gain momentum. In the 1970-1980s they became popular in Russia. Clubs appeared in Yekaterinburg, Perm, Omsk, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Tver.

Today, collies are mainly used as guard dogs.

Characteristics and breed standard

The Smooth-haired British Collie is a very graceful and beautiful dog. In order to acquire a true representative of the breed, first study the key characteristics of the species. Among these, the following basic points are highlighted:

the dog has a rather narrow head with an elongated muzzle;
the nose must be black;
This pet has almond-shaped eyes;
the animal’s tail is long, but it should not curl or bend behind its back;
As for coat color, you can buy a collie dog with one of three basic shades of coat - tricolor (as a rule, these include dogs with black and tan coat, which has white patches), marbled (a gray-blue shade predominates, but Additional inserts include white and black colors), as well as sable.

Having understood the basic standards of the Smooth Collie breed, you can buy a healthy, full-fledged puppy and raise him to be a large and very active pet.

Similar article: Description and features of caring for a miniature collie

Health, illness

Collie is a strong breed of dog. But even they have a predisposition to certain diseases, for example, such as:

Congenital collie eye syndrome
Progressive retinal atrophy
Entropion (inversion of the eyelid)
Distichiasis (extra eyelashes)
Yeast dermatitis
Pemphigus foliaceus
Vitiligo
Ectopic ureters
Epilepsy
Degenerative myelopathy
Congenital deafness

To prevent your dog from getting sick, you need to carefully monitor hygiene and rhythm of life. And if there are any deviations, you should contact a specialist.

Advantages and disadvantages

The character of each dog is individual, but the main positive and negative traits are inherent in most representatives of the breed. They should be taken into account by those who are deciding on the choice of a pet. Here are the advantages and disadvantages.

pros	Minuses
cheerful disposition	hyperactivity
suitable for apartment living	requires regular walking
well trainable	complex grooming
love children	strive for leadership
loyal to owner	may run away while walking
delicate, unobtrusive	need constant monitoring of health status

Maintenance and care

Collie ears require proper care because they grow hair that can clog the ear canals.
To prevent infections, do not forget to remove hair there. This is done using a special ear cleaner, which can be purchased at almost every pet store. Also, do not forget to clean your pet's ears of dirt and wax. This can be done using cotton swabs, which must first be soaked in ear cleaning lotion; we do not recommend moistening them with plain water, as this can cause infection. If your pet has an unpleasant smell from the ears, you should consult a doctor, this could be the beginning of an illness. Wipe the dog's eyes with a cotton swab and dab it in eye lotion, being careful not to injure the eyeball. If suddenly there is a lot of discharge from your dog's eyes, contact your veterinarian.

There are no special features in keeping a collie, just make your pet comfortable. The dog takes root well both in an apartment and in a private house.

Education and training

The breed is inquisitive, trains well, carries out commands with lightning speed, without thinking. At the same time, she quickly gets bored with monotonous training and begins to shirk and look for a new activity.

The dog may feign fatigue, begin to yawn and limp. You should not succumb to provocations - the animal will notice this and will constantly be cunning.

The owner is required to organize the process in such a way as to unlock the pet’s potential: conduct training in a place where there will be no distractions; encourage with words and treats; conduct training in a playful way.

Character and temperament

The Shorthaired Collie is an excellent companion. Dogs of this breed are very mobile, cheerful and active. Nature also did not deprive them of intelligence.

Collie likes to communicate with people, he gets pleasure from it. They get along well with other pets, regardless of their size.

This breed is not at all aggressive towards people, they can only show their protective instincts. And if suddenly something goes wrong, they will not stand on the sidelines, but will rush to defend their owner.

The collie is a herding breed and will not make much of a bodyguard. They are excellent nannies for children, they are patient and loving towards children.

Video "Short-haired Collie"

From this video you will learn interesting facts about the Shorthaired Collie breed.

History of origin

In 1860, they were presented at an exhibition along with long-haired species.

At that time there was no division: collies were a working breed, whose appearance reflected their occupation.

After 10 years, breeding work began to improve and preserve the smooth-haired variety, but many continued and continue to cross the species with each other.

The first exhibition entailed crossing with other breeds: the blood of the first collies was greatly diluted by setters, greyhounds and Labradors.

It was the setters that gave rise to the red shades of the breed, and the greyhounds introduced the sloping stop.

Along with the long-haired representatives, they gained popularity first at the court of Queen Victoria, suddenly becoming the privilege of the aristocrats from the working class.

During the war, they were successfully used to clear bombs and rescue the wounded.

In subsequent years, they were used as service and search dogs in many countries around the world.

The breed came to Russia from Estonia during the Soviet period, so its formation began only in 1993.

The main place for breeding the breed was St. Petersburg, where the main nurseries are concentrated, but recently the center has begun to shift towards the capital.

Later, several dozen individuals were brought to Russia from other countries, but even now the breed remains extremely rare.

If you are thinking about purchasing a puppy, you should take care of this in advance: contact official breeders and make a reservation.

There is no need to buy a dog at random: there is a high probability of becoming a victim of deception.

Appearance

The beauty of Scottish Shepherds is a separate issue. And the short-haired Collie in this regard is not inferior to its long-haired counterparts. The shorter length of the coat makes this breed even a little more popular, not only because of greater ease of care, but also because of the more clearly visible muscles of the dog, which looks very beautiful, especially when running.

General parameters of short-haired Collies in terms of size:

Male height is 55-60 cm.
The female's height is 50-55 cm.
Male weight - 20-30 kg.
Bitch weight - 18-25 kg.

In terms of color, the short-haired Collie is also similar to its long-haired counterparts. According to the standard, there are only three of them:

sable with white;
tricolor (similar to rich cats);
marbled blue, or blue merle.

The degree of purebred is determined precisely by the dog’s exterior. The assessment should begin with the shape and dimensions of the head. It shouldn't look too big or small. In addition, in shape, either from the front or from the profile, the head resembles a slightly blunt wedge with a bright black nose-spot at the end.

Dog handlers and judges at competitions have their own requirements for the tail. Firstly, the very last of its vertebrae should reach the hock joints of the dog's paws. Secondly, at rest it is lowered and slightly bent downwards, and when the dog is excited it rises, but never higher than the back (this is physically impossible for a purebred Collie).

Finally, the limbs of the Shorthaired Collie. The paws are of medium length, but very powerful. It is immediately obvious that the dog is capable of running for a very long time and quickly. The Collie's paw pads are oval-shaped and very dense. They “hold” the dog well. The toes are balled and arched, with those on the hind feet being slightly more flattened.

Breed characteristics and character

Despite the fact that the collie is a dog with luxurious luxurious hair, this is far from its only advantage, unlike some other breeds. She has a wonderful character, and thanks to her textured appearance, resembling a fox, she has won the love of television cameramen and comic book creators.

Collie luxury dog

Many remember the heroine Lassie, thanks to whom the breed experienced another surge in popularity. In addition, dog experts believe that the collie is the smartest dog of all breeds. And not without reason. But first things first.

There is no exact data on the origin of the collie, but there are many theories about the origin of the breed. However, most experts are inclined to consider Foggy Albion as the dog’s homeland. True, then the dog looked a little different - more squat and not so graceful.

From England the dog quickly migrated to Scotland, where, mixing with other breeds, an animal emerged that vaguely resembles a modern dog. But the stockiness in appearance remained.

Collie coat requires special care

In the 18th century, breeders “improved the skill” of the dog, making it faster and more able to work. The result was an individual whose relatives included Scottish, Irish setters and even greyhounds. From the latter, in particular, the collie inherited the length of the muzzle and height. Then there was a period when the dog changed its functionality, becoming a status accessory for the nobility from a workhorse.

During World War II, the collie was nearly wiped out from the face of the earth. Miraculously, they managed to save the remaining representatives of the breed outside of hostilities. Several animals found their way to the United States, which gave rise to the popularity that these dogs enjoy today.

Pictured is a bearded collie

The secret of success is associated with the film about the dog Lassie of this breed, which was released on big screens in 1943. The peak of fame came in the 80s, after which popularity began to wane, being replaced by other breeds.

Breeders distinguish four variations of the Scottish Sheepdog (this is the official name of the breed): bearded (birdie), long-haired and short-haired collies, as well as border collies and shelties.

The second option is a classic of the genre, and the first is an extremely rare variety. Still others speak for themselves, but unlike dogs with long hair, they have a more frisky disposition and the ability to make many sounds.

Shorthaired collie

The fourth variation is considered the smartest. The Sheltie is very similar to the standard long-haired collie, but has a shorter height, barely reaching 41 cm. The marbled collie, more precisely, stands apart.

It is characterized by a specific blue merle color. But this breed is perhaps even less common than the bearded shepherd. In a word, the question of what kind of collie dog is can easily be answered – different. Both in appearance and in temperament. As for character, the dog will not live a day without activity and walks in the fresh air.

In addition, he is easy to train. Animals love to frolic on the lawn with their own kind. At the same time, you cannot call a dog frivolous. In case of danger, she will stand up for her owner like a mountain, but she will not bare her teeth without unnecessary need. Aggression is not typical for her.

Border collie dog

Collies are attached to their owners, devoted to them and even have the ability to imitate. A dog can easily be trained to throw bags into a container or bring slippers to its owner. This breed is very loyal to children and is unlikely to bite even in self-defense.

Character of the breed

The character of the short-haired collie can without hesitation be attributed to the strengths of this breed. The main advantage of animals is their extraordinary intelligence. During training, pets can understand many words, remember commands the first time and easily learn new tricks. Even an inexperienced owner can properly raise smooth collies.

Representatives of this breed are phenomenally sensitive, they capture the emotional state of the owner and adapt to it. Dogs crave human companionship, constantly need attention, and suffer terribly when alone. Changing owners is a difficult experience for collies. They get used to a new family for a long time and with great care.

“Smooth” ones single out one owner, but treat all family members with great respect and love. Short-haired collies will be ideal pets for a large family with many children. Dogs not only become attached to their owner’s children, but love them with almost maternal love, receiving true pleasure from communicating with them. For kids, pets become caring nannies and vigilant guards.

The smooth collie becomes a caring nanny and a vigilant guard for the owner's child.

The sociability and friendliness of herding dogs has no boundaries. They have excellent relationships with other dogs and all animals living in the same territory with them.

Long-haired collies are wary of strangers, but they never attack without reason. If the person is friendly, the dogs will remain calm.

Smooth collies are more emotional and temperamental than their long-haired relatives. Animals try to convey all their emotional impulses with their voices, and the range of their sounds is quite diverse. To make less noise from dogs, you need to stop causeless barking from childhood.

Feeding the collie

It is very important that your dog's diet is balanced. Be sure to teach your pet to eat at the same time from day one. If there is food left in the cup, remove it until next time. The break should be at least 2-3 hours for a puppy and 4 hours for an adult animal. You can feed him home-cooked food, such as porridge and boiled meat, fish and stewed vegetables. However, in this case it is difficult to choose the optimal diet. The best food for collies is ready-made food developed by veterinarians. Moreover, experts recommend not mixing it with natural food. Therefore, immediately consult your doctor and decide what you will feed your pet.

Choosing a puppy

A prerequisite for purchasing a baby is the presence of documents and vaccinations. Choose a breeder in advance, look at the parents, find out about diseases. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the pigmentation of the nose - if it is not completely colored, then there is a possibility that the pigmentation may be disturbed. But usually by the year everything falls into place.

An important indicator is the absence of more white color. Marble babies have more breeding defects, but this does not mean that everyone has them.

The puppy is active, well-fed, inquisitive. Babies leave for a new home at the age of 1.5 - 2 months. You need to prepare a bowl, toys and food.

Price

Depends on the pedigree of the parents, titles. Show class and individuals that show great promise in the future cost twice as much as pet class. Cost from 30 to 70 thousand rubles.

Character

Temperamental Collie, exclusively focused on people. She is capable of not only understanding commands very well, but also feeling the owner on an instinctive level. Emotionally attached, will suffer without attention, will sincerely love everyone at home.

She cannot remain inactive for a long time, languid evenings in front of the TV are wonderful, but she needs activity in nature, walking without a leash, games and just time with a person. Will be a wonderful companion on travel and outdoor recreation. It will feel great when fishing or just in the park with people.

If a dog regularly gets to know new places, spends enough time with its owner, feels love and care, its emotional state is stable and calm. If a person is absent for a long time, he begins to feel sad and may refuse to eat, walk or play. It is not recommended to leave it for a long time.

The pet will not be intrusive, but may show resentment. The most ideal option for families with children, after completing training and growing up, you can safely leave the child in the care, and the pet itself, in turn, undertakes to look after the baby no less.

It is contentious with other animals, not aggressive, friendly, calm. Sometimes bitches perceive children as their own, showing maximum care and guardianship.

They are wary of strangers and outsiders, but do not show it. It looks more like the dog didn’t notice the new person if the owner was nearby, but that’s not the case. At the moment when she is alone and guests come to the house, she is able to provide security and protection. If she knows people, then there is no aggression, the owner’s friends and her friends too.

He is easy to raise and train, loves and is interested in learning. Does not perceive shouts and rudeness. They are believed to be smarter than long-haired dogs and more active; they often need games that can develop brain activity and freedom of decision-making.

Having the peculiarity of shepherd dogs, they sometimes show increased vigilance towards smaller animals, can gather them together, or show their superiority a little.

A strong word from the owner will be enough for the pet to obey, provided that it is well trained from an early age.

Description of the breed

Collie Smooth is a British (Scottish and English) breed of shepherd dog. The closest relative of the collie is the longhaired collie, however, in the USA both varieties of collie are considered one breed. The IFF decided to separate the varieties, assigning each of them a separate standard.

The Shorthaired Collie is characterized by the graceful lines of a strong body, the attentive gaze of intelligent eyes and a dense short coat that requires minimal grooming. He is always ready to move a lot and actively, work in the field or participate in agility competitions. You won't be bored with such a four-legged companion.

Do you want to take part in a dog show? Catch admiring glances from other dog breeders? The Shorthaired Collie is the ideal dog for such competitions. Smart, beautiful, athletes, almost Komsomol members. They easily accept the rules of behavior in the ring and know how to effectively present themselves in the most favorable light.

Origin story

Short-haired collies came from the British Isles; there is reliable information that the Scottish representatives were the ancestors of the breed; there is an opinion that they were brought by the Romans.

Historians believe that at this time in Rome itself, there were already shepherds. But the fact of the presence of roots is definitely there, as is the presence of English breeds and greyhounds in the ancestors.

They gained wide popularity at the end of the 16th century, receiving the name North English Cattle Dog.

In the period from the 18th to the 19th centuries, the population grew significantly, matings also occurred with long-haired representatives, and later the two types of wool were separated.

Not all countries in the world have yet recognized them as different breeds; America is confident that they are one breed - collie, but with different types of coat presentation. The British believe that animals are different. The first standard for their differences was adopted at the end of 1974.

Russian history

Collie gained her popularity at the time of the release of the film “Lassie”; at that time, a huge number of individuals were bred and sold, no one really paid attention to her external or internal qualities. Throughout the late 80s, people wanted this particular dog.

At this moment, a certain type of marriage began, which forced us to reconsider our attitude towards the breed as a whole. The desire to see a smart pet from a movie in your home led to the fact that puppies were sold in larger quantities, there were numerous matings, and breeders did not particularly care about quality.

As a result, people got problem dogs that had a terrible, uncontrollable character and increased aggression. This was one of the turning points, popularity waned, and real experts of the breed began to select the best representatives for mating.

It took a lot of time to get the animal in order; modern representatives are distinguished by other qualities.

Short-haired animals came to the Russian Federation and the countries of the former CIS only after the 90s, some are still confident that all collies are long-haired dogs. Now these are balanced animals that have nothing in common with the pets from the 80-90s.