Latest Collie Frequently Asked Questions:
AKC and Collie Club of America sources only tell prospective owners how great collies are. I need some more balanced information. I'm not so much interested in individual anecdotes. Please no "my brother's best friend's hairdresser had a collie that..." stories. But I would appreciate documented sources on the breed in general, particularly temperament and health issues.
Answer:Collies are, in general, very good dogs for families. They tend to be mild-mannered and good-natured, overall. What are some of the not-so-great aspects of owning a Collie? Collies (at least the rough coated version, like "Lassie"), require a good amount of grooming to be done regularly. No matter what the breeder may tell you, don't believe the whole "they blow their coats twice a year and that's it!" ... it's a myth. With the introduction to indoor heating and artificial light, a dog's system is confused into thinking it's always springtime, so most dogs shed all year long. Yes ... ALL...year....long. Be prepared for frequent, regular trip to the groomer and doing a good amount of maintenance at home (brushing, combing, raking, etc). Also, Collies are part of the Herding Group. Herding dogs, well, like to herd. Herding dogs have been known to try to herd entire families, or groups of children by running them into a group, sometimes even nipping at them to gather them up into a herd. Collies also have a very high-pitched, ear-piercing bark. And while not all Collies are known for being excessive barkers, if you do get one of those, be ready for it! As for health issues ... the majority of health issues I've seen with Collies are skin issues (hot spots, etc) which are usually caused by a lack of proper grooming. Thick, double coats like those on Collies tend to cause skin problems if not taken care of very well. For more specific info, go to www.akc.org and read up about the breed. Good luck!
I rescued this collie(Who i might add i adore)my only problem is she wont come to heel when called if she sees anyone else on our walks,be it human o r dogs.I have 3other dogs and she is the baby of the group.She knows her place in that pecking order.I took advice before i kept her about this breed as my other dogs have always been labradors.Shes so easy to train and she adores just pleasing you,but for this one thing.Its making what should be a pleasure become an anxiety when out walking.Ive tried diverting her attention,putting her back on her lead after a barking session.Im desperate as last time she barked at a family with young children and she frightened the children.Shes as good as gold in every other aspect but this one.Shes 18months old.
Answer:Collies are a "talkative" breed by nature and breeding and some are more "barky" than others. I have two Rough Collies (also rescues) and boy, do they LOVE to bark... My 5 1/2 year old female will stand in the middle of the yard and just bark at nothing in particular - I think she just likes the sound of her own voice (in fact, she's doing it now and I'll have to go bring her in if she doesn't stop soon). My 4 year old male tends to only bark "at" things but will sometimes get so worked up over seeing a squirrel or our neighbor's dog, that he can go on and on and on too. We have tried several "bark collar" solutions (without success, I might add) but I don't think that's going to solve your problem since it's happening on walks. Have you considered obedience training or working with a trainer? Your dog barking while walking could be caused by any number of problems and it might help to have an "expert" observe it happening. My dogs will sometimes bark at people who we come across while walking - especially if they are actually afraid of dogs. Dogs can sense fear on people and will bark because they get nervous themselves about what this strange person might do to them. Your growing anxiety might be feeding the problem as she might be able to sense that you are nervous and wants to protect you. If one of my dogs starts barking at someone while we are out on a walk, I make them sit down and stay seated. Even if they are still barking, the fact that they are sitting makes the person they are barking at far less nervous. Each time they bark, I correct them with the leash (I don't use a choker chain while I'm out walking but a sharp tug usually gets their attention) and tell them "no bark!". If they are really acting up, I'll get them up and turn them around and make them sit facing the other direction so they aren't distracted even more. Sometimes, I'll even briefly put my hand around their muzzle as an extra "reminder" for them to be quiet. Good luck!
I have a two year old female collie that goes crazy when anything with a motor is started up. The leaf blower, roto tiller and also tries to attack cars jumping and biting at whats making the noise. She does not seem to mind the vacuum cleaner but goes in another room when I am using it but she doesn't attack it. She actually jumps and bites at whomever is using the equipment. How do I stop this behavior?
Answer:Try chaining her up when you are outside, and let her get use to this. She will bark, and try to get loose, and may take awhile for her to be tied up. You may also put her in a fenced kennel and let her run around in it then, while you are outside, this way you will know she is safe. When you are vacuuming, let her go outside in the kennel, or put her in the bathroom with the door shut, so you can get your work done.
Shes just over a year and started about two months ago. Shes never done this before and never attacks anything but my collie. I also have two other small dogs but the collie is the only one she attacks.My collie is getting old and im worried that the my pit bull will take it to far one time.
Answer:You're right to be concerned. Please call your primary care veterinarian and ask for a referral to a behaviorist who can help you. This doesn't get better without in-person professional help. The sooner you intervene, the better the outcome will be here.
I found a Border Collie x Spaniel and he is 2 years old and he is desperate for a home. How many hours would i need to excersise him. If i do get him i would plan on giving him a daily walk. How many hours would be enough excersise for him?) and i was planning on playing fetch etc in the backyard. Oh sorry i didnt put this is.. Its from a shelter.
Answer:Border Collie-2 hours to keep them calm and satisfied. Spaniels-Generally 1-2 hours. So, I would say a 45 minute walk in the morning, half an hour play time in the afternoon, and an hour run at night. Yep, that outta do it! You also need to provide heaps of mental stimulation. Obedience training, interactive toys, hiding food around the house, etc. BCs are incredibly smart and need something to do or else they become destructive. I would bet money this dog is need of a desperate home because of his exercise levels. Most likely he doesn't have much training and is destructive because of lack of mental stimulation. Just realize he may be some work the first few weeks you have him. And also remember that this dog will be a huge commitment. Good luck!
