Collie

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A lovely, active, and agile, long-coated sheepdog made the Collie famous by the movie star, Lassie.

The lean, blunted, wedge-shaped head gives an impression of lightness. The top of the head is flat. The face is chiseled.

The long, smooth, well-rounded, blunt muzzle tapers to a black nose. The ears are 3/4 erect with the tips folding forward. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark except in the case of blue merles that may have blue or merle eyes.

The trim, but muscular, body is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is strong and fairly wide. The tailbone hangs down to the dog's hocks. In the Rough variety, an abundant double coat forms a mane around the neck and chest.

The coat needs regular weekly grooming to look its best. The Smooth variety has a one-inch coat that needs very little grooming. With both varieties the hair on the head and legs is short and smooth.

They both come in sable and white, tri-color (black, white & tan), blue merle or predominantly white with sable, tri-color or blue merle markings.

Temperament: Protective, Gentle, Loyal, Friendly, Active, Intelligent

Health Problems: Generally healthy dogs. Some lines are prone to PRA, eye defects (Collie eye syndrome) and hip problems leading to acute lameness and arthritis. Collies may need sunblock on their nose as they are often sensitive to the sun. Some herding dogs carry a MDR1 gene which makes them sensitive to certain drugs that are otherwise okay to give another dog, but if tested positive for this gene can kill them.