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- long-haired collie or rough collie
- short-haired collie or smooth collie
- border collie
- bearded collie
How many types of collie are there? Many people even today associate one of these types with the image of the well-known dog Lassie, of the breed longhaired collie, but the truth is that there are different breeds with the collie denomination, as determined by the International Cynological Federation (FCI).
The FCI includes in group 1, which corresponds to herding dogs and herding dogs, excluding Swiss herders, a section 1, of herding dogs, which includes a point intended for UK herding dogs. This is where the old English sheepdog, the Shetland sheepdog, the Welsh corgi cardigan and the Welsh corgi pembroke appear, in addition to these types of collie dogs that we will meet in this article: border collie, bearded collie or bearded collie, short-haired collie or smooth collie and long-haired collie or rough collie.
Next, in PeritoAnimal, we will detail the different types of collie that are recognized today, reviewing their most important features.
long-haired collie or rough collie
Of all the collie types, the longhaired is probably the most popular thanks to Lassie, although in recent years the border collie has gained ground. Its origins date back to the 19th century and, although it was a sheep herding dog, it became a very appreciated companion dog. Its aesthetic interferes with its success, with an unmistakable and elegant long coat, its manageable average size and yours good personality.
It's a dog smart and affectionate. He gets along well with children, is usually very protective of them, and has considerable learning abilities, which also implies a continual need for mental stimulation. Also, as they are very active dogs, you should provide opportunities for them to exercise a lot.
So, the longhaired collie it's a good mix between beauty and skill. To maintain the former, it is necessary to invest time in its daily care, otherwise the coat will be matted. Your nose should also be watched as it is prone to getting sunburned. The very long muzzle is another of its distinctive physical features.
Finally, specimens of the also called rough collie measure between 51 and 61 cm. Their weight is highly variable, as some of these dogs reach around 18 kg, while others reach 30 kg. Its life expectancy ranges between 12 and 14 years. Its long mane can be tricolor, white and sand or blue merle.
short-haired collie or smooth collie
Less popular than the longhaired collie and not widespread outside the UK, the shorthaired collie was also a 19th century sheep herding dog, more common today as companion dog, perfectly used to city life.
Except for the obvious difference in coat, which in this breed is short and dense, it shares numerous characteristics with the long-haired collie, as they are puppies. tolerant of children, very valid for learning and capable of developing great activity. Also, like the long-haired collie type, its muzzle is very long. For all of this, plus the fact that the long-haired collie occasionally gave birth to short-haired collie puppies, they were long considered to be the same breed. However, they also show considerable differences, for example, that short-haired collies tend to be more shy.
The short-haired collie shares measurements with the long-haired collie, as the specimens of the breed measure from 51 to 61 cm and weigh between 18 and 30 kg. The coat can also be tricolor, white and sand or blue merle.
border collie
The border collie is one of the best known types of collie nowadays, as they were valued for their excellent learning qualities, as well as their good personality and aesthetics. They are dogs that originated in the 18th century and worked as cattle herders. Currently, although there are dogs performing this task, it is very common to see them as companions and participating in different canine tests of obedience and ability.
are dogs affectionate, good with children, very smart and active. In fact, according to Stanley Coren's list, this is the smartest dog breed in the world. This need for activity can complicate your stay in an apartment. It is also important that they receive all the mental stimulation these very intelligent animals require. Otherwise, behavior problems will arise.
Physically, the muzzle is elongated, but less so than short-haired and long-haired collie. Its life expectancy is around 12-14 years. They are medium-sized and light dogs, weighing around 14 to 22 kg. Its measured height to the withers varies between 46 and 54 cm. Its long, dense coat comes in different colors such as red, blue merle, tricolor, brown, black or, perhaps the best known, white and black. Get to know all the border collie colors in this other article.
bearded collie
We conclude the review of the types of collie recognized by the FCI with the bearded or bearded collie. It is an ancient race, as its origin is said to be in the 16th century. They were sheep herding dogs that are now found for companionship. THE breed almost disappeared as working dog and it was only recovered in the 20th century.
are dogs cheerful, friendly, good with children and adapted to city life. They don't usually have any problems when they live with other dogs, so they are suitable for homes with more animals. But, unlike the previously seen collie, they are not easy to raise. Therefore, they will need patient training and, even better, a caregiver with some experience, time and energy. It is important to provide continuous stimulation both physical and mental. In addition, its coat requires regular care to maintain its radiance.
Its life expectancy is estimated to be between 12 and 13 years. They are medium-sized dogs with a visibly elongated body. They can weigh between 18 and 27 kg. Its average height to the withers varies between 51 and 56 cm. Its coat is long, covering the ears, which are not even seen, legs and tail, and it comes in different colors, such as grey, blue, fawn, brown or black. The fur is naturally parted in the middle of the back.
If you want to read more articles similar to Collie types, we recommend that you enter our Comparisons section.