Lassie, the popular series on television has made the Collie a recognizable breed to many. The Collie is noted for it's intelligence and deep affection for the family.

Appearance - The Collie descended from dogs used for herding and this trait is still strong in them. The Collie is a wonderful dog for the household as they have innate desire to safeguard. Some dogs of this breed can be anxious due to its ancestry, however, most are usually hardworking and smart. The Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. The Collie can be as high as 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh in at 55 to 80 pounds.

The Collie is an energetic breed and is known for its perseverance. The Collie has beautifully shaped almond eyes and they reflect their perceptiveness. The eyes can be brown or blue. The Collie can either have a smooth coat or a rough coat, and the rough Collies have a fuller coat. They come in sable and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.

Characteristics - These dogs are not good with apartments since they love to spend most of their time outside. A family that is outgoing and energetic, and in the possession of a relatively big back yard would be the ideal situation for a Collie. The breed is sociable and extroverted but still make excellent watchdogs and protectors. They will sound an alert if there are strange humans or creatures. The do bite gently or nip at heels of the young kids to prevent the children from straying in the wrong direction.

Puppies of this breed are extremely smart and can prove to be a handful as they can be stubborn and get into trouble. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn to socialize at an early age. You will need to demonstrate who is in charge and show the Collie what can be allowed and what is prohibited.

Health Problems and Grooming Issues - There are a few issues associated with the Collie. They can suffer from eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.

They like to eat, so ensure that the dog does not put on too much weight or there could be medical issues because of obesity. They enjoy three small meals a day.

Although it has long hair, it does not need as much grooming as one might think. In any case, the Collie's coat must be groomed very often to reduce tangles. The Collie is alert and perceptive, ideal for protecting your household and can bring you much joy for years to come.