Buying or Adopting a Collie (Rough or Smooth)

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Collie the right breed for you?

Rough and Smooth Collie Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Collie?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Collie stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, flyball, herding); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• Brushing (rough variety) – moderate
• Trimming (rough variety) – every few months
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Rough and Smooth Collies are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with heavy shedding (both varieties)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Collie to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Collie, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Collie?

Collies are a common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Collies rank 37th. The majority of those are Rough Collies; if you're interested in the Smooth variety, you'll need to look harder.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Rough Collies (or Collie crosses and mixes) are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Smooth Collies are less commonly available. Collies may be turned over to Rescue because they need too much grooming or shed too much, or due to behavioral issues like barking. But many Collies are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Collies can sometimes be found here, although Collie Rescue groups do try to move their breed out of shelters and into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Rough or Smooth Collie from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Collie from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Rough or Smooth Collie puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips

Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Rough or Smooth Collie puppy should have:

• a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a severe hereditary eye disease called rcd2-PRA.

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Collie ends up blind, or lame from hip dysplasia.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I've seen plenty of Rough Collies in pet shops, but only one Smooth Collie. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Collie Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Collie puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Collie puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?