Remember miniature Collies from runts or dwarfism genes can have more health problems than normal sized Collies and mixed breed Collies. If a breeder specializes in miniature Collies, be sure to ask them how they breed for small size. Responsible breeders will health test their dogs for inherited health problems known to affect the Collie breed.
Like most purebred dogs, Collies can suffer from some inherited health issues , no matter what size they are. Your breeder should test for a condition called multidrug sensitivity and an eye disease known as progressive retinal atrophy. Dogs sold through these venues often come from large commercial breeding operations known as puppy mills.
Rescue is an excellent option if you are interested in a mixed breed miniature Collie or an adult dog. Breed-specific rescue groups for Collies are also a good resource for smaller sized and mixed breed Collies. Be sure to choose your next best friend with care to ensure that your dog is as healthy as possible. Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology, National Institutes of Health, Voorbij, A.
Shedding Light on Canine Pituitary Dwarfism. Lassie is a cousin, so to speak. Shelties, as they're commonly called, mature between 13 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed ranges from 14 to 27 pounds, with males larger than the females.
Shelties have a double coat, with the outer hair long and straight and the undercoat furry and short. The sheltie possesses and abundant "mane" around the neck. His tail has lots of hair, with hairy feathering on his legs. Colors include black, sable - golden to dark brown - and blue merle. The last color is a bluish-silver color. Shelties have white or tan in the coats, but the American Kennel Club considers excessive amounts of white a breed fault. Miniature Collies can adapt to apartment living if you take them for daily walks and runs.
They will need some playtime to keep them mentally stimulated. Miniature collie dogs have a double coat , which was necessary to withstand the harsh weather conditions on the islands where the shetland sheepdog originated. Their outer coat is long and straight with a rough texture, while the undercoat is short and fluffy. This breed typically has feathering on its legs as well as a smooth mane around its head.
They can have sable , which varies from a golden to dark brown color, mixed with white. Some mini collies have a black and white or black and tan coat. Another potential is a blue merle or blue-silver color. Finally, Shelties can have a tri-color coat. All Miniature collies will have some white in their coat.
These shetland island collies have a wonderful nature that is well suited to singles, families, and seniors. The miniature shetland collie is intensely loyal and forms a strong bond with its owners. This makes for a loving furry family member. However, toddlers are less likely to handle these dogs with the care they need. Miniature Collies are reserved, not aggressive. Their herding nature may cause them to nip and strangers ankles at times, but again, this comes down to obedience training.
Isolation or loneliness causes these dogs to become anxious, which they express by barking or chewing things. Miniature Collies are sensitive dogs that pay quite a bit of attention to the verbal cues and moods of their owners. Because these dogs are very eager to please, they respond well to positive reinforcement like treats and petting. Because Miniature Collies were bred for herding, they instinctively chase moving objects. This can include squirrels, cars, and other dogs.
Experts also recommend strong, solid fences for your yard to prevent escapes. Miniature Collies are overall very healthy dogs. Here are a few health issues to keep an eye out for:.
The Miniature Collie is a compact, energetic dog with a distinctive face, beautiful long coat, and excellent agility. Sweet, obedient, and intelligent, these dogs are popular companions and family animals. Bred as a herding dog, the Miniature Collie needs quite a bit of exercise and can make a very alert watchdog. Exceptionally smart, this sensitive dog responds well to cues and can be trained as a service or therapy dog. You will need to regularly groom your Miniature Collie and provide it with plenty of stimulation.
We hope this comprehensive guide to the Miniature Collie helps you understand this beautiful, energetic breed. Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand.
Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups — something she holds close to her heart.
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