The Coolie Dog

The Collie dog makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever. He can be trained to perform the duties of other breeds.  He is clever at hunting, having an excellent nose, is a good vermin-killer, and a most faithful watch, guard, and companion.

Little is known with certainty of the origin of the Collie, but his cunning and his outward appearance would seem to indicate a relationship with the wild dog. Buffon was of opinion that he was the true dog of nature, the stock and model of the whole canine species. He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct and intelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in which education has comparatively little share, he is the only animal born perfectly trained for the service of man.

At the shows this type of dog is invariably at the top of the class. He is considered the most tractable, and is certainly the most agile. Second to this type in favour is the smooth-coated variety, a very hard, useful dog, well adapted for hill work and usually very fleet of foot. He is not so sweet in temper as the black and white, and is slow to make friends. There is not a more  graceful and physically beautiful dog to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed.

The skull should be flat, moderately wide between the ears, and gradually tapering towards the eyes. There should only be a slight depression at stop. The width of skull necessarily depends upon combined length of skull and muzzle; and the whole must be considered in connection with the size of the dog. The cheek should not be full or prominent.

The muzzle should be of fair length, tapering to the nose, and must not show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever the colour of the dog may be, the nose must be black. The teeth should be of good size, sound and level; very slight unevenness is permissible. The jaws Clean cut and powerful. The eyes are a very important feature, and give expression to the dog; they should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape, and of a brown colour except in the case of merles, when the eyes are frequently (one or both) blue and white or china; expression full of intelligence, with a quick alert look when listening. The ears should be small and moderately wide at the base, and placed not too close together but on the top of the skull and not on the side of the head. When in repose they should be usually carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, with tips slightly drooping in attitude of listening.

The neck should be muscular, powerful and of fair length, and somewhat arched.  The body should be strong, with well sprung ribs, chest deep, fairly broad behind the shoulders, which should be sloped, loins very powerful. The dog should be straight in front. The fore-legs should be straight and muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a fair amount of bone; the forearm somewhat fleshy, the pasterns showing flexibility without weakness. The hind-legs should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below the hocks, with well bent stifles. The feet should be oval in shape, soles well padded, and the toes arched and close together.

In general character he is a lithe active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, his sloping shoulders and well bent hocks indicating speed, and his expression high intelligence. He should be a fair length on the leg, giving him more of a racy than a cloddy appearance. In a few words, a Collie should show endurance, activity, and intelligence, with free and true action. In height dogs should be 22 ins. to 24 ins. at the shoulders, bitches 20 ins. to 22 ins. The weight for dogs is 45 to 65 lbs., bitches 40 to 55 lbs. The smooth collie only differs from the rough in its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth.

Stopping Bad Dog Behaviors

When properly trained, dogs are some of the best pets imaginable. They are loyal, obedient, intelligent, playful, energetic, and cuddly. They can be depended on as companions, friends, and protectors. When dogs are not properly trained, however, things are much different. Bad dog behaviors such as urinating on the floor, refusing to come when called, barking and growling at strangers, and going up on the furniture can ruin your relationship with your pet.

If you have a big dog, it is especially important that you get rid of bad dog behaviors. Large bad behaving dogs are not just annoying, they are a menace. A little yappie dog can give someone a nasty bite, but a large mastiff or pit bull with an anger problem can actually kill someone! Bad dog behaviors are not only unpleasant and difficult for dog owners – they are often a menace and a hazard to the neighborhood.

Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do to stop bad dog behavior. The most obvious and the easiest one is to send it to dog obedience school. Obedience training is no joke – it works every time. Dog training is both a science and an art. It has been practiced for thousands of years, and the people who do it are very good. They can take difficult dogs and turn them into mellow, respectful, and happy pets in just a few weeks.

Many people decide to treat bad dog behaviors on their own. There are a variety of reasons for this. Sometimes, people just don’t want to pay for pet school. Other times, the reason is more ideological. Many dog owners believe that it is better to train your dog yourself. The training process itself can deepen the relationship between you and your dog.

Of course, before you can train your dog, you have to train yourself to a certain extent. Bad dog behaviors are almost always The result of owners who don’t understand canine psychology. Many owners reinforced bad dog behaviors without even thinking about it. Some owners pay attention to dogs who bark, teaching them that this is an acceptable way to get attention. Others go too easy on them when they refuse to be paper trained. A dog training book is a necessity for anyone who wants to get rid of bad dog behavior. It will teach you how to methodically address every aspect of your dog’s disobedience. The result will be a happier dog and a happier owner.

Cool & Celebrity Accessories For Dogs

Gone are the days when dogs had to run around without a stitch on! In fact, just as human fashion can have flashy wardrobes with matching accessories, so can your pooch be outfitted to the nines and all glitzed up. If you haven’t checked lately, you may be pleasantly shocked to see what Fido can be wearing. We’re talking four seasons and all occasions. Here’s just a sampling of ways to spruce up your dog’s appearance, as well as some practical finery.

Now that summer’s in full swing, days can get doggone hot. Help your pet through the dog days with a cooling body wrap – no kidding. These accessories for dogs come in a variety of materials, styles and colors. Many have Velcro™ straps that form a perfect fit, delivering cool to vital areas. If your dog helps himself to a dip in your backyard pool, you can indulge him with a pool ramp, allowing him to exit the pool in a dignified fashion. If you go boating, equip him with a doggie life jacket to keep him safe. When Rover just wants to kick back in the heat, consider a doggie cabana or cool-pack bed. Among the more unusual accessories for dogs are the new dog popsicle-style molds, with special mixtures with dog appeal!

When the cooler weather sets in, there’s a full line of clothing accessories for dogs, including fleece and faux fur-lined coats, along with nylon ‘bubble’ parkas and vests to keep him warmly in style. If you’re dog’s a she, or an open-minded he, take a look at the dog dresses in an array of styles to have that well-dressed dog look.

The true celebrity dog must have a selection of jewelry and other essential accessories for dogs. You’ll find dog ties, hats and scarves, suitable for office wear. As for jewelry, your dog will impress her friends with a basic string of pearls, crystal beads, pendants and tiaras, fit for a Princess.

When you need to keep face fur fashionably in place and out of the eyes, look no further than the fur management accessories for dogs, such as fur clips, barrettes and fancy fabric bows. It’s likely you’ll find so many cute styles and designs, you’ll wonder why such a panoply of choices aren’t available for us humans too!

To complete your cool dog’s look, check out the sunglasses on websites that carry accessories for dogs. Does your dog need shoes to trek through winter slush? Of course!
For the dog who has everything, you can’t miss with a gift certificate. Now your dog, or your friend’s dog, needn’t worry about getting that same old dog dish on his birthday or under the Christmas tree!