Ski-Collie

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Ski-Collie

20-75 lbs

15-26"

United States

American Eskimo

Collie

The Ski-Collie is a hybrid mix of the American Eskimo dog and the Collie. This hybrid mix combines two pure breeds which were both bred for farming/herding tasks in their respective countries. Both parent breeds contribute intelligence, gentleness, love, protectiveness and loyalty, resulting in a hybrid which will make a great watchdog as well as loyal and loving family pet, able to cuddle its way into your heart and your life easily and quickly. And, while they may not necessarily agree, they really aren't suited for lap-sitting, but will happily cuddle up with you on the sofa or in your bed anytime you like.

Purpose
Companion, Watchdog, Agility, Competitive Obedience


Date of Origin
2000's


Ancestry
American Eskimo Dog, Collie

Ski-Collie Health

Average Size

Height: 15-26 inches Weight: 20-75 lbs

Major Concerns

Dermatomyositis
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Ulcerative Dermatosis

Minor Concerns

Demodectic Mange
Deafness
Demodicosis
Pemphigus
Lupoid Dermatitis
Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA)
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Eye Diseases and Disorders
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (Ataxia)
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency

Occasional Diagnoses

Hemophilia
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
Degenerative Myopathy (DM)

Occasional Tests

Blood Gas Analysis
Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Yearly Physical Examination
Various Blood Testing Modalities
Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
X-rays of various parts of the skeletal system
Dental and Oral Examinations
Blood Panel

Ski-Collie Breed History

The Ski-Collie is a hybrid mix of the American Eskimo Dog and the Collie. There is little information on this hybrid, so we'll have to glean its background from that of the parent breeds. Since there is no information about where and when the hybrid was developed, we can most likely safely assume that the Ski-Collie originated in the United States, sometime in the late 1900's or early 2000's when interest in mixing pure breed canines for a multitude of reasons became more popular. The American Eskimo Dog, once a popular circus performer, is a descendant from several European Spitz breeds, which includes the Keeshond (Holland), the white German Spitz and the white Pomeranian from Germany and the white Italian Spitz, under the name of American Spitz. It was after WW I that the moniker was changed to American Eskimo from American Spitz to distinguish the breed from German breeds of its heritage. The American Eskimo Dog, bred to be guard dogs, was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1994 and is the 122nd most popular canine breed in their registry. The Collie, better known as the popular TV superstar "Lassie", is a working dog breed which was developed to herd and drive livestock. While the exact place of origination is unknown, it is believed that the Collie came to British Isles with the Romans over 2000 years ago. It is believed that the breed we know today as the Collie most likely originated in Scotland and the northern part of England in centuries past. While the breed was used for herding and driving various livestock in its past, today, it is utilized for police work, tracking, guarding and sentries and couriers for the Armed Forces as well as being used for a variety of services for the disabled. The Collie was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and is the 37th most popular canine breed in its registry. No breed registry organizations could be found for the Ski-Collie, a newer breed.

Ski-Collie Breed Appearance

The Ski-Collie is a hybrid mix of the American Eskimo Dog and the Collie and, this being the case, can take on the appearance traits of one or both parent breeds. Your Ski-Collie hybrid will stand between 15 and 26 inches at the shoulders and weigh between 20 and 75 pounds. He can have a coat that is short or long, dense and thick or fine, harsh and rough, with the most common colors being sable (like Lassie's color), tricolor, blue merle, white, pure white or white and cream. He may have a long tail which will hang down or curl over the back. His head is wedge-shaped with dark brown eyes (or merle eyes if he has a merle coat) and triangular ears which are held erect or may fold toward the head. His body could be compact or have a wide, strong chest.

Eye Color Possibilities

Blue

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

Cream

Sable

White

Blue

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Ski-Collie Breed Maintenance

Your Ski-Collie hybrid falls into the high category for maintenance, being a constant shedder and not hypoallergenic. The brushing frequency will be dependent upon the length of his thick, double coat but will likely be needed at least two to three times a week, with vacuuming of the house occurring more often. He falls into the low category for drooling and doggy smell. He will need to have his ears checked weekly, cleaning them as needed with a cotton ball and an approved canine ear wash. Expect to have to trim his toenails at least monthly unless he is able to keep them worn down in his normal daily exercise activities. He should have his teeth brushed at home two or three times a week to avoid development of periodontal disease and the tooth loss which goes with it. He is an energetic canine and will need at least 1 to 2 hours daily exercise to manage that energy.

Brushes for Ski-Collie

Pin Brush

Dematter

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Ski-Collie Temperament

Your Ski-Collie hybrid is a mix of the American Eskimo Dog and the Collie and can have the personality and temperament traits of one or both parent breeds. Your Ski-Collie hybrid can be friendly, alert, gentle, intelligent, independent, energetic, loyal, responsive, protective and social. He will need appropriate socialization at as early an age as possible to ensure that he will get along with the kids, the family cat, other dogs and strangers, though expect some wariness with strangers until he senses there is no danger to his human family. He is quite intelligent, making him easy to train. He has a moderate prey drive and tendency to wander, making it important to keep him on leash when outside the house, fenced yard or other safe enclosure. His personality and temperament make him a great fit for new or novice owners.

Ski-Collie Activity Requirements

Your Ski-Collie hybrid is an energetic canine who will need to be exercised at least 1 to 2 hours each and every day to manage it. This exercise activity can include several daily walks or jogs, playtime in the dog park or fenced yard, interactive games of fetch, Frisbee, flyball, agility training or obedience training. He has a moderate to high hunting/prey drive and a moderate tendency to wander. These traits make it very important to keep him on leash when he's outside the house, fenced yard or other safe enclosure, unless part of your planned exercise regimen for the day includes chasing him down the street, around the block, through the woods or into the lake in pursuit of a small animal or interesting scent which has attracted his attention. He can adapt to apartment or condo living as long as his exercise needs are being met on a daily basis. He can also adapt to life in a family home with or without a fenced yard, in an urban or rural setting, in any climate with necessary additional precautions being taken for the temperature extremes.

Activity Level

Low
Medium
High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Ski-Collie

Similarly Sized Breeds to Ski-Collie

Ski-Collie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2 cups
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00

Ski-Collie Height & Weight

6 Months

Height: 15.5 inches
Weight: 35.5 lbs

Height: 15.5 inches
Weight: 35.5 lbs
12 Months

Height: 20.5 inches
Weight: 47.5 lbs

Height: 20.5 inches
Weight: 47.5 lbs
18 Months

Height: 20.5 inches
Weight: 47.5 lbs

Height: 20.5 inches
Weight: 47.5 lbs

Written by a Yorkshire Terrier lover Vicki Fassler

Published: 12/12/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

Ski-Collie Owner Experiences

Chuck

11 Years

3 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Car rides

Leashless Walking

Chasing Squirrels and Possums

I recently got the DNA test that told me he was a Ski-Collie. Before then, I had thought he was some type of Border Collie mix. He never leaves my side, is incredibly attentive and loyal. He hates chewing on things or catching things. He likes to run, hang out by creeks, and watch me and my family. He can't tell which car is his, but besides that he is incredibly smart.

4 years ago

6 Months

4 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Cookie is an amazing dog. Very intelligent and curious. He fits in well with my children. He is house trained at 6 months!!!! He quickly learned to go outside! He is extremely friendly to everyone! I wouldn't recommend having this breed off leash, unless it's in an enclosed space with a high fence! He is very good motivated and extremely vocal, if you're looking for a "quiet" dog - this isn't the breed for you. Overall not to have in our home! We just love him!

3 years, 4 months ago

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