Description:
Isn't Phelps beautiful? I absolutely adore this dog. It is hard to believe that someone tried to kill him.....

Phelps is a lovely Collie mix. He reminds me of my Australian Shepherd Tenakee, so I think that he may have a touch of the breed. Phelps was owned by a young woman with two very young children. She called desperate for someone to take her dog because her boyfriend was trying to strangle it! Oh my word! Judy took Phelps, but not before trying to talk sense into this mother of small children. Who needs a person in their life with such violent tendancies. Phelps is out the home. Let us pray the boyfriend is too.
Phelps is a great dog, very friendly, very loving, and obviously very forgiving. And we will find him a very loving home in return.

Foster Update: Phelps enjoys running around outside and taking a swim in the lake or baby pool, whatever water source he can find. Loves fetching or just holding on to the balls and making them squeak. He likes to sleep on the couch on some pillows. Doesn't mind a bath and just stands patiently in the shower. He enjoys playing with other dogs except with toys, he does NOT share, otherwise he is a great family dog!!


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, "For centuries the Rough Coated Collie was hardly known outside Scotland, but it is now one of the world's most popular breeds. Descended from generations of hard- working herding dogs, it is a conscientious creature of immense intelligence. They are used as water rescue dogs and have served man as sheepdogs for centuries, guarding and herding flocks. The breed's name probably comes from its charge; the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Early Rough Collies were smaller, with broader heads and shorter muzzles. The Collie is so intelligent that he has been trained for many purposes, as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star, and as a guard dog. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and her interest launched the breed's subsequent popularity. J.P. Morgan and other members of the upper class have owned Collies. At this point Collies were mixed with the Borzoi, and *ALL* show dogs had to have the Borzoi influence for them to win in the show ring. The working dogs separated, branched out and became the different breeds (with the Scotch Collie remaining) and the show type became what we see now, the large dogs with flatter faces. The Collies great beauty has made them a favorite show dog and family companion. The Smooth Collie is more popular as a companion dog in Great Britain than in the United States, though he is gaining popularity in the U.S. today. The Smooth Collie is the same as the Rough Collie, but without the long coat. The AKC considers the Rough and Smooth Collies as varieties of the same breed. They are judged by the same standard with the exception of the coat. The first Collie was presented at a dog show in 1860.
A noble, highly intelligent dog. Sensitive, sweet, kind, easy to train and loyal. Usually good with other pets and friendly with other dogs. Very devoted to and protective of his loved ones. One Collie travelled 2000 miles to find his family after he became lost. Collies have received the Ken-L-Ration Hero Dog award 5 times. An excellent children's companion, playful and gentle, with some exceptions. Can be willful and must be trained gently or he will refuse to cooperate. Some exhibit herding behavior as puppies, nipping at people's heels. Adult dogs generally outgrow this behavior. Collie puppies housetrain quickly, generally in about a week (after about 10-12 weeks old). They are good-natured, friendly, dogs. They are energetic outdoors. They can be wary of strangers, stubborn and indolent. It has a fairly good sense of protectiveness for its master, especially for children. They are not aggressive, but they do tend to be suspicious of people they do not like."