When purchasing my first collie, I was a little worried about the grooming job (is it a lot?), nervous temper, and separation anxiety within the breed. These were "concerns" I had to investigate more due to rumors online and characteristics some people meant the breed is “infected with”. This was the total opposite from both my personal meetings with the breed and what the FCI Standard describes.  

FCI standard describes the temperament like this:

"Friendly attitude without a trace of nervousness or aggression. A good companion dog, - friendly, cheerful and active, kind to children and other dogs."

These are my observations and thoughts around “my concerns” after discussing with other breeders and experience the breed myself:

Grooming: Yes, the collie has a LOT of coat compared with some other breeds, but they do not shed more than my previous dogs (except for the volume that comes when they change their coat) - on the contrary, it has been very practical “fur balls” I easily pick up from the floor, and the coat easily removes with a lint roll on clothes and my furniture. Some of my previous short haired dogs was more off a struggle as the coat were spread everywhere all over the floors and got stuck in my furniture and clothes like "cactus needles" (could not remove it with a lint roll).

 

I also have to say that grooming the coat approximately once a week is so worth it, as the breed is so fantastic to live with. They are easily trained and integrates fast in the family, and I find us able to enjoy our dogs without any restrictions because of their lovely temper and behavior with both humans and other dogs.

 

Nerves and separation anxiety: Puppies from serious, experienced breeders that grows up at a serious puppy buyer is very unusual (never heard but I choose to say unusual in case of exceptions). The temper, behavior and confidant are very hereditary which means that a serious breeder “won`t have this in their lines / breeding dogs”, and unless it happens something very traumatizing to the puppy and if the puppy buyer is good with socializing you can be quite sure that this won`t be a problem.

However, it is very important (with all breeds) that the puppy buyer has taken some time off and are willing to focus on the puppy and its growth both due to socializing and confidant their first year.