The exact origin of the collie is not known but it is widely accepted that
the collie has a long history as a sheep herding dog in Scotland and
northern England. Of the two varieties of collies, the smooth collie, also
known as the "ban" dog, was used to guide the cows and sheep to market.
This collie was not used to guard the sheep and cattle in the pastures.
This job was the responsibility of the rough collie, also known as the
“shepherd's” dog.
The name collie is thought to come from the term “coalie” or “coaly,” a
term used to describe the black faced sheep that the dog herded. It also
describes the predominately black color of the dog at that time.
In the early 19th century, dog fanciers took an interest in the breed and
began a strict breeding program. During an 1860s dog show, Queen Victoria
fell in love with the the collie, and fueled by this link to royalty, the
popularity of the collie skyrocketed. It was no longer just a herding dog.
In 1867, a dog name “old Cockie” was born. This dog is credited with the
original sable coloration of the rough collie. Most sable rough collies
have “old Cockie” somewhere in their lineage. The sable rough collie is
not the only one with a famous ancestor. In 1873, a dog named “Trefoil”
was born and the tricolor collie line was begun.
The collie was accepted into the English Kennel Club in 1886. Also in this
year, the Collie Club of America was founded and the breed was accepted
into the American Kennel Club as part of the herding dog group.
Smooth vs Rough
The
collie is beautiful, elegant and is well known as a loving, faithful
family dog. Popularized by the movie and television canine Lassie, the
collie is an easily recognized breed. The dog comes in two separate
varieties: The rough collie, the one most people are familiar with; and
the smooth collie, that does not have the flowing coat of the rough
collie, but is just as loyal and affectionate and is gaining
This is
the only difference between the two types. It is surmised that the rough
coated variety was used in the field for herding and protecting flocks,
usually sheep. The heavy coat would protect the dog from the harsh
weather (Scotland, Northern England), briars, thorns, and animal bites.
The smooth coated Collie would be used for driving the sheep to the
markets. The roads used would be muddy and the dog's short hair would
tend to be less apt to show or hold the dirt.
Appearance and Size
The collie is a tall, lean, elegant dog with a long and tapered nose. The
difference between the rough and smooth collie is primarily the hair coat.
The rough collie has a long flowing hair coat that can be sable and white,
tricolor, blue merle or white. The outer coat is long and abundant and the
inner coat is soft. The smooth collie has similar colored hair coats but
the hair coat is short, dense and flat with a rich undercoat.
The collie, both smooth and rough, stand 22 to 26 inches in height at the
shoulder. Collies typically weigh 50 to 75 pounds.
Personality
Collies are loyal and affectionate dogs with natural protective and
herding instincts. They are intelligent and quite active and some may be
high strung and sensitive.
Home and Family Relations
A devoted and faithful family dog, the collie is ideal for homes with
children. Due to their tolerant nature, they are also excellent in homes
with other dogs. Though not known for having guard dog tendencies, collies
will alert the family when strangers approach.
Training
The collie takes well to training. The breed thrives on mental and
physical stimulation. Collies have a natural herding instinct, which must
be overcome through proper training to prevent the breed from
inappropriately herding small children and other pets.
Special Concerns
Due to their strong natural homing instinct, when initially brought to a
new home, the collie should be kept securely confined until completely
adjusted to their new environment. Without this adjustment period, the
collie may escape and try to find his way “home.”
The collie requires daily exercise and does not do well when confined for
prolonged periods of time. The long hair coat of the rough collie requires
frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Make sure the brushing
includes the deeper undercoat.
Some collies tend to be high strung and require lots of human
companionship and extra care and understanding.
