Ad
Ad

The Collie is a native of Scotland, primarily from the Highland regions. She has been called Collis, Colley, Coally, and Coaly, names that probably derive from col or coll, the Anglo-Saxon word for black. Some historians think, however, that the name comes from the colley, the Scottish black-faced sheep, that the Collie dog used to guard.

Original Collies were closer in size and shape to today's Border Collies, and they were predominantly black. Herding ability was more important than appearance, so the dogs varied a great deal in looks.

Stone Age nomads brought dogs to what is now Southern England, and from these came a hardy, intelligent dog used to herd sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs. Some historians say that the Collie's particular ancestors were brought to the British Isles by Roman conquerors, some two thousand years ago.

Queen Victoria is credited with saving Collies from obscurity. In 1860, she visited her Scotland estate and fell in love with the good looks and gentle temperament of the Collies she saw. She brought some back to England, and thus began the first Collie fad.

It wasn't long before the dogs were shown and bred for good looks rather than working ability. They first were exhibited in 1860 at a dog show in Birmingham, England, in the generic class known as "Scotch Sheep-Dogs."

One Collie, named Old Cockie, who was born in 1867, is credited with the characteristic type of the Rough Collie known today, and she is believed to be responsible for introducing sable coat color to the breed.

In 1879, the first Collie was imported to the United States. The Collie Club of America was formed on August 26, 1886, which makes it one of the oldest canine specialty clubs.

« Health | Next: Breed highlights »

Collie
Collie

Ad
Road to Rescue

newest topics:
Collie
Subscribe to Collie 6 topics, 27 posts
Button_topic_start topics replies views last post
Collies vs. Shelties

Collies are cool.... But Shelties rule!

1 298 Sep 13, 2009 5:50am by Theresa
view
I'm looking for a miniature Collie

I am new to this site and I would love to find a miniature collie, I have only seen them once in my life and I know they a... (continued)

8 1868 Sep 13, 2009 5:28am by Theresa
view

LOOKING FOR A DOG?
Take the Dogtime Breed Matchup Quiz
Find the right dog for you!
Quiz: ready or not?
Are you ready for a dog?
Adoptable Dogs
Adopt a dog near you!

Welcome! | 11/08/09
Please Login or Sign up
Ad
dog photos