The Collie

One of the most well-known breeds of dogs, the Collie has beauty and grace as well as intelligence and a gentle personality.

While the exact origins of the Collie are not known, it has been shown that the breed originated in the hilly terrain of Scotland and northern England. Bred for herding sheep and other animals, the Collie became of interest to serious breeders in the mid-1800’s and became increasingly popular after Queen Victoria took an interest in the breed later in that century.

Collies in America increased in popularity among breeders and the public in the early 1900’s. The hero of stories by Albert Payson Terhune starting in 1919, and later of “Lassie Come Home” by Eric Knight in 1938 which lead to a series of movies, the Collie earned a permanent place in popular culture. Over the past 100 years, thanks to the continued development of the breed into what we see today along with public awareness of Collies through literature and the media, Collies continue to be one of the most recognizable breeds of dogs.

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For more information on Collie history and characteristics, please see:

“Collie Origins and History” – Collie Club of America

“The Collie” – American Kennel Club

“Collie – Dog Breed Series” – American Kennel Club (video)

“Rough Collie: A Dog Lover’s Introduction” – Dogumentary TV (video)

“10 Best Family Dogs” – American Kennel Club (Collies are ranked #10)

“Breed Education Videos” – Collie Club of America (video)