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Overview

The Collieis most well-known through Hollywood as 'Lassie'. They are probably not as smart as the on-screen dog but they are an intelligent, well natured, fun, and a large, lean, strong working dog. Always happy to please and devoted to its owner and family.

Care and health

A high maintenance breed needing lots of exercise and mental plus physical stimulus. Long walks, regular park visits and as many games as you can think of. On top of this the rough haired breed needs daily brushing as the coat tangles easily. They can live outdoors but as ever with the more social breeds they much prefer to be indoors with the owner.

History

This is yet another breed with an uncertain background. It's thought the name comes from the Irish Gallic term for 'useful' as these were most certainly that and commonly used by the travelling Irish tribes as herders. But this is speculation. When Queen Victoria became interested in them, appreciation for its working use and also its beauty became more prominent. The standard Collie breed (that's the Lassie we know today) was established in 1886 which declared that this is what the breed should look like, prior to this the breed varied greatly in terms of what was titled a Collie. Despite the Queens and upper classes' enthusiasm for this breed it was really cemented by the Hollywood films that made it the most famous breed in the world.

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