THURSDAY'S HISTORY LESSON: COLLIES

The Collie Club of America <http://www.collieclubofamerica.org> states the origins of the Collie are shrouded in obscurity, although most sources agree the Collie’s natural home was in the highlands of Scotland, where they were used for herding sheep.

The CCA goes on to say “the true popularity of the breed came about during the 1860’s when Queen Victoria visited the Scottish Highlands and fell in love with the breed. From that point on Collies became very fashionable.” In the 1950s, the TV series “Lassie” further romanticized Collies and portrayed them as the ideal family companion. The Collies I’ve known are very protective of children and women (in that order).

Collie varieties can be smooth (short hair) or rough-coated (long hair that seems to flow when they run). I’ve had three rough-coated Collies in this lifetime, and one smooth-coated Collie who was crossed with another breed. All that hair takes less maintenance than might be imagined, but may mat in some places. Though most of my Collies have been rough-coated, their fur is actually amazingly soft, inviting me to bury my face against them and deeply breath in their Collie scent.

The American Kennel Club <http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/collie/detail/> says Collies are “elegant,” and that’s certainly the case with the Collies who have been my companions. They are breathtakingly beautiful when they run, and the reaction of other people is usually “What a gorgeous dog!” or “Lassie!”

Tippy was so right when he told me “Collies will carry a special message for you…and you will be drawn to them.”