The Collie’s origin, like its name, has long been lost in the mists of time; however fossils tell us that the dog and man have enjoyed a close relationship, to the benefit of both, since the beginnings of time. It is therefore reasonable to assume that as man developed a more pastoral existence his dogs would also have evolved to match their new role. |
The upland regions of the British Isles have long been the breeding ground for stock which enjoyed the freedom of moor and heath. The men tending these herds or flocks reliant on a specialist breed of light, hardy, lithe, active dog, built along the lines of strength and endurance, with coats which would protect them whatever the weather. In addition these stockmen’s labourers required biddability and intelligence, enabling them to work under their own initiative, and as form will always follow function the type we now recognise as the Rough Collie was well established, as Samuel Howitt’s illustration of the Shepherds Dog below proves, long before the first recognised dog show in 1859. It is not therefore surprising that the Collie quickly became an accepted part of the British Show scene, capable of winning the highest honours.
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The Rough Collie was one of the first breeds to enjoy the benefits of a specialist breed club which issued its first Standard of Points in 1880, and by 1910 the first unified Breed Standard, based very closely on the original Standard of Points, had been published. Breed Standards are now owned and controlled by the Kennel Club, but the current Rough Collie Breed Standard, although differently worded, is essentially the same as the original, with the exception that a detailed colour clause was added at the request of Collie Clubs during the 1960s. |
Most dog breeds can claim at least one specialist book, with popular breeds attracting the attention of major publishing houses. The Collie has been fortunate in this respect with far too many publications to be listed here, catering for all levels of interest, and including sufficient variety to attract even the most fastidious collector. |
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