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COLLIES |
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Additonal Breeds Starting With Letter:
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The dog most
widely recognized as and usually called simply Collie evolved from the
same root stock as the other Scottish herding dogs. The breed often is
referred to as the Scotch Collie. It is believed they are the descendants
of dogs accompanying Roman invaders of 50 BC interbred with native Scottish
dogs. When Queen Victoria visited Scotland in 1860, she first glimpsed
the working Collie and brought several back with her to England. The royal
stamp of approval skyrocketed the breed to instant fame. Over the next
few years the points so admired— the elongated, narrow, chiseled head
and the rough coat—were emphasized by breeders, creating the look we know
today.
The Collie soon
became "the dog of the moment," which accelerated with the Lad
stories by Albert Pay son Terhune and the Lassie films and television
series. During their peak, Collies were a common sight on many farms.
The breed rode the crest of popularity, but eventually stabilized to the
moderate universal appeal it knows today.
Its sweet expression
and tipped ears are considered the stamp of the breed and a highly im-portant
consideration in show dogs. The Smooth variety is judged by the same standard
as the Rough, with the exception of coat. Their colors are rich and striking,
often set off by the Irish pattern of white markings. The rough coat needs
regular brushing to maintain its striking good looks; the smooth offers
easy grooming.
The Collie
is a superb children's loyal companion, always willing to give and accept
adoration and to play when human playmates are more fickle. Universally
gentle and docile with his family, he is an equally good choice for
adults. The first recipient (in 1954) of the Dog Hero award, honored
by the Quaker Oats Company Ken-L Ration division, was a Collie, and
the breed has continued to garner its share of Dog Heroes since that
first year.
Collies are
so adoring of their families that they will endure incredible hardships
to be with them. One, named "Bobbie," journeyed 2,000 miles
to find his people again after being lost on the family's vacation trip!
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