Crazy Collies come in a wide range of size, shape, colour and type. The entire Collie family are known for their intelligence and loyalty however this week, we shall focus on Border Collies in particular.
These wonderful, affectionate dogs originated in the region of the Anglo-Scottish border. This is believed to have played a part in their distinct name, “Border” Collie as opposed to other types of Collie that can be found. The word “Collie” or “Colley” was first mentioned at the close of the 19th century and is actually an old Scots-Celt word meaning “useful” which is definitely applicable to these dogs!
It’s acknowledged that the breed’s loyalty and intelligence contributed to this particular name being used, while also helping to differentiate between other breeds, such as the Rough Collie. You may know this breed as a “Lassie Dog!”
Their popularity amongst farmers and trainers rapidly grew and the importance of selective breeding for performance and skill began to become a pastime for many of the elite.
Old Hemp was a tricolour collie born in England in 1893. His lineage was highly desired as he was incredibly responsive to his owner and it was evident that sheep responded well to his calm but focused nature. Hemp is considered the “Father” of Border Collies and is believed to have sired over 200 pups in his 8 year lifetime. All purebred Border Collies can trace an ancestral line back to Old Hemp, such was the desire to continue his bloodline.
Despite the breed being recognised throughout the region, they were not accepted as an officially recognised breed by the Kennel Club until as late as 1995!
Collies come in a variety of colours although the black and white or tricolour combinations seem to be the most commonly seen. They also can be seen with chocolate coats as well as blue or red merle, brindle, liver and some can be seen with solid colour coats although these are not seen as frequently .
You may have noticed that heterochromia is often seen on Collies, particularly merle-coated dogs. This is due to genetics and can be a side effect of inbreeding or genetic mutation. It doesn’t seem to impact their keen eyesight at all!
Their ears can also differ in shape! Some are erect, some flop and some others have semi erect ears.
Their coats are thick, fluffy and tend to shed a lot! It is recommended that they are brushed at least once a week in order to stay on top of the fluff levels! Collie double coats vary from smooth, curly and rough. They should never be clipped, their hair should be maintained through brushing, and gentle trims to remove any knots, tangles or extra long hair, usually around the feathers near their rumps.
The breed are famously clever and are often referred to as the most intelligent dog breed, making them very popular as working dogs and show dogs. If you’ve ever seen Babe, the film about a little pig adopted by Fly, a Collie on a farm, you will see how Fly teaches Babe how to herd sheep.
Watching Collies at work is truly amazing. They can take directions by voice, whistle and visual commands from long distances, utilising their excellent eyesight and hearing. If you observe them at work, you can often see them using an instinctive herding method known as “The Eye.” This is when they will stare directly at their target in order to intimidate them and encourage them to move in the desired direction.
There is a superstition that a lot of Collie handlers have- they will avoid white or mostly white dogs as it is believed that sheep will not respect a dog that is too similar in colour to them!
Regardless of colour, there are some famously clever Collies. For example, Chaser, from South Carolina, was a Collie with the largest tested memory of any animal. He could identify and retrieve over 1000 toys by name alone!
Betsy, from Austria, has a vocabulary of almost 350 words. To put that into perspective, that rivals an ape’s intelligence. She can even retrieve an item she has never encountered before, simply by being shown a picture of it!
Collies are smart, loyal, affectionate goofballs, and we love them for it!
– By Peigí Conneff
