Collie

Group: Working
Size: Large
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Exercise: Medium
Grooming: Very low
Trainability: Medium
Area of Origin: Scotland
Date of Origin: 1800s
Other Names: Scottish Collie, Rough Coat Collie, Smooth Coat Collie
Original Function: Sheep herding

History
For centuries the Rough Coated Collie was hardly known outside Scotland, but it is now one of the world's most popular breeds. Descended from generations of hard- working herding dogs, it is a conscientious creature of immense intelligence. They are used as water rescue dogs and have served man as sheepdogs for centuries, guarding and herding flocks. The breed's name probably comes from its charge; the Scottish black-faced sheep called the Colley. Early Rough Collies were smaller, with broader heads and shorter muzzles. The Collie is so intelligent that he has been trained for many purposes, as a rescue dog, guide for the blind, movie star, and as a guard dog. Queen Victoria kept Collies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland and her interest launched the breed's subsequent popularity

The Smooth Coat Collie can be traced to the Celts who had a dog called a "collie" which translated into English meant a "useful dog". The short haired aggressive herding dog of the invading Romans was bred to the Celtic Collie and later interbred with the North African gentler herding dog to give the foundation ancestry of today's Smooth Collie. In the middle ages, the Smooths tails was docked which signified it was exempt of taxes due to it being a "tool of trade". Queen Victoria was a great admirer of the Smooth Collie and bred them in her kennels at Balmoral. During this period, the Rough (Lassie) Collie was interbred with the Smooth Collie for commercial and show purposes: a practice continued in several countries today, but not permitted by the NZKC. In 1778 and 1840 Smooths were imported for the Australian Cattle Dog. In 1975 two Smooths were reintroduced into Australia and in 1980 two descendants from these two were imported into New Zealand. Since then there have been several more both Australian and English dogs imported. Today in New Zealand the breed is in the hands of a few dedicated Smooth Collie enthusiasts, but remains a very minor breed.

Temperament
The Collie is a very intelligent, friendly dog breed, who makes an excellent children's companion and gets along well with other household dogs. Suspicious of strangers, the Collie makes a good watchdog.

Upkeep
A good walk or jog on leash or a fun play session is needed every day. Herding is an excellent exercise. The collie can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, but it is such a family-oriented dog that it is far happier indoors. The coat of the smooth variety needs minimal care.

Breeders

Rehomes & Rescues

Christchurch Border Collie Haven
Christchurch Border Collie Haven is a non profit rehoming and rescue organisation, helping collies and collie mixes to find the best homes, all over New Zealand
https://www.chchbordercolliehaven.org.nz/
Email: chchbordercolliehaven@gmail.com

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