The rough coated collie is a beautiful long, coated dog which is thought to have originated in Scotland. This hardy and friendly breed was molded by a harsh livelihood in an unyielding environment. The original Collie had to be courageous, resourceful, and a contributing member to a working partnership. The breed's name most likely comes from the black faced sheep it was charged with caring for, the Colley. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/collie.htm The original Collie was also used for water rescue, herding cows, and driving livestock to market.http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/ Little was known of the Collie outside of Scotland until the 1860's when Queen Victoria traveled to Scotland and fell in love with the breed.http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/ After this, it became fashionable to own a Collie. In 1885 the AKC first recognized the Collie breed and accepted them into their books.http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/

The Collie's general appearance is one of grace and agility. They are lithe, strong, and responsive.http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/ One of their most prominent characteristics is the head. Seemingly light for their body, it is blunt and wedge shaped, tapering smoothly down from ear to nose. The ears of the Collie are alert and vertical towards the base, and slightly bent towards the top. There are four colors that are accepted by the AKC breed standards; sable, tri-color, blue merle, and white.http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/ Most Collie's have a white collar, some white on their legs, and a white tip at the end of the tail. The white Collie usually has one of the four colors on its head.

The Collie is a generally healthy individual, though can be plagued by a few of the usual problems that may occur in large breeds including PRA, eye defects (a genetic anomaly that causes improper development of the eye and possible blindness),http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/collie.htm and hip dysplasia.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/collie.htm Some of these things are seen more in certain lines than others.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/collie.htm

The rough coated Collie's beautiful coat does need at least once a week brushing or it can become matted and hard to care for.http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/collie.htm

The Collie is an active dog that enjoys a lot of exercise. They are well suited for the family and do well around children.http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/ They are known as a clean breed and for lack of a strong odor that is often associated with other breeds. http://www.akc.org/breeds/collie/

Collies throughout history have played important roles in many different areas. Collies are mostly known for their herding and driving ability, which is where their breeding comes from. They are often seen in penning competitions, agility, and obedience competitions, as well as the show ring. In many places around the world they still function as a stock dog. They have been rescue dogs in Switzerland where they are trained to search for lost and injured people. One of the Collie's most endearing qualities is their devotion to family. Many times a Collie has been awarded a medal of valor when the Collie has risked life and limb to protect or save a dear human friend.The New Collie

As the need for herding dogs decrease,s the Collie is finding a niche for its self as a family dog and companion that can live in a variety of situations prosperously. Despite its humble and obscure beginnings the breed is a popular choice for a life long companion.