THEORIES OF ORIGIN
The exact origin of the Collie remains a mystery. Many researchers and breed historians continue to disagree about the precise location of the breed’s genesis. This is a common occurrence among fanciers of most breeds. Many theories of how the breed originated have evolved over time. A great number of individuals believe that the Collie originated in Scotland from variations of ancient sheepdogs and later migrated to the British Isles. Still others believe that Collies are descendants of other different types of sheepdogs brought to Britain by the Romans. When all the facts are collected and examined, both theories are plausible and acceptable, but neither has been thoroughly proven. What can be determined is that the Collie has gradually evolved into the breed that we know and cherish, and it is widely accepted that great English breeders of yesterday are primarily responsible for the dog we love today.
Early specimens of the breed looked nothing like they do today. Early representatives looked more like a combination of today’s Smooth Collie, Rough Collie and Border Collie. They were first used in the foothills of Scotland as herders and guarders of flocks of sheep. In addition, the breed provided protection for their masters and owners. The Collie was bred for strength, stamina, intelligence and dependability. All of these distinguished characteristics are still apparent today.
These illustrations by E. C. Ash were first published at the end of the 18th century. The top drawing undoubtedly shows the early Rough Collie, and the lower, a Smooth Collie.
The breed of ancient times was much smaller than today’s Collie, although, from the very beginning, the breed had been developed to take care of sheep. Their alertness and naturally obedient nature made them extremely valuable working animals. The Rough Collies’ long, thick coats enabled them to work non-stop in all types of inclement weather. Early dogs were either tricolor or blue merle in color. Smooth Collies, differing from the Roughs only in length of coat, also could endure colder climes and adapted well due to the insulation provided by the abundance of their undercoats.
This woodcut, dated 1653, first appeared in a book about dogs. This is believed to be an early Collie.
Much like the breed’s origin, the true meaning of the word “Collie” has much skepticism surrounding it too. Some believe the name “Collie” derives from the Anglo-Saxon word “Col,” which meant “black,” one of the original colors of the breed. Other theories suggest that “Collie” comes from the Gaelic word for “useful.” Based on the breed’s characteristics, both translations appear to be acceptable.
THREE COLLIE TYPES
When the Collie was first introduced in the show ring in the late 1800s, it was divided into three categories: Rough-Coated, Smooth-Coated and Short-Tailed.
The Collie was used exclusively as a working sheepdog until the 1860s. It was at this time that Queen Victoria visited Balmoral and discovered the breed. The Queen immediately fell in love with the Collie’s regal appearance and intelligence. Many believe it was the Queen’s fascination and fondness for the breed that helped spark its popularity. It would not be long before Queen Victoria accumulated several Collies as her own charming pets.
ROYAL COLLIES
Queen Victoria was much taken with the Collies working at Balmoral. In fact, many believe it was the Queen’s great admiration for the breed that gave the Collie its biggest boost in popularity. She was reported to have several Collies of different colors in her Royal kennels.
THE COLLIE IN ENGLAND
Although the Collie is believed to have been
