COLLIE

Collie. working-dog breed developed in Great Britain, probably by the 18th century. There are two varieties of collie: the rough-coated, originally used to guard and herd sheep, and the smooth-coated, used mainly to drive livestock to market. Collies are lithe dogs with tapering heads, almond-shaped eyes, and erect ears that tip forward at the ends. Both varieties are identical in form, although some authorities believe they were once distinct breeds. The rough-coated collie, a popular companion and watchdog, has a thick, straight coat that forms a heavy ruff about its neck and throat; the smooth-coated collie has a dense, smooth coat. Both varieties stand 56 to 66 cm (22 to 26 inches) and weigh 23 to 34 kg (50 to 75 pounds), and both are famed for their loyalty. They are brown and white, black with tan and white, blue-gray with black mottling and white markings, or white, usually with darker markings. Border collie. The border collie, typically an outstanding sheep dog, is a breed that has been used along the English-Scottish border for about 300 years. A long-haired dog, usually black and white in colour, it stands about 51 cm and weighs 14 to 23 kg. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Herding Dogs for further information.