Collie is a breed of dog that originated in Scotland, probably during the 1600’s. Scottish farmers used the dog to guard and control flocks of sheep. Like other sheepdogs, collies have a thick, weatherproof coat. Their intelligence, willingness to work, and good eyesight suit these dogs for taking care of sheep. British colonists brought collies to America during the 1700’s. The dogs became popular as pets after Queen Victoria of England brought several collies to the royal residence at Windsor Castle in the 1860’s.
The most common variety of collie has a coarse, long-haired coat. Another variety has a smooth, short-haired coat. A collie may be brown and white; black, white, and tan; blue-gray; or all white. The dogs stand about 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 centimeters) high and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds (23 to 34 kilograms).
See also Border collie.
