Page 54 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Collie

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Gold Black, tan, and white
20–24in 51–75lb 12–14 years Blue merle
(51–61cm) (23–34kg) Gold and white

This proud and beautiful, sweet-tempered dog makes a loyal
family companion but needs plenty of exercise
Profuse
feathering on
This rich-coated breed, a descendant of The herding instinct has not been hindquarters
the rather less-refined Scottish working entirely bred out of Collies; their sharp
shepherd dogs, is much admired today awareness of movement may trigger an
as a pet and in the show ring. The Collie’s impulse to “round up” friends and family.
history may go back as far as Roman Early socializing can prevent this trait
Britain, but dogs recognizably of this type from becoming a nuisance.
did not attract wide attention until the Like all breeds originally intended as
19th century. Queen Victoria is credited working dogs, the Collie becomes restless
with popularizing the breed both in Europe when underexercised or left alone for long
and the US. Later, Lassie, the highly periods, and may start to bark excessively.
intelligent star of film and television, However, given an energetic daily run,
confirmed the Collie’s status as one it can be kept in a modest-sized house
of the best-loved dogs of all time. or even an apartment.
This breed is mild-tempered and tolerant This dog’s long, thick coat needs
of other dogs and pets. It is highly responsive regular grooming to prevent
to training and makes an affectionate and tangles and matting. More
protective companion. However, the frequent grooming sessions
people-loving Collie readily accepts visitors may be needed when
to the home and therefore does not make the dense undercoat
a good guard dog. An athletic breed, it is is being shed,
eager for fun and will take part eagerly in which occurs
canine sports such as agility trials. twice a year.

LASSIE—THE FAITHFUL FRIEND

The first Lassie film, Lassie Come
Home, was based on a book in
which Lassie’s poor owners sell
her to a rich duke, but the dog
escapes and makes a long,
dangerous trek to return to her
family home. Several more
films and a TV series followed,
showing Lassie’s bravery and
loyalty to her human friends.
Despite the girl’s name, all of
Feathered tail
the canine actors were male.
The original dog, Pal, was
actually rather badly behaved
before he was trained for his
life in the movies.
Smooth hair
below hock
A POSTER FROM THE 1994 FILM

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