The Collie is a dog that is never likely to go out of fashion. Possibly he is not quite so popular to-day among the exhibiting fraternity as he was seven or eight years ago but his intelligence, coupled with his good looks, will prevent him falling into disfavour. It is not long since there was quite a rage for the breed, and sums of £1000 and over have been paid for particularly perfect specimens. The Collie has a long ancestry upon which to pride himself, and many are the tales related by Scottish shepherds of his remarkable intelligence. James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, tells how a flock of sheep under his charge became scattered in different directions one dark night, but in the morning he found every single one in a ravine under the charge of his dog Sirrah.

His Work

His work of guarding the sheep makes him one of man's most useful helpmates. I do not suppose that any one would claim that dog shows have helped in any sense to develop his specialised instinct, but the sheep-dog trials that are held in different parts of the country are on quite another footing, and they have at any rate shown the public what remarkable feats the Collie can achieve.

His Points

Perhaps one of his most important features is his coat, which must be very dense, the outer coat being harsh while the inner is soft and close; the skull should be flat, moderately broad between the ears, gradually tapering to the eyes; no "stop"; muzzle of fair length; the eyes should be almond-shaped, brown in colour, and full of intelligence; ears small and semi-erect; body fairly long,, with well-sprung ribs.