The purpose of this website is to provide sources of information about the history of the collie breeds (breeds that were developed from the old working collie of the British isles) in order to encourage preservation of important functional, physical, mental, behavioral and aesthetic characteristics for the future.
As you read collie/shepherd history, and look at old photos and prints, please keep in mind that the concept of "breed" and "type" have changed a great deal over time.
|
"19th-century American photos show dogs of the old working collie/shepherd type. Some people attempt to label the dogs in these photos with specific modern breed names, but this is not really accurate. Most of the breeds in their narrower, standardized kennel club-recognized form (this is the case in all the groups -- terriers, gundogs, whatever) did not become clearly defined until the advent of dog shows. Which of the old landraces came to be recognized breeds, and at what time, and even in what form, had a lot to do with whether and when a group of people took up the type as their breed." from "Australian
Shepherd History" by Linda Rorem
Royal Copenhagan Collie, photo copyright Linda Rorem. |
Where did they come from, and what will they become? Read historical articles and look into breed health and maintenance issues at The Once and Future Collie
Talk to others who have or are interested in farm collies and shepherds. Find out what other people think of as "farm collies" and "farm shepherds", and why. A diverse group with diverse ideas, there is disagreement on many points but mutual respect prevails on the farmcollie email list.
What is a farm collie?
What is an old farm collie?
Farm collie restoration efforts
CAUTION: If you have a clear idea about what you mean by "farm collie", that's great, but don't assume anyone else means the same thing: be prepared to explain your idea in detail.
Suggestions on how to find YOUR farm collie/shepherd.
There are literally thousands of rescue organizations that have collie-related dogs, purebreeds and mixed breeds, waiting for new homes.
A few groups are listed below but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Do a Google search and you will get thousands of hits.
Collie Club of America's collie rescue organization list : not all groups that rescue Collies are here, but it is a long list and a place to start. Google search "Collie Rescue" turns up hundreds of thousands of hits. Most of the collie rescue webpages I've checked recently say they are full and in desperate need of foster homes.
Website format copyright
webmaster. Photos and text stored at this website are copyright their
creator (in some cases the webmaster, in many cases other people).
Feel free to LINK
BUT seek written permission before
appropriating
any material stored here... Er the Gobble-uns 'll
git you
Ef you
Don't
Watch
Out!
File updated 03-05-2013. (previous version 01-05-2006)
Please email suggestions or corrections to:
gsbisco@mailbox.syr.edu