The dog most widely recognized as and usually called simply Collie evolved from the same root stock as the other Scottish herding dogs. The breed often is referred to as the Scotch Collie. It is believed they are the descendants of dogs accompanying Roman invaders of 50 BC interbred with native Scottish dogs. When Queen Victoria visited Scotland in 1860, she first glimpsed the working Collie and brought several back with her to England. The royal stamp of approval skyrocketed the breed to instant fame. Over the next few years the points so admired— the elongated, narrow, chiseled head and the rough coat—were emphasized by breeders, creating the look we know today.

The Collie soon became "the dog of the moment," which accelerated with the Lad stories by Albert Pay son Terhune and the Lassie films and television series. During their peak, Collies were a common sight on many farms. The breed rode the crest of popularity, but eventually stabilized to the moderate universal appeal it knows today.

Its sweet expression and tipped ears are considered the stamp of the breed and a highly im-portant consideration in show dogs. The Smooth variety is judged by the same standard as the Rough, with the exception of coat. Their colors are rich and striking, often set off by the Irish pattern of white markings. The rough coat needs regular brushing to maintain its striking good looks; the smooth offers easy grooming.