Collies

Salt Creek Collies

The Border Collie originating in the border country of England and Scotland excel in agility as well as obedience competition. Some historians claim that "colley" derives from a Gaelic word meaning something useful. Few would disagree that the Border Collie is the finest sheepherding dog, a marvelous competition dog, and a suitable if somewhat hyperactive pet for lively households.

Borders are overachievers, eager to please and gluttons for more work or play. Unless this dog is given a job to do, he can become destructive. Their crowning achievement is in the sheep pasture where they gather and move the flock to greener pastures or to pens.

A Border Collie moves livestock by controlled intimidation. He pushes them along with a threatening glare. This glare is called 'eye' and is probably related to the wolves' tactic of selecting a victim in the herd by catching its eye and asserting dominance before starting the attack run."

Today the Border Collie is one of the few breeds that is still used for his traditional purpose in his homeland and in the US.