Loving
Best Friend
Savior
Safe
Responsible
Loyal
Intelligent
Sweet
Sensitive
Inquisitive
Herding
Patient
Fun

All of these words describe collies. Lassie, from the movies was a rough coat collie. The collie breed, both smooth coat and rough coat, truly live up to that Hollywood ideal.

Collies love their homes and families and they herd and protect their charges. They have sensitivity and intelligence that goes beyond "dog" and is the definition of "companion" and "friend". Their intelligence and sensitivity also means that they will be a challenge if they are not treated like a family member in return for their love. Collie fans love them all the more for this independent and sensitive nature.

As a whole, collies do fine with young children, other animals and cats. They are comparatively among the "safest" breed of dog to have with young children and cats and seem to have an almost uncanny sense of responsibility when it comes to their smaller pack members.

A true family dog, collies do not do well alone for long periods of time. Collies also do not do well with harsh training or corporal punishment. Some of the rescue dogs we get have some baggage from mistreatment and will need time for their hearts to mend and time to piece their spirits back together. Some have never known a true family situation and will need a little more patience than a dog who has never known hardship in life. The collie spirit, however, is strong and a bond with a rescue collie is an incredibly satisfying reward.

There are several colors of collies as well as both rough coat (the long hair collie like Lassie) and smooth coat (a short hair version of the same dog - same general characteristics!). Look through our alumni gallery to see different styles and colors of collies!