British Herding Breeds

Collie (Rough) familyCollie (Rough) family

Early Herding Dogs reveal that sheepdogs in British Isles have exited since around 2,500 BC. Over the next 4,000 years, the terrain of localities and specialized work created the different breeds that we plan to discuss in this section. Today, we have the broad-headed, shaggy haired Old English Sheepdog and Bearded Collie, the Border Collie, the Collies (smooth) and (rough) and the Shetland Sheepdog of Scotland, and the Corgis of Wales.

OES Profile 2

Old English Sheepdog

In Britain 1570 AD, Caius described 'the Shepherd's Dog' as any dog that herded stock. This 'Shepherd's Dog' was also called a 'Sheepdog' or 'Colley'. But some of these Shepherds dogs also drove stock to markets, crossing the Border Region between England and Scotland. From these drovers' dogs we get two of today's pure breeds, the Old English Sheepdog and ... »» Read more...

Bearded Collie Wiki

Bearded Collie

Sheep dogs, somewhat similar in type to the Bearded Collie we know today, have been known for centuries in the rough and rocky terrain of the Scottish Highlands and Border Region of Scotland with England. However, the Bearded Collie we know today is a relatively modern pure breed only recognised by the Kennel Club UK) in 1959. »» Read more...

Collies Rough Sheltie Drawing

Collies (Rough & Smooth) and Shetland Sheepdogs

The Collie (Rough) and Collie (Smooth) and the Shetland Sheepdog here are among Scotland's oldest breeds. Their Spitz like characteristics make many respected dog historians believe they can be traced back directly to the ancient wolf that used to roam Britain. The best known is the Collie (Rough). The Collie (Smooth) is a smooth coated version of the Collie (Rough) ... »» Read more...

Welsh Corgi Pembroke sitting no lead Rev

Welsh Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan)

Although usually coupled together, the Welsh Corgi (Pembroke) and the Welsh Corgi (Cardigan) are two separate breeds and not two varieties of the same breed. Originally separated by a political divide, these versatile little dogs with different backgrounds are lovable characters who can be a jack-of-all-trades. »» Read more...


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