202 British Dogs. 



dogs of various countries differing quite as widely from each other as 

 the people do, so that I feel bound to accept the colley as he is, without 

 being too curious as to his origin the theory that each country had a 

 special breed of dog manufactured for its special behoof, from which all 

 its varieties spring, not commending itself to my judgment. 



There is one point I think most people will agree upon, namely, that 

 the colley is in physical properties more nearly allied to several races 

 of wild dogs than any other of our domestic breeds. The likeness 

 between the colley and the Indian hare dog, as given by Youatt, is very 

 striking. 



In general appearance the colley stands clear and distinct from any 

 other of our domestic breeds his build is light and graceful, no super- 

 abundance of needless bone or tissue to cumber him in his work, and no 

 sacrifice of these at the shrine of elegance ; yet his style and carriage are 

 eminently elegant in every outline and graceful movement, and there is 

 a fitness about him for the rough yet important work he has to do, and a 

 combination of wisdom and self-reliance, toned down by an expression of 

 loyalty and love for his master, that commends him to us and commands 

 our admiration. 



The general contour, with its filling in, shows a combination of agility, 

 speed, suppleness, with a power of endurance that no other breed 

 possesses. There is no waste, no lumber about him ; even his heavy 

 coat is so in appearance only, being essentially wet-resisting and a ne- 

 cessity of his exposed existence. 



There is no dog that excels the colley in good looks, high intelligence, 

 and unswervable loyalty to his master, and to these qualities does he owe 

 his high position as a general favourite with the public, whilst his many 

 practical excellencies render him indispensable to the shepherd. 



As a general complete poetic yet accurate description of the colley, I 

 know of nothing to compare with Burns' description of his own dog 

 Luath, which I therefore transcribe : 



He was a gash and f aithfu' tyke 

 As ever lap a sheugh or dyke. 

 His honest, sonsie, bawsint face, 

 Aye gat him friends in ilka place. 

 His breast was white, his towzie back 

 Weel clad wi' coat o' glossy black. 

 His gawcie tail, wi' upward curl, 

 Hung ower his hurdies wi' a swurl. 



