82 THE BOOK OF THE Doc. 



cannot now be decided. Perhaps, seeing the north country undoubtedly produced or perfected 

 the other and better-known type of Sheep-dog, while Mr. Lloyd Price also traces the animal to 

 the Lake district, the probability may be rather in favour of a general northern origin, whatever 

 the precise locality may be. 



The disposition of several rough bob-tailed Sheep-dogs we have met with has differed 

 considerably from that of the Collie, being mild and affectionate. 



It is impossible to give any standard for judging this variety. General appearance, tail, 

 strength, and shagginess without too much length of coat, should be taken into consideration. 



The Sheep-dog is capable of nearly anything in the way of herding or attending to stock ; 

 and the stories told of his intelligence almost surpass belief. Nothing has done more to illustrate 

 the Collie's value than the institution of the Sheep-dog trials, which were first inaugurated at 

 Bala by Mr. R. J. Lloyd Price. This gentleman further gave Londoners a treat by bringing 

 a flock of 100 wild Welsh sheep up to the Alexandra Palace in 1876. Here three sheep were 

 picked out of the flock (which was folded in a remote corner of the park), and were carried to 

 the field of operations on the side of the hill. They were then liberated, and the dog whose 

 turn it was to work them was required to pen them in a small fold situated in the middle of 

 the green bounded by the racecourse. The only assistance the dog received was from his master, 

 who was, however, forbidden to touch the sheep under penalty of disqualification. Those 

 acquainted with sheep will fully appreciate the difficulties of the task thus set the shepherd and 

 his dog, for wild Welsh sheep are very unlike their civilised brothers met with nearer towns. 

 But to quote from the account published at the time in the Live Stock Journal : " Some 

 of the dogs were so well trained that many spectators expressed the utmost astonishment at 

 the intelligence they displayed. Some of them lie down before the sheep, so as to let them 

 recover their equanimity ; then they get up quietly, move a step forward, and lie down again ; 

 this they repeat over and over again, producing a corresponding step of the sheep towards the 

 entrance of the pen, and finally they fairly drive them in, almost unconsciously to themselves." 



This long and careful training is not conducted by any set rules. The best-trained Collies 

 have lived with their masters from puppyhood, and learnt to associate with sheep from their 

 earliest years. The inherited habits of generations also predispose the sagacious animals to the 

 performance of the duties required of them ; and old experienced dogs, with whom they are at 

 first always worked, further assist in the process. 



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