We thought and read and talked for a long time before deciding on the Old Time Scotch Collie for our farm dogs. Although they were a dime a dozen at the beginning of the twentieth century, the shift from family farming to industrial farming in the United States caused them to become nearly extinct. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of a handful of enthusiasts, the Scotch Collie is a rare/heritage breed that is making a comeback.
We chose the Scotch Collies because they are known to be:
- Loyal companions to their people. I have read more than one story of a Scotch Collie waiting at a train station or walking thousands of miles to return to their owner.
- Gentle and mindful of children. Both our breeder and another told me of their dogs’ tendency to get up and follow the children when they leave the parents’ sight. Lassie was a farm collie!
- “Loose-eyed” when working sheep. They do not drive the herd hard, and will work the sheep only when asked. When they are not working, the Scotch Collies will not bother the stock the way some herding dogs can.
We purchased our pups in September of 2014, just weeks after moving to the farm. We wanted them home as soon as possible, to start to get to know us and our land and our other pets {2 dogs and 4 cats}. We chose to get two pups from the same litter – both males – because we thought they would be more effective as a team. We feel honored to have the pick male of the 2014 litter from Mountain Wave Farm in Blacksburg, Virginia, and hope to get both dogs on some sheep as soon as they are old enough to start training at six months. We look forward to using them to work our flock here at home and are eager to take them to herding trials, depending on their ability and willingness, of course.
Read more about McCaulay {sable and white} is ready to start a family! Please check him out on the Old Time Scotch Collie Association website.
