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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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collies
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Lean and intelligent dogs, bred originally in Scotland for herding sheep and closely related to other *sheepdogs. There are distinct long-haired and short-haired breeds; it is believed that the long-haired were used to herd the sheep in the wilder conditions of the hills, while the short-haired had the easier task of accompanying them to market. All have some white in their coat, combined usually with reddish brown, grey or black. The word 'collie' has been in use for centuries, but its origin is not known. The American film star Lassie, first seen in Lassie Come Home (1943), rapidly became the world's most famous collie.
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The border collie is a slightly smaller and distinct breed, usually black with white markings, originating from the border regions between England and Scotland. Its extraordinary skills in herding and separating sheep on whistled commands have become familiar in Britain through the TV programme One Man and his Dog (BBC). The bearded collie is an old breed (though only recognized as distinct in 1944), related in origin both to the collie and to the Old English sheepdog – but more nearly resembling the latter, with shaggy hair covering even the paws.
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