Collies are trained as sheep-herding dogs, rescue dogs, avalanche dogs, fire dogs, and as assistants for the handicapped. Rough collies have a long, silky coat; smooth collies have a shorter coat. Lassie, from the TV show, was a rough collie. Collies have a life span of 12 to 16 years.

Anatomy: The Collie has a wedge-shaped head with a flat top. The silky coat is black, white and/or brown. Males are from 24 to 26 inches (60-66 cm) tall at the shoulders; females are from 22 to 24 inches (56-60 cm) tall at the shoulders. Collies weigh from 50 to 75 pounds (23-35 kg).