Herding dogs of collie type have long been widespread in Britain. These can be regarded as a starting point from which a number of sheepdog types and formal breeds have been derived, both in Britain and elsewhere. Many of these are still working-herding dogs, but some have now been developed into show and pet dogs for their sheer beauty and temperament, with some loss to their working instincts [8].Herding types tend to be more variable than the show and pet breeds, because they are bred primarily for their working ability – and appearance is of lower importance. Below is a list of modern dog thought to belong to the same ancestors as the rough and smooth collie.  Some of them are very well known (such as the Border Collie and the Ausralian Cattle Dog) while others are not.Dogs of collie type or ancestry include: Australian Cattle Dog. Dog used in Australia for herding cattle. Dogs of this type are also known as Queensland Heeler, Blue Heeler and Red Heeler.

Australian Collie. Not actually a breed, but a popular cross between two other collie types, Australian Shepherd and Border Collie.Australian Kelpie. Developed in Australia from collies originally brought from Scotland and northern England.

Australian Shepherd. Developed in the US, probably from dogs of British origin (of Farm Collie type), but now found in other parts of the world (including Australia).Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. Dog with stumpy tail used in Australia for herding cattle.

Bearded Collie. Now largely a pet and show breed, but still of collie type, and some are used as working dogs.

Border Collie. The most well-known breed for herding sheep throughout the world. Originally developed in Scotland and Northern England. Not always suitable for herding cattle.English Shepherd. Developed in the US from stock of Farm Collie type originally from Britain. Not to be confused with the very different Old English Sheepdog.

Farm Collie. Landrace herding dog found on many livestock farms in Britain, in the US (derived from British dogs), and perhaps elsewhere. In Britain, often simply called “farm dog”.German Coolie, Koolie, or Collie. Developed in Australia, probably from British collies.

Huntaway. Developed in New Zealand from a mixture of breeds, probably including some collie – but it is not of collie type.Lurcher. Not a breed, but a cross of collie (or terrier) with Greyhound or other sight hound. Traditionally bred for poaching, with the speed of a sight hound but more intelligent and less conspicuous.

McNab (Shepherd). Developed in the US partly from dogs of collie type.Old English Sheepdog. Derived from “Shags”, hairy herding dogs. Not to be confused with the English Shepherd.

Rough Collie and Smooth Collie (sometimes considered varieties of one breed, and originally called Scotch Collie). Now show and pet dogs, these were created by crossing working collies with other dogs (especially Borzois) and are of rather different type to other collies.

Shetland Sheepdog. A small show and pet breed developed in England partly from herding dogs originating in Shetland. These were originally working herding dogs, not collies but of Spitz type (similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog). However they were later heavily mixed with collies and toy breeds, and are now similar in appearance to a miniature Rough Collie.

Welsh Sheepdog. Landrace herding dog from Wales.The heeler types of dog are probably related to collies, being usually shorter-legged dogs used primarily for herding cattle.

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