The History of the Old-Time Scotch Collie Legacy
Painting by Walter Hunt
A Breed with Roots - From the Scottish Highlands to America
The Old-Time Scotch Collie is a heritage breed with roots stretching back to the farms and hills of Scotland where the shepherds needed a dog that could do it all - guide sheep, guard the farm, and be a trustworthy companion.
Across the Ocean to America
Later, Scotch Collies made their way to North America with immigrants who brought not just their possessions, but their traditions and working dogs. One small farm from Appalachia to the Midwest, these Collies proved invaluable - herding sheep and cattle, driving poultry, guarding gardens, and keeping a watchful eye on the children. They became an essential partner for American settlers.
Gunnar and Flicka with pups
From Household Name to Near Extinction
By the early 1900's, the Scotch Collie was one of the most recognized and trusted farm dogs in America, appearing in literature, advertisements, and even early films. But as agriculture changed and specialized herding breeds became popular, the Old-Time Scotch Collie nearly disappeared. By the 1980's, they were almost unknown outside of a few dedicated farmsteads.
Country Life in America
“... I believe that the old-fashioned collie or shepherd dog was one of the finest dogs that ever came to be the companion and helper of man... I wish Country Life in America could do something to save this noble breed from extinction, and I wish I could find out myself where I could get such a dog.”
Otis Barnum, in a letter to the editor County Life in America, December 1911
Preserving a Legacy
The Scotch Collie is more than a dog - it's a living piece of history. At Stillwaters Heritage Farm, we see ourselves as caretakers of a lineage worth preserving, ensuring that future generations can know the same steadfast, intelligent, and gentle dogs that shaped rural life for centuries.
The Revival of a Heritage Breed
Thanks to passionate breeders and historians, the Old-Time Scotch Collie has been brought back from the brink. Through careful record-keeping, selective breeding, and a commitment to preserving the breed's original traits, the Scotch Collie now stands as a rare example of a heritage dog restored to its rightful place on farms and in families. We are very honored to be members of the Old-Time Scotch Collie Association and are very grateful for the founding members that have donated their time and resources in order to revive the .Old-Time Scotch Collies.
