Collies may not be as popular today but their affectionate, loving nature suggests they should be

Three collies.

Collie overview

(Image credit: Alamy)

Life expectancy: 10–14 years

Size: 24–26 inches (male); 22–24 inches (female)

Coat: Double-coated, either long and rough or short and smooth

Temperament: Intelligent, active, gentle, friendly, protective

Exercise needs: Around an hour daily

Origin/native country: Scotland and Northern England

You’re sure to recognise a collie – the supposed all-American family dog that became popular thanks to the book, film and TV character Lassie. But this dog – actually bred for herding sheep in Scotland and Northern England – is only one type: a full-coated rough collie. The other – the smooth collie – looks very different because it has a much shorter coat. Yet both are utterly adorable.