Collies are the gentle, responsible companions people think of when they hear the phrase family dog. They spent their early years herding farm animals in the misty, weatherworn fields of northern England and Scotland, where they developed heavy coats and endurance. While best known for the classic series Lassie, Collies are historical heroes, too. During World War I, they carried messages, alerted battalions to intruders, and barked for help beside wounded soldiers, but they refused to fight. Collies are persistent and affectionate, strong and patient.