We all need to see something cute and cuddly once in a while to perk our spirits up, and here at Tartanista we love learning about all things Scottish - including adorable Border Collies! They were originally bred to control sheep in the hilly countryside between England and Scotland, and are still trusted sheep herders all over the world. 

Scottish Border Collies, often called "the smartest of all the dog breeds", are working dogs and were originally used to herd sheep and cattle. Their name comes from the place where they were developed, Northumberland, a county located on the border between Scotland and England. The breed became well known for their working abilities, which also amazed American ranchers and many of them requested Scotland to send more herding dogs across the Atlantic.

Apart from being a working dog, the Border Collie became well known as a great family dog that requires proper training and attention - it is intelligent, affectionate, athletic and very enthusiastic when it comes to work with humans. Queen Victoria, a well known dog-lover, became a Border Collie enthusiast in the early 1860s, right when the Border Collie became distinguished from other Collies.

However, this isn't the breeds' only claim to fame, as one was even featured in Scottish poetry - the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns owned a Border Collie named Luath, who became his best friend. In his poem, called “The Two Dogs” he tried to capture the special bond between dog and man.