Range of old Collie Cards (Cigarette, Sweet, Play Cards...)
There is a breed description on the back of most dog cards. Here are some examples:
"The Collie, the dog of the Highland shepherd, is certainly one of the handsomest of our native British breeds. Those used for tending sheep are usually small variety; the show Collie, however, is a very handsome animal. He is a lithe, active dog, with an intelligent expression, and a dense, harsh coat, very profuse. There is also a smooth-coated variety which differs only in coat. Height: dogs 22-24 in., bitches 20-22 in. Weight: dogs 45-65 lb., bitches 40-55 lb. Colours: sable and white, tri-colour and blue merle." (DOGS - from Paintings By Arthur Wardle, A Series Of 50, 9, Issued By John Player & Sons, Branch Of The Imperial Tobacco Co. (Of Great Britain & Ireland) Ltd.)
"A Collie is the most intelligent and the most loveable of almost any breed of dog. A good Collie is a picture to look at, especially when in full coat. It is one of those breeds which originally bred for the work of herding sheep, became a show dog, and many specimens have been solf for immense sums -- a thousand pounds and more." (DOGS & FRIEND, A Series Of 50, Described by Lady Kitten Ritson, No. 28, Carreras Ltd., Arcadia Works, London)
"The Collie is one of the handsomest of our native British breeds. The show Collie is a lithe, active dog, with an intelligent expression and a dense, harsh coat. Those used for tending sheep are usually a small variety. Colours are tricolour, sable-and-white and blue merle." (DOGS - A Series Of 50, No. 10, The Molassine Co. Ltd., Dogs Love VIMS)
"The Collie is at present day much in demand as a pet. There is not a more graceful or beautiful dog, and he is most intelligent, gentle, and tractable. To really see a Collie at his best, however, one should see him at work in the country. Essentially a shepherd's dog, to watch him adroitly rounding up a scattered flock of sheep, and driving them into the fold, makes one marvel at his resource and generalship. As assistant to the shepherd, farmer, and drover, he is unexcelled, and one of these dogs can do the work of many men. He also makes an exellent sporting dog, and can be trained to adequately perform the duties of a Pointer, Setter, or Retriever. He is a most faithful watch-dog or companion." (DOGS, A Series (No.5) Of 25, Wills's Cigarettes, W.D. & H.O. WILLS, Bristol & London Ltd.)
"SMOOTH-HAIRED COLLIE. This is a fairly modern variation of the well-known sheepdog of the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its skill in the guarding and droving of sheep and cattle. Whereas the true Collie has a thick long-haired coat, that of the smooth-haired collie is short and smooth. Collies are generally regarded as intensely faithful to their masters, but antagonistic to strangers." (DOGS, 1st Series, No. 1 to 25, CADET Sweets, Trading Estate, Slough, Buckinghamshire)
"SMOOTH-COATED COLLIE. It is surprising how unfamiliar the Smooth-coated Collie is in comparison with his woolly coated brother. They are equally delightful dogs, however, and naturally rather less trouble to keep in perfect condition. Collies have been used with the sheep in Scotland for generations, and this has developed in them remarkably keen sight. They were not well know in the show-ring until about fifty years ago, when they achieved sensational popularity." (DOGS, Second Series of 48, No. 44, Issued by Gallaher Ltd., Virginia House, London & Belfast)
"THE WELSH COLLIE. This is one of the dogs you will not see at a dog show. He is essentially a worker, earning his keep by tending his master's flock on the Welsh hills and pastures. He is a smaller dog than the Scottish Collie, sturdy built, with thick, weather-proof coat, wonderful natural intelligence and a keen sense of duty. No day is too long and no country too rough for his indomitable spirit and agile strength. If obtained as a puppy the Welsh Collie becomes a splendid guard and companion, and the breed has proved most successful in carrying out the duties of guide dog to the blind, and in working the Red Cross units in the field." (GOOD DOGS, A Series of 25, 16., Issued to members of the TREX CLUB, by J. Bibby & Sons Ltd., Liverpool 3)
"5b Collie - Ein dichtes Fell schützt den Collie vor Wind und Wetter, denn er stammt aus den rauhen Bergen Schottlands." (small playcard)
