Rough Collie Dog Names

Lassie is the lovable, intelligent Rough Collie created by Eric Knight and originally featured in a short story that was later expanded into a full length book published in 1940 called Lassie Come Home. Eric Knight’s Lassie closely resembles another Lassie that was featured in Elizabeth Gaskell’s short story published in 1859 called The Half Brothers. The Lassie in Gaskell’s story leads adults to her young master who had become lost in a snowstorm with his half brother.

In 1943, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) began filming the movie Lassie Come Home. Pal, a male Rough Collie, played the role of Lassie. There is much speculation regarding why a male dog was used instead of a female. The movie starred Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall. From 1943 to 1951 Pal appeared in six other MGM feature films in the role of Lassie including Son of Lassie and Courage of Lassie. In 1949, Lassie had his own radio series called Lassie Radio Show.

After 1951, Pal’s owner Rudd Weatherwax was able to acquire the Lassie name and trademark from MGM. He then began appearing with Pal at fairs and rodeos across the country. In 1954, the television series Lassie began and ran for the next 19 years. During the filming of the television series several of Pal’s descendants were used as Lassie, all male dogs.

A remake of the original film, Lassie Come Home was released in the United Kingdom staring Samantha Morton and Peter O’Toole. The film Lassie was then released in 2006. Both films have also been released in the United States. Since then, Lassie has appeared in film, television, books, animated series, toys and radio. Pal’s descendants continue to play the role of Lassie even today.

Lassie can still be seen throughout the world making personal appearances and marketing pet care items. PBS had a pet care television show called Lassie’s Pet Vet. Lassie was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is only one of three animals being given this prestigious honor. Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart are the other two animals with stars. Lassie was named by Variety as one of the 100 Icons of the Century. She was the only animal on the list.

The New Adventures of Lassie, an animated television series was aired on TVOntario from 2013 to 2016. In this series, Lassie is owned by the Parker family and resides with them in a national park. Lassie is truly an iconic figure and has cemented her name in history along with Pal who was the original actor to play Lassie. There are still descendants of Pal playing the role of Lassie and producing puppies.