Introduction: Who is Lassie
Lassie is a beloved fictional character that has captured the hearts of many since the 1940s. She is a highly intelligent and loyal collie dog that has been featured in books, films, and television shows. Her stories often revolve around her heroic acts of saving her owners from danger or helping strangers in need. Lassie’s popularity has made her an iconic figure in popular culture, and her name has become synonymous with the image of a loyal and brave dog.
The history of Lassie
The character of Lassie was created by Eric Knight, a British author, in his 1938 novel Lassie Come-Home. The story revolves around a young boy and his beloved collie dog, Lassie, who is sold by the boy’s father due to their financial difficulties. Lassie then embarks on a long and perilous journey to return to her owner’s side, overcoming various obstacles along the way. The novel was a huge success and was later adapted into a film in 1943.
The original Lassie breed
In Knight’s novel, Lassie is described as a rough-coated collie, which is a breed of dog known for its long, thick coat and highly intelligent and affectionate nature. Rough-coated collies were originally bred in Scotland for herding and protecting sheep, and they are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners.
The Lassie we know today
Over the years, Lassie has become a symbol of loyalty and bravery for many people, and her image has been used in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows. While the character of Lassie has remained largely the same, the breed of dog that plays her has changed over time.
The Lassie films and TV series
Lassie has appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years, including the original 1943 film Lassie Come Home, as well as the long-running television series Lassie, which aired from 1954 to 1973. In these stories, Lassie is often depicted as a heroic and loyal dog that saves the day and helps those in need.
The breed of Lassie in the films and TV series
While Lassie was originally portrayed as a rough-coated collie in the novel and the 1943 film, the breed of dog that played her in later films and television shows varied. Some Lassies were played by collies, while others were played by border collies, Shetland sheepdogs, and even a mixed breed dog.
The controversy surrounding Lassie’s breed
The use of different dog breeds to play Lassie has led to some controversy among dog lovers, with some arguing that the character of Lassie should always be portrayed by a rough-coated collie. However, others argue that the breed of dog is less important than the character’s heroic and loyal nature.
The role of Lassie in promoting dog breeds
Despite the controversy surrounding the breed of dog that plays her, Lassie has played an important role in promoting various dog breeds over the years. Her popularity has helped to raise awareness of collies, border collies, Shetland sheepdogs, and other breeds, and has inspired many people to adopt these dogs as pets.
Lassie’s impact on popular culture
Lassie has become an iconic figure in popular culture, and her image has been used in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows. She has also inspired numerous toys, games, and other merchandise, and her name has become synonymous with the image of a loyal and brave dog.
The legacy of Lassie
Lassie’s legacy continues to live on, with her image and story inspiring generations of dog lovers. Her character has become a symbol of loyalty and bravery, and her impact on popular culture is undeniable.
Conclusion: What breed was Lassie?
While Lassie was originally portrayed as a rough-coated collie in the novel and the 1943 film, the breed of dog that played her in later films and television shows varied. Therefore, it is difficult to say exactly what breed Lassie was. However, regardless of her breed, Lassie remains one of the most beloved fictional dogs of all time, and her legacy continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.
References and further reading
- Knight, Eric. Lassie Come-Home. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1940.
- "Lassie." IMDB, www.imdb.com/title/tt0047736/.
- "The Real Story Behind the Lassie Dog Breed Controversy." The Dog People, Rover.com, 10 May 2019, www.rover.com/blog/the-real-story-behind-the-lassie-dog-breed-controversy/.
- "Lassie." Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/Lassie-fictional-dog.
- "Lassie Come-Home." Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/Lassie-Come-Home.
