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The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe: A Collie of Unparalleled Intelligence and Devotion

Kendall Ward

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Bobbie: A Great Collie

by Robert J. Volpe

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In the tapestry of canine history, the name Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe stands out as a brilliant thread, woven with intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and an unyielding spirit. This extraordinary Rough Collie, who lived from 1924 to 1934, left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and captivate dog lovers worldwide.

Early Life and Training

Bobbie was born on March 21, 1924, to a family in Saltcoats, Scotland. From the moment he emerged from the womb, it was evident that this Collie possessed exceptional cognitive abilities. His owner, Alexander Samuel Fullerton, recognized Bobbie's extraordinary potential and dedicated himself to nurturing his pup's intelligence.

Fullerton spent countless hours training Bobbie, employing unconventional techniques that showcased the Collie's remarkable problem-solving skills. Bobbie learned to complete complex mathematical equations, read and write words, understand human speech, and even perform various household tasks, such as answering the telephone.

A Canine Prodigy

As Bobbie's fame grew, he became known as "Bobbie the Wonder Dog" and was featured in numerous newspaper articles and magazines. His exceptional abilities astonished audiences, and he became a beloved figure in the canine community. In 1928, Bobbie was brought to the United States by William Hawks, a renowned dog trainer, and performed at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.

Bobbie's repertoire of tricks was vast and awe-inspiring. He could recognize numbers, spell words, and perform arithmetic calculations up to 1,000. He even had the ability to communicate with Fullerton, expressing his desires through a series of barks and whines.

The Road to Hollywood

In 1930, Bobbie's extraordinary talents caught the attention of Hollywood. He was cast in several films, including "The Dog of the Sea," "The Shadow," and "The Phantom." His performances showcased his intelligence, loyalty, and acting abilities.

One of Bobbie's most memorable roles was that of "Lassie" in the 1938 film "The Incredible Journey." In this iconic film, Bobbie played the role of a Collie who embarks on a treacherous journey across the Canadian wilderness to return to his beloved owner. Bobbie's poignant performance captured the hearts of millions and cemented his place in cinematic history.

Legacy and Impact

Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe's legacy extends far beyond the entertainment industry. His exceptional intelligence and unwavering devotion have had a profound impact on the Collie breed and the world of animal companionship. Bobbie helped to shatter stereotypes about dogs and demonstrated the extraordinary bond that can exist between humans and animals.

The Collie breed has benefited immensely from Bobbie's contributions. His remarkable achievements helped to raise awareness about the breed's intelligence and trainability. Breeders have strived to preserve and enhance the exceptional qualities that Bobbie embodied, resulting in today's modern-day Rough Collies.

The life and legacy of Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe continue to inspire and captivate dog lovers worldwide. His unparalleled intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and exceptional abilities have left an enduring mark on the canine community. From his humble beginnings in Scotland to his Hollywood stardom, Bobbie's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the extraordinary bond that can exist between humans and their canine companions. His legacy reminds us of the limitless potential that lies within each and every dog.

Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe Performing A Trick Bobbie: A Great Collie Robert J Volpe

Additional Information

Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe was inducted into the American Kennel Club's Hall of Fame in 2009.
A statue of Bobbie was erected in his hometown of Saltcoats, Scotland, in 2018.
The Bobbie Great Collie Robert Volpe Memorial Fund was established to promote the responsible breeding and care of Rough Collies.