I also enjoyed the above referenced post - I'm amazed at how similar
many of the list members' experiences have been with old farm collies.
The remark about the "curly" aussie reminded me of the other somewhat
curly coated farm dogs/ herding dogs that were often seen when I was a
girl.  They did carry poodle breeding, and generally made excellent all
around farm hands.  If I'm not mistaken, at German herding trials
purebred Standard Poodles are still considered tough competition for the
more common (from our point of view) herding breeds.
When you mentioned "minature collies" were these dogs actually Shetland
Sheepdogs?  Or a cross of some sort?  Maybe an Aussie/Collie?
Melissa