Presentation On Border Collies
Presentation On Border Collies
Presentation On Border Collies
Presented by
It is the philosophy of the BCSA that the Border Collie is first and foremost a herding
dog and evaluation of its overall structure should be made solely with this function in
mind.
We hope this presentation will help you understand what makes a correct Border
Collie, both on the herding field and in the conformation ring. Because this breed is
primarily defined by its work, we would like to give you a sense of what is needed to
make Border Collies good working dogs as well as discuss aspects of their
structure that allow them to accomplish their job.
Conformation
Tracking
Herding
Obedience
Border Collies are quite versatile and well known to excel in many performance
activities. They are intelligent, agile, happy workers quick to learn and eager to
please. They live to work and with guidance from their trainer will usually master
any task requested.
These working attributes are directly due to hundreds of years of breeding dogs
specifically to work with shepherds in managing flocks of sheep in Great Britain and
are central to what defines this versatile breed.
Before modern transportation became readily available, livestock was taken on foot
to market. Thus a dog who could both gather unruly, wandering stock as well as
drive them from place to place was needed. Several different strains of these
herding dogs arose according to the variety of terrains, types of stock they needed
to work, and the style of herding they were used for.
European
Wolf
Roman Herding
Dog
Alt Duetscher
Kuli
Spitz
Artic Wolf
Working Collie
Farmer Dog
Many sheepdogs of the British Isles share a common ancestry. Depicted on this
slide are the likely influences on what eventually became the Border Collie we know
today.
As with other breeds, the earliest herding dogs were probably brought to England by
the Romans. The Scandinavian Spitz (which was used for herding reindeer) was
likely brought to England by the Vikings and mixed with the herding dogs already
present in regions occupied by the invaders. You can still see the Spitz influence in
Border Collie particularly in the prick ears of some dogs and in the lion like rough
in some males.
Other breeds were clearly used. For example the Alt Deutscher Kuli, a German
Herding dog which looks a lot like an Australian Shepherd with a tail was introduced
early on. These dog have coats that are usually merle colors.
Later was the introduction of the Welsh Grey, the Highland Collie (from which the
modern Show Collie arose), and the Lowland Collie. Throughout the ages, the
sheepdog continued to evolve, being refined not according to an artificial criteria of
appearance, but being selected by how well it worked and how tractable it was to
deal with.
The important thing is that a diverse background led to the development of the
Border Collie. The guiding principle in the early stages was simple. When a farmer
saw a dog with herding talents he appreciated, he used this dog to produce puppies
to work his flock.
But, its even more complicated than producing a good herding dog. Different
farmers had different criteria for what worked best for them. In the border regions of
Scotland/Northern England the conditions and terrain required a certain type of dog.
With the arrival of mechanization, many farmers began handling larger flocks.
Since less manpower was required for most tasks, an efficient herding dog became
a real asset. Sheepdog trials played an important role by testing the merit and
capabilities of the dogs in a uniform environment. The first record of a Sheepdog
Trial was October 9, 1873. These trials led to head to head comparisons of herding
attributes bragging rights. Those dogs that won trials became foundation dogs.
Some of these had a tremendous influence on the breed and all Border Collies
today can be traced back to a few key dogs who excelled on the trial field.
The International Sheepdog Society (ISDS) played a great role in maintaining
pedigrees and registration information on the Border Collie. The ISDS originated in
Scotland in 1908 and is very active to this day, maintaining a registry and governing
body for the working Border Collie in Great Britain and many other countries.
Old Hemp is considered the father of the breed as all modern Border Collies trace
back to him. Bred by Adam Telfer of Northumberland, England and born in 1893
he began appearing in sheepdog trials at the age of one year and was unbeaten
throughout his lifetime, a record that has never been matched. Although difficult to
tell from the photo, he stood about 21 inches tall and weighed about 45 pounds. He
was black and white with long straight coat and semi-erect ears. Considered the
progenitor of the present day registered Border Collies, he was the progeny of two
very different parents and their characteristics have persisted in the breed to the
present day. His dam was very black, strong eyed and reticent. His sire was
black, white and tan with very little eye and good natured. Old Hemp was a most
powerful, keen worker and fascinating to watch working sheep. He sired over 200
puppies. He is said to be the dog that the modern Border Collie standard was
patterned after.
Old Kep, a son of Old Hemp, figured into the breed early because of his
tremendous eye.
Perhaps the biggest influence on the breed were dogs bred by JM Wilson and their
descendants, many of whom were named Cap - the most famous being Wiston
Cap. Wiston Cap is said to have Wartime Cap in his pedigree 16 times! This is
important since he went on to be the most used dog in the breeds history. Greater
than 95% of all Border Colies today have Wiston Cap in their pedigree.
AKC
8%
The history of the BC begins in North America in the late 1800s. Dogs were
imported to manage both small and large flocks of sheep particularly in the west
and mid-western regions of the US and Canada.
As was done in England, herding trials were established to test dogs.
It seems that those who only use their Border Collies for herding stock are
unfamiliar with the characteristics that the conformation evaluators are accustomed
to observing. While the herding handlers are evaluating traits like the proper work
ethic, balance, eye, biddability, approach to stock, herding instinct and working
style, the conformation evaluator is looking for the characteristics the standard
describes like size, proportion, bone, head structure, eye shape, width between
shoulder blades, strong loin and good firm strong muscular condition. Some people
believe that a dog is not recognizable as Border Collie just by looking at it, preferring
to evaluate the dogs reaction to stock and their style of work. While this is clearly
too single minded, it is important to emphasize that this breed requires
consideration of other traits in addition to physical appearance in defining the dog.
This creates many challenges and suggests that the written breed standard is only
a partial blueprint to be used in conjunction with observation of the Border Collie
working in order to get a picture of the complete BC. Excellence in this breed must
be defined by both conformation and by working ability one can be judged in the
breed ring while the other will be judged on stock.
10
The Border Collie originated in the rugged border country between Scotland and
England. The breed was admitted by AKC as a herding breed April 30, 1995 after
being in the Miscellaneous Class since 1955; a status from which the breed
competed in the AKC Obedience Trials. In order to compete in the newly formed
AKC Herding Program it was necessary for the breed to acquire regular breed
status which additionally entitled participation in Conformation. The Standard that
was first approved in 1995 was revised, approved becoming effective March 2,
2004.
A PREAMBLE was added to the revised standard because it is of the utmost
importance to the BCSA that the function for which this breed was developed not be
lost because of show ring pressures and even more important it is hoped that the
people who judge the Border Collie will not make it another generic show dog that
gaits swiftly around a ring and then stands like a statue with its mind fixated on a
piece of bait. It is acceptable if one does this but not a mandatory behavior to
appreciate the correct Border Collie. It is hoped that our working Border Collies will
be able to compete in the show ring as well as on the herding field and other
performance events.
11
Continuing with the PREAMBLE Border Collies have a highly developed herding
instinct which gives them a unique style of working stock. Although herding instinct
is critical, it is not enough. Dog also need herding talent the ability to put herding
instinct to good use in controlling stock.
As part of their instinct, Border Collies have a strong work ethic (which equates to a
longer than normal attention span), therefore, they excel at many activities because
this trait can be re-directed from stock to a handler in obedience or the athleticism
and biddability in the agility arena or fly ball.
12
Perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of a Border Collies herding ability
is its use of eye. Eye refers to the stare Border Collies use to intimidate stock.
This eye creates a unique style of moving stock in which the dog relies primarily
on his intimidating stare to make them move. Obviously there are different degrees
of eye from too much (sticky eye), to too little (loose eyed). Eye is critical to other
aspects of a Border Collies herding ability including outrun, balance, pace etc.
More from the PREAMBLE the eye is as much posture as it is actually staring
and is quite effective when controlling stock.
13
And the PREAMBLE continues Border Collies are one of the few breeds that is
still commonly used to do what they were originally bred for and LOVE to do. Their
work is helping control and retrieving stock; primarily sheep, but also cattle, goats,
ducks, turkeys, etc it is moves, theyll likely work it. More recently they have been
frequently used to control geese at airports, golf courses, corporation lawns etc.
14
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Border Collie is a well balanced, medium-sized dog of athletic appearance, displaying
style and agility in equal measure with soundness and strength. Its hard, muscular body
conveys the impression of effortless movement and endless endurance. The Border Collie is
extremely intelligent, with its keen, alert expression being a very important characteristic of
the breed. Any aspect of structure or temperament that would impede the dog's ability to
function as a herding dog should be severely faulted. The Border Collie is, and should
remain, a natural and unspoiled true working sheep dog whose conformation is described
herein. Honorable scars and broken teeth incurred in the line of duty are acceptable.
15
Height
Ground to
Withers
Length
Prosternum to buttocks
Although the height varies generously, from 19 to 22 for dogs and 18 to 21 for
bitches, the PROPORTION ratio of 10:9 defines the slightly longer than tall a
proportion that tends to remain the same regardless of height among the Border
Collies that successfully gather and control stock. Another proportion that is vital to
the herding Border Collie is described in the FOREQUARTERS section of the
standard Because sufficient length of leg is crucial for the type of work the breed is
required to do, the distance from the wither to the elbow is slightly less than from
the elbow to the ground and legs that are too short in proportion to the rest of the
body are a serious fault.
16
Too Short
Too Long
Correct Proportions
Because the Border Collie must be quick and agile, the bone is medium with lighter
bone being more correct than heavy bone. A Border Collie should never appear big
and cloddy. Remember Old Hemps statistics.Height 21 and Weight 45#.
17
HEAD
Expression is intelligent, alert, eager, and full of interest. Eyes are set well
apart, of moderate size, oval in shape. The color encompasses the full
range of brown eyes, dogs having body colors other than black may have
noticeably lighter eye color. Blue eyes (with one, both or part of one or
both eyes being blue) in dogs other than merle, are acceptable but not
preferred. Eye rims should be fully pigmented, lack thereof considered a
fault according to degree. Ears are of medium size, set well apart, one or
both carried erect and/or semi-erect (varying from 1/4 to 3/4 of the ear
erect). When semi-erect, the tips may fall forward or outward to the side.
Ears are sensitive and mobile.
CORRECT
INCORRECT
The expressions depicted by these HEAD studies are all intelligent, alert, eager and
full of interest. All eyes are properly set and are of correct shape and are
acceptable colors. Ear shape, carriage and size are all correct on these heads.
18
HEAD continued Skull is relatively flat and moderate in width. The skull and muzzle are approximately
equal in length. In profile the top of the skull is parallel with the top of the muzzle. Stop
moderate, but distinct. The muzzle is strong, tapering slightly to the nose. The underjaw
is strong and well developed. A domed, blocky or very narrow skull is faulty according to
degree, as is cheekiness and a snipey muzzle. Nose color matches the primary body
color. Nostrils are well developed. Lack of nose pigmentation is a fault according to
degree.
Parallel Planes:
Desirable
Less desirable
Continuing with the HEAD section the muzzle is strong, tapering slightly to the
nose with a strong well developed under jaw. The skull is relatively flat, moderate
in width. The muzzle and skull are approximately of equal length joined by a
moderate but definite stop. In profile the top of the skull is parallel with the top
of the muzzle. Ears do not have to match.
19
HEAD continued
Bite: Teeth and jaws are strong, meeting in a scissors bite. Complete dentition is
required. Missing molars or pre-molars are serious faults as is an undershot or
overshot bite.
Bite is scissors with full dentition required. Missing molars or pre-molars are
serious faults as is an undershot or overshot bite.
20
DESIRABLE
LESS DESIRABLE
The TOPLINE is described as back is level from behind the withers to the slightly
arched, muscular loins, falling to a gently sloping croup that blends into the low set
tail.
The previous standard indicated that there was no tuck up. The revised standard
states that there is a slight but distinct tuck up. There will be and it is correct to find
more tuck up in younger less mature Border Collies.
21
The ideal tail carriage is low when the dog is concentrating on a given task and may
have a slight upward swirl at the end like a shepherds crook. In excitement, it may
be raised proudly and waved like a banner, showing a confident personality. A tail
curled over the back is a fault.
22
FOREQUARTERS
Forelegs should be parallel when viewed from front, pasterns slightly sloping when viewed from
side. Because sufficient length of leg is crucial for the type of work the breed is required to do,
the distance from the wither to the elbow is slightly less than from the elbow to the ground and
legs that are too short in proportion to the rest of the body are a serious fault.
These are examples of correctly placed forelegs, width of chest and good feet.
23
FOREQUARTERS Contd:
The shoulder blades are long, well laid back and well-angulated to the upper arm. Shoulder
blades and upper arms are equal in length. There is sufficient width between the tops of the
shoulder blades to allow for the characteristic crouch when approaching and moving stock.
The elbows are neither in nor out. Feet are compact, oval in shape; pads deep and strong, toes
moderately arched and close together with strong nails of moderate length. Dewclaws may be
removed.
It is important that there be sufficient width between the tops of the shoulder blades
to allow for the characteristic crouch when approaching and moving stock.
Additionally, in order to perform this crouch the Border Collies shoulder blades
should be long, well laid back, well-angulated and equal in length to the upper arm.
24
HINDQUARTERS
Broad and muscular, in profile sloping gracefully to the low set tail. The thighs are long, broad,
deep and muscular. Stifles are well turned with strong hocks that may be either parallel or very
slightly turned in. Dewclaws should be removed. Feet, although slightly smaller, are the same as
front.
The original standard described the hocks as well let down, while the revision does
not address the length of hock because the hock length on the successful herding
Border Collies would not be described as well let down nor would the hocks be
described as long. Hocks should be evaluated when the Border Collie is moving
away, not standing.
25
COAT
Two varieties are permissible, both having
close-fitting, dense, weather resistant
double coats with the top coat either
straight or wavy and coarser in texture than
the undercoat which is soft, short and
dense. The rough variety is medium in
length without being excessive. Forelegs,
haunches, chest and underside are
feathered and the coat on face, ears, feet,
fronts of legs is short and smooth. The
smooth variety is short over entire body, is
usually coarser in texture than the rough
variety and may have slight feathering on
forelegs, haunches, chest and ruff. Neither
coat type is preferred over the other.
Seasonal shedding is normal and should
not be penalized. The Border Collie's
purpose as an actively working herding dog
shall be clearly evident in its presentation.
Excess hair on the feet, hock and pastern
areas may be neatened for the show ring.
Whiskers are untrimmed. Dogs that are
overly groomed (trimmed and/or sculpted)
should be penalized according to the
extent.
The standard describes the two varieties of coat patterns. It emphasizes that
whiskers are untrimmed and that Border Collies should not be overly groomed and
should be penalized according to the extent of over grooming. Excessively coated
Border Collies are not to be given consideration over a moderately and functionally
coated Border Collie. Smooth coats are to be judge equally to rough coats.
26
COLOR
The Border Collie appears in all colors or combination of colors and/or markings. Solid color, bicolor, tri-color, merle and sable dogs are to be judged equally with no one color or pattern
preferred over another. White markings may be clear white or ticked to any degree. Random
white patches on the body and head are permissible but should not predominate. Color and
markings are always secondary to physical evaluation and gait.
All the above colors and many other combinations are to be judged equally.
Remember the Border Collie is a herding dog and its color is secondary to all the
other traits that are required for it to successfully control and move stock.
27
28
GAIT
The Border Collie is an agile dog, able to suddenly change speed and direction while maintaining balance
and grace. Endurance is its trademark.
Border Collies are agile and able to change speed and direction gracefully.
29
The Border Collie's most used working gaits are the gallop
They should be able to cover ground fluidly and efficiently hallmarks of the
endurance necessary to work stock in large, open field situations.
30
GAIT Contd:
and a moving crouch (stealth) which convert to a balanced and free trot, with minimum
lift of the feet. The head is carried level with or slightly below the withers. When shown,
Border Collies should move on a loose lead and at moderate speed, never raced around the
ring with the head held high. When viewed from the side the trot is not long striding, yet
covers the ground with minimum effort, exhibiting facility of movement rather than a hard
driving action. Exaggerated reach and drive at the trot are not useful to the Border Collie.
The topline is firm. Viewed from the front, action is forward and true without wasted
motion. Viewed from the rear, hindquarters drive with thrust and flexibility with hocks
turning neither in nor out, moving close together but never touching. The legs, both front
and rear, tend to converge toward the center line as speed increases. Any deficiency that
detracts from efficient movement is a fault.
Movement should suggest efficiency rather than hard driving action. Because stock
react to the dogs movement, Border Collies must constantly shift from
stealth/deliberate movement, to steady graceful turns to bursts speed all done
efficiently so as to allow the dog to work long hours with the least disturbance to the
stock.
31
TEMPERAMENT
The Border Collie is energetic, intelligent, keen, alert, and responsive. An intense worker of great
tractability, it is affectionate towards friends but may be sensibly reserved towards strangers.
When approached, the Border Collie should stand its ground. It should be alert and interested,
never showing fear, dullness or resentment. Any tendencies toward viciousness, nervousness or
shyness are very serious faults.
Border Collies are alert and intelligent. Their herding instinct is typically seen in a
variety of responses to motion chasing balls, feet, vehicles, etc. Attempts to
control moving animals may get them in trouble.
32
Border collie are gentle, playful dogs who, when given a job, are happy family
members.
33
Thatll Do!
For more information on the breed or to arrange a breed presentation, contact the
Border Collie Society of America, http://www.bordercolliesociety.com
34