Schotse Herdershond 

    History   

The Collie dates back hundreds of years to the Scottish Highlands, where he was used for guarding the flock and herding. The early breeders kept no records, so the early historic details are somewhat muddy. There is speculation that the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie had different origins, though they are presently classified as a long and short-haired version of the same breed.  In the early days he was called the Scots Colley Dog, Colley being a black sheep. The Rough Collie's lineage was especially influenced by a dog named Old Cockie, born in 1867 whose sable coloured coat can be seen in the modern Collie. Every Rough and Smooth Collie can also trace their ancestry back to a tricolour dog named Trefoil, born in 1873. The Rough Collie has been extremely popular, but not so with the Smooth Collie. The Smooth Collie may have died out, in fact, if it had not been for the efforts of a number of dedicated breeders. By the 1930's the Collie was thought to have been bred with the Borzoi, which gave it more nobility but also made it somewhat melancholy. The early ancestors were brought to England and Scotland over 400 years ago. Queen Victoria kept a Rough Collie at Balmoral in 1860, and thanks to her enthusiasm for the breed, his popularity sky-rocketed in the herding circles and amongst the upper class. This popularity continued many years later with the writings of Albert Payson Terhune and the infamous television show "Lassie". The breed's popularity was so immense at one time, that huge sums of money would exchange hands for the best of the dogs. The highest price ever reputed to have been paid for a Rough Collie was for Ch. Parbold Piccolo to an American. Upon arriving at his new home in Milwaukee, Piccolo was allowed to freely roam around the property. He tragically disappeared that same day.  Collies have proven themselves to be a very adaptable and versatile breed. Collies today are seen in the conformation ring, obedience ring and in herding events. Many Collies have even lived up to the high standards set by Lassie, performing deats of heroism and bravery.

 

CHARACTERISTICS * To enable the Collie to fulfil a natural bent for sheepdog work, its physical structure should be on the lines of strength and activity, free from cloddiness and without any trace of coarseness. Expression, one of the most important points in considering relative values, is obtained by the perfect balance and combination of skull and foreface; size, shape, colour and placement of eye, correct position and carriage of ears.

Eyes * These are a very important feature and give a sweet expression to the dog. They should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape and of dark brown colour, except in the case of blue merles when the eyes are frequently (one or both, or part of one or both), blue or blue flecked. Expression full of intelligence, with a quick, alert look when listening.

Head and Skull  The head properties are of great importance and must be considered in proportion to the size of the dog. When viewed from the front or the side the head bears a general resemblance to a well-blunted clean wedge, being smooth in outline. The skull should be flat. The sides should taper gradually and smoothly from the ears to the end of the black nose, without prominent cheek bones or pinched muzzle. Viewed in profile the top of the skull and the top of the muzzle lie in two parallel, straight lines of equal length, divided by a slight, but perceptible "stop" or break. A mid-point between the inside corner of the eyes (which is the centre of a correctly placed "stop") is the centre of balance in length of head. The end of the smooth, well-rounded muzzle is blunt, but not square. The under-jaw is strong, clean cut and the depth of the skull from the brow to the underpart of the jaw, must never be excessive (deep through). Whatever the colour of the dog, the nose must be black.

Mouth * The teeth should be of good size, with the lower incisors fitting closely behind the upper incisors; a very slight space not to be regarded as a serious fault.

Neck * The neck should be muscular, powerful, of fair length and well arched.

Forequarters: The shoulders should be sloped and well-angulated. The forelegs should be straight and muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a moderate amount of bone

Hindquarters * The hind legs should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below, with well bent stifles. Hocks well let-down and powerful.

Feet * These should be oval in shape with soles well padded, toes arched and close together. The hind feet slightly less arched.

 

Tail * The tail should be long with the bone reaching at least to the hock joint. To be carried low when the dog is quiet, but with a slight upward swirl at the tip. It may be carried gaily when the dog is excited, but not over the back.

Colour * The three recognised colours are sable and white, tricolour and blue merle.

Tricolour * Predominantly black with rich tan markings about the legs and head. A rusty tinge in the top coat is highly undesirable.

White Markings * All the above may carry the typical white Collie markings to a greater or lesser degree. The following markings are favourable - White collar, full or part; white shirt, legs and feet; white tail tip. A blaze may be carried on muzzle or skull or both.

Weight and Size * Dogs: 55,8 - 60,9 cm (22 - 24 in) at shoulder. Bitches: 50,8 - 55,8 cm (20 - 22 in) at shoulder.

Dogs * 20,4 - 29,4 kg (45 - 65 lb). Bitches: 18,1 - 24,9 kg (40 - 55 lb).

Faults    Any deparure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note    Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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