Show Collies? not here, at least not by the modern definition of a show dog.
"Breeding to the Standard" is a phrase found on many canine websites. It usually means the breeder is trying to breed dogs that fit the written Standard (or description) for that breed. It is the Standard that breed's appearance should conform to in the conformation "breed" show ring. What many people consider the "beauty pageant" of the dog world. Only a little of the dog's personality and instincts can be observed in the breed ring and none of the health testing is judged. But since beauty is in the eye of the beholder each breed has a written standard describing the ideal breeding dog for that breed for people to follow if that is what they want. In agility, obedience, herding and performance trials "looks" and listed faults and disqualifications are not judged. When you read the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club Collie breed standard you will notice that "pintos" like Tundra, Collies with blue eyes, and sable merles are not listed as preferred colors. These colors are also not listed as disqualifications. These colors do not affect the health, personality or instincts of the Collies. There are even some conformation show Champions of these colors, but not as many as the listed preferred colors. I do not advertise "breeding to the standard" because I choose my Collies based on the personality, instinct, health, color and the appearance that I want. I only breed to the standard that a conformation judge looks for when I want to show a conformation Collie. My bloodline has far more obedience points and titles than conformation points and titles. Most of my bloodline tends to be a bit heavier boned, and not as refined as conformation show dogs I rarely tape ears and do not remove front dewclaws. Rear dewclaws are not born here.
All of my foundation collies that I started with came from herding parents, active farms or were chosen specifically for their personality. I believe the Collie's specific type of herding instincts are what make them such great family dogs, and I strive to maintain it. Most of my Collies are larger or more heavier boned than today's preferred show type. In most of my Collies' pedigrees the show champions are several generation back. There are also obedience titles, herding titles and health tests sprinkled thru most of their pedigrees. We compete in Rally Obedience Trials more than anything else, where my dogs and I are judged on our partnership and training. . The dogs also enjoy agility fun, herding practice and the conformation (show) ring where they are the center of attention. Are there conformation "show" ribbons in some of my pictures, yes. I enjoy the conformation show ring when I have a Collie who is ready for it. I like to show in conformation with my young dogs that are the preffered type and then graduate them to the obedience/rally trials for the rest of their careers.
Their Talents: Spirit and Willow puppies can compete very well in today's conformation show ring. Spirit also has a very strong eye for herding. Willow wants to herd and loves agility. Tundra's parents both had great, old fashioned herding instinct but he decided to be an obedience dog. Echo also prefers obedience despite both of her parents loving herding. Tira is still a "people" puppy and just wants everybody to be as happy as she is. Winter is also young and still figuring out life. Lena is the baby I kept from Tundra and Echo and at 5 months old all the world's a play ground! Dee is still here being the proud old grandma. She is Tundra's mother and she still circles and holds the ducks when they are in the yard.
Ears: As you look thru the pictures you may notice only some of them with naturally perfect ears. It is quite common for some Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs to need some taping to hold their perfect tip at some stage of their puppyhood. I only tape ears if I want to show that puppy in conformation, the only competition that requires perfect ears. I have met several show dogs who have to live their entire careers in tape in between the shows because the ears won't make it 30 minutes in the show ring otherwise. When I do tape ears the puppy can't run and play with any other dogs to prevent a tooth from getting caught in the tape and painfully ripping it off or worse. It is possible for an ear to be badly and painfully ripped off or torn permanently! When I can't let a puppy or young dog play with everybody else I think I feel worse than the separated pup! So I rarely tape my own Collies ears and they are perfectly happy with the ears they grow up with. Do I occasionally get "looks" from the show collie people when I bring a sable merle, blue eyes or different ears to the shows? Yes. Can you guess how much I care about my own Collies' happiness and how much I care about some appearance opinions? I bet you can!
Note- sable merle, pinto (like Tundra) and blue eyes or blue in the eyes are not show ring disqualifications, but these colors are not considered perfect in the written breed standard that conformation show dogs are judged by so they win less than many other show collies in the conformation ring. In all other types of competition color has no bearing what so ever- but instincts, personality, health, grooming, temperament, training and your bond with your Collie do!
Ear Help: I don't have much experience or talent for taping and gluing Collie ears. Please research the internet for Collie and Shetland Sheepdog ear tips and videos. There are as many methods as there are breeders. The trick is to experiment until you find the system that works for you and your Collie. Some people say it is pointless to tape ears before 9 weeks because the cartage is so young. Others start at 6 weeks old. I find that at some point my puppies usually have that perfect ear between 7 and 12 weeks old. That is the best time to tape- when you can see where the ear wants to fold so you can encourage it instead of fight it with a fold contrary to the ear's genetic development. Another trick I have rarely found on the internet is to rub the inside and outside of the ear with rubbing alcohol every 12 hours for 2 days before you ask the tape and glue to stick to it. Separate this puppy from other dogs during these 2 days to prevent "sliming" during play! Don't trim the hair unless the ear is really too heavy. Gluing the hair to hair works very well in Rough Collies and Smooths need that hair to protect from sunburn, wind, weather and cold. Good luck and good ears!
Health: My Collie girls and boys get the 8 genetic tests for collies before they are bred. Some labs offer "panels" with over 100 gene tests and some breeders advertise the results of that many tests. Since the genetic mutations that could give a Collie the gene for a disease that occurs in other breeds is so rare- I save the money for their quality diet and spare you the advertising of "my collies don't have a disease that only happens in other breeds currently". Think Doberman Albino gene or Dalmatian deafness gene. I can test for it and prove that my Collies don't have it- but why? Hip dysplasia is rare in Collies if you look at the percentage of Collies that have it in the OFA website statistics. Hip dysplasia is also a combination of genetics, diet and environment. I do x-ray my Collie studs for it since they influence more the breed's future than the girls (# of puppies) and they are more at risk because of their size and growth. All of my breeding program Collies have their CHIC numbers, proving that they have been health tested per Collie Club of America recommendations. Please see the Canine Health Information Center for details about the CHIC numbers.
All of my foundation collies that I started with came from herding parents, active farms or were chosen specifically for their personality. I believe the Collie's specific type of herding instincts are what make them such great family dogs, and I strive to maintain it. Most of my Collies are larger or more heavier boned than today's preferred show type. In most of my Collies' pedigrees the show champions are several generation back. There are also obedience titles, herding titles and health tests sprinkled thru most of their pedigrees. We compete in Rally Obedience Trials more than anything else, where my dogs and I are judged on our partnership and training. . The dogs also enjoy agility fun, herding practice and the conformation (show) ring where they are the center of attention. Are there conformation "show" ribbons in some of my pictures, yes. I enjoy the conformation show ring when I have a Collie who is ready for it. I like to show in conformation with my young dogs that are the preffered type and then graduate them to the obedience/rally trials for the rest of their careers.
Their Talents: Spirit and Willow puppies can compete very well in today's conformation show ring. Spirit also has a very strong eye for herding. Willow wants to herd and loves agility. Tundra's parents both had great, old fashioned herding instinct but he decided to be an obedience dog. Echo also prefers obedience despite both of her parents loving herding. Tira is still a "people" puppy and just wants everybody to be as happy as she is. Winter is also young and still figuring out life. Lena is the baby I kept from Tundra and Echo and at 5 months old all the world's a play ground! Dee is still here being the proud old grandma. She is Tundra's mother and she still circles and holds the ducks when they are in the yard.
Ears: As you look thru the pictures you may notice only some of them with naturally perfect ears. It is quite common for some Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs to need some taping to hold their perfect tip at some stage of their puppyhood. I only tape ears if I want to show that puppy in conformation, the only competition that requires perfect ears. I have met several show dogs who have to live their entire careers in tape in between the shows because the ears won't make it 30 minutes in the show ring otherwise. When I do tape ears the puppy can't run and play with any other dogs to prevent a tooth from getting caught in the tape and painfully ripping it off or worse. It is possible for an ear to be badly and painfully ripped off or torn permanently! When I can't let a puppy or young dog play with everybody else I think I feel worse than the separated pup! So I rarely tape my own Collies ears and they are perfectly happy with the ears they grow up with. Do I occasionally get "looks" from the show collie people when I bring a sable merle, blue eyes or different ears to the shows? Yes. Can you guess how much I care about my own Collies' happiness and how much I care about some appearance opinions? I bet you can!
Note- sable merle, pinto (like Tundra) and blue eyes or blue in the eyes are not show ring disqualifications, but these colors are not considered perfect in the written breed standard that conformation show dogs are judged by so they win less than many other show collies in the conformation ring. In all other types of competition color has no bearing what so ever- but instincts, personality, health, grooming, temperament, training and your bond with your Collie do!
Ear Help: I don't have much experience or talent for taping and gluing Collie ears. Please research the internet for Collie and Shetland Sheepdog ear tips and videos. There are as many methods as there are breeders. The trick is to experiment until you find the system that works for you and your Collie. Some people say it is pointless to tape ears before 9 weeks because the cartage is so young. Others start at 6 weeks old. I find that at some point my puppies usually have that perfect ear between 7 and 12 weeks old. That is the best time to tape- when you can see where the ear wants to fold so you can encourage it instead of fight it with a fold contrary to the ear's genetic development. Another trick I have rarely found on the internet is to rub the inside and outside of the ear with rubbing alcohol every 12 hours for 2 days before you ask the tape and glue to stick to it. Separate this puppy from other dogs during these 2 days to prevent "sliming" during play! Don't trim the hair unless the ear is really too heavy. Gluing the hair to hair works very well in Rough Collies and Smooths need that hair to protect from sunburn, wind, weather and cold. Good luck and good ears!
Health: My Collie girls and boys get the 8 genetic tests for collies before they are bred. Some labs offer "panels" with over 100 gene tests and some breeders advertise the results of that many tests. Since the genetic mutations that could give a Collie the gene for a disease that occurs in other breeds is so rare- I save the money for their quality diet and spare you the advertising of "my collies don't have a disease that only happens in other breeds currently". Think Doberman Albino gene or Dalmatian deafness gene. I can test for it and prove that my Collies don't have it- but why? Hip dysplasia is rare in Collies if you look at the percentage of Collies that have it in the OFA website statistics. Hip dysplasia is also a combination of genetics, diet and environment. I do x-ray my Collie studs for it since they influence more the breed's future than the girls (# of puppies) and they are more at risk because of their size and growth. All of my breeding program Collies have their CHIC numbers, proving that they have been health tested per Collie Club of America recommendations. Please see the Canine Health Information Center for details about the CHIC numbers.
Rough and Smooth Collies What is the difference?
Smooth Collies have that beautiful Collie head and wonderful Collie personality, but smooth-short hair simalar to a labrador or german shepherd. Smooths are all Collie, but a lot less grooming! Most Smooths will enjoy playing in the snow as much as you do! But they can not live outside 24 hours a day all winter long at minus 20 degrees like a fluffy husky! Personally I like my Smooths to be inside or have a doggy door to a warm place when it gets down to 40 degrees so I do not have to worry about their comfort. They have a long collie nose and very short hair on legs and ears with no fluffy rough collie tail to curl up into. Perfect for house pets, therapy/assistance dogs, child's pets, farm dogs in thistles and burrs, agility and outside pets in climates with mild winters.. Please note smooths will also shed some in the spring and fall, but is is a lot less than a rough. Some Smooths may have more "prey drive" compared to a lot of Roughs. I plan on teaching my smooths not to chase chickens, cats and rabbits, etc. They may also have stronger "harder" herding instincts. For example if you are looking for a cattle dog I will actually recommend my smooth line over my Roughs. Some of my smooths also react to strangers more. They might bark more and trust a bit less but it depends greatly upon how they are raised.
Rough Collies have hair like the traditional Lassie in the movies and on tv. Most Rough Collies only need a bit of brushing once a week. They usually shed in the spring when they might need brushing every day for about a week. Some will also shed a bit in the fall so they can grow their winter coat. Roughs often have softer herding instincts and may be more adoptive and protective of "helpless" animals. My roughs are less likely to chase small animals compared to my smooths. If you are looking for a dog that can move lambs and ducks calmly I will recommend my Roughs over my Smooths. Many of my roughs are more friendly with visitors than my smooths. However both varieties will not hesitate to protect if needed.
Smooth Collies have that beautiful Collie head and wonderful Collie personality, but smooth-short hair simalar to a labrador or german shepherd. Smooths are all Collie, but a lot less grooming! Most Smooths will enjoy playing in the snow as much as you do! But they can not live outside 24 hours a day all winter long at minus 20 degrees like a fluffy husky! Personally I like my Smooths to be inside or have a doggy door to a warm place when it gets down to 40 degrees so I do not have to worry about their comfort. They have a long collie nose and very short hair on legs and ears with no fluffy rough collie tail to curl up into. Perfect for house pets, therapy/assistance dogs, child's pets, farm dogs in thistles and burrs, agility and outside pets in climates with mild winters.. Please note smooths will also shed some in the spring and fall, but is is a lot less than a rough. Some Smooths may have more "prey drive" compared to a lot of Roughs. I plan on teaching my smooths not to chase chickens, cats and rabbits, etc. They may also have stronger "harder" herding instincts. For example if you are looking for a cattle dog I will actually recommend my smooth line over my Roughs. Some of my smooths also react to strangers more. They might bark more and trust a bit less but it depends greatly upon how they are raised.
Rough Collies have hair like the traditional Lassie in the movies and on tv. Most Rough Collies only need a bit of brushing once a week. They usually shed in the spring when they might need brushing every day for about a week. Some will also shed a bit in the fall so they can grow their winter coat. Roughs often have softer herding instincts and may be more adoptive and protective of "helpless" animals. My roughs are less likely to chase small animals compared to my smooths. If you are looking for a dog that can move lambs and ducks calmly I will recommend my Roughs over my Smooths. Many of my roughs are more friendly with visitors than my smooths. However both varieties will not hesitate to protect if needed.
Living with Collies:
In case you are new to the breed I would like to share some basic understanding of collie instincts. Original instincts include blocking the path of a herd, circling a herd to keep it in the same place, finding lost lambs, and protecting the herd and shepherd. Collies have been known to go out alone and bring the herd into the corral so the shepherd could stay in the house and eat dinner. He would lock the gate when he was done eating! Most of the time these instincts translate very well to being a family pet. My Ice (white rough) will protect the ducks that are eating his food in his day pen. My Dee (sable merle rough) will round up and hold the ducks when they enter the front yard. My Spring (sable rough) will leave her newborn litter in the kitchen to check on a screaming day old chicken chick in the next room! She also has to "count" the baby chicks on her way outside to go the bathroom every time!
Collies are famously good with kids. When you watch some of the old "Lassie" black and white tv shows or read some Albert Payson Terhune books you get a very "close to the truth" description of Collie character. In fact Albert Payson Terhune raised Collies and showed a few, many of his books are more true documentaries than stories. His books were based on his time living with his Collies. The tv dogs are of course still highly trained to walk, trot, roll over and bark on command but the general nature and intelligence of the breed is one of the closest in film I have ever seen. This does NOT mean it is safe to leave your child near an open well alone because a Collie is present however!
Collies seem to have a innate talent for knowing where the herd will be going. One fancier said "If the army employed Collies they would always know where the enemy was going because a collie would lie across their path!" This instinct to "block" can make walking across the yard interesting at times, especially with my rough girls. They frequently walk in front of me and slow down or stop. My males have more hours of obedience training and will come up into the heel position frequently to say "See how good I am being?" Or if one of my obedience trained Collies thinks they are in trouble they will suddenly come and sit perfectly in front of me because they know I can't yell at them when they are being good! This ploy is one of Ice's favorites. Just part of being a Collie. I want to preserve their herding instincts. I do not want them to feel like I hate their company or I do not want them around so I do not punish them for it. Instead I have taught them a command that means "move forward". I cluck at them the way I do to encourage them to move faster in the show ring. It is also the cluck I use to encourage a horse to trot. The Collies are always happy to obey and they don't feel unloved or unwanted. I save my "Heel" command for the obedience trial ring since it means a specific position and behavior. "With me" is a great command to walk/jog with me but not locked into the heel position.
These instincts also create Collies that like to lie across the end of the hallway or an open doorway, especially when children are present. The Collie is trying to "hold" them in a "safe zone". Again I try not to yell at the dog for being in the way. The dog will not understand why it is always in trouble and why you appear to hate it. Try to find a command that the dog can obey. I find it easier to call the dog to me to get it to move out of a hallway or door way. Even if I am the one trying to walk there I will call the dog and invite it to follow me as opposed to pushing or punishing it out of my way. If the house gets busy the dog can be taught to go lie on it's bed, in it's crate, or spend some time in the yard. If you really need to clear the kitchen- send the kids, the dog brushes, and the Collie into the yard or another room for some good brushing!
Or a few dog safe and kid safe treats or snacks for trick training- sit, shake hands, roll over, etc.
In case you are new to the breed I would like to share some basic understanding of collie instincts. Original instincts include blocking the path of a herd, circling a herd to keep it in the same place, finding lost lambs, and protecting the herd and shepherd. Collies have been known to go out alone and bring the herd into the corral so the shepherd could stay in the house and eat dinner. He would lock the gate when he was done eating! Most of the time these instincts translate very well to being a family pet. My Ice (white rough) will protect the ducks that are eating his food in his day pen. My Dee (sable merle rough) will round up and hold the ducks when they enter the front yard. My Spring (sable rough) will leave her newborn litter in the kitchen to check on a screaming day old chicken chick in the next room! She also has to "count" the baby chicks on her way outside to go the bathroom every time!
Collies are famously good with kids. When you watch some of the old "Lassie" black and white tv shows or read some Albert Payson Terhune books you get a very "close to the truth" description of Collie character. In fact Albert Payson Terhune raised Collies and showed a few, many of his books are more true documentaries than stories. His books were based on his time living with his Collies. The tv dogs are of course still highly trained to walk, trot, roll over and bark on command but the general nature and intelligence of the breed is one of the closest in film I have ever seen. This does NOT mean it is safe to leave your child near an open well alone because a Collie is present however!
Collies seem to have a innate talent for knowing where the herd will be going. One fancier said "If the army employed Collies they would always know where the enemy was going because a collie would lie across their path!" This instinct to "block" can make walking across the yard interesting at times, especially with my rough girls. They frequently walk in front of me and slow down or stop. My males have more hours of obedience training and will come up into the heel position frequently to say "See how good I am being?" Or if one of my obedience trained Collies thinks they are in trouble they will suddenly come and sit perfectly in front of me because they know I can't yell at them when they are being good! This ploy is one of Ice's favorites. Just part of being a Collie. I want to preserve their herding instincts. I do not want them to feel like I hate their company or I do not want them around so I do not punish them for it. Instead I have taught them a command that means "move forward". I cluck at them the way I do to encourage them to move faster in the show ring. It is also the cluck I use to encourage a horse to trot. The Collies are always happy to obey and they don't feel unloved or unwanted. I save my "Heel" command for the obedience trial ring since it means a specific position and behavior. "With me" is a great command to walk/jog with me but not locked into the heel position.
These instincts also create Collies that like to lie across the end of the hallway or an open doorway, especially when children are present. The Collie is trying to "hold" them in a "safe zone". Again I try not to yell at the dog for being in the way. The dog will not understand why it is always in trouble and why you appear to hate it. Try to find a command that the dog can obey. I find it easier to call the dog to me to get it to move out of a hallway or door way. Even if I am the one trying to walk there I will call the dog and invite it to follow me as opposed to pushing or punishing it out of my way. If the house gets busy the dog can be taught to go lie on it's bed, in it's crate, or spend some time in the yard. If you really need to clear the kitchen- send the kids, the dog brushes, and the Collie into the yard or another room for some good brushing!
Or a few dog safe and kid safe treats or snacks for trick training- sit, shake hands, roll over, etc.