To understand how this breed has developed, it is important to recognize the work it was intended to do. While this work centered on the care and management of livestock, largely sheep, the early owners and developers of these dogs were not well-to-do fanciers but practical, hard working, thrifty individuals. A dog had to earn its keep, possibly playing several roles in its daily work.
The Collie presents an impressive, proud picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole.
The head properties are of great importance. When considered in proportion to the size of the dog the head is inclined to lightness and never appears massive. A heavy-headed dog lacks the necessary bright, alert, full-of-sense look that contributes so greatly to expression. Both in front and profile view the head bears a general resemblance to a well-blunted lean wedge, being smooth and clean in outline and nicely balanced in proportion.
Expression is one of the most important points in considering the relative value of Collies.
The neck is firm, clean, muscular, sinewy and heavily frilled. It is fairly long, carried upright with a slight arch at the nape and imparts a proud, upstanding appearance showing off the frill.
> A brief history
> General Appearance
> Head
> Expression
> Structure
> Judging the Collie
> A breeder's perspective
> Judging the sable merle
> Contact
> Related links
To understand how this breed has developed, it is important to recognize the work it was intended to do. While this work centered on the care and management of livestock, largely sheep, the early owners and developers of these dogs were not well-to-do fanciers but practical, hard working, thrifty individuals. A dog had to earn its keep, possibly playing several roles in its daily work.
The Collie presents an impressive, proud picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole.
The head properties are of great importance. When considered in proportion to the size of the dog the head is inclined to lightness and never appears massive. A heavy-headed dog lacks the necessary bright, alert, full-of-sense look that contributes so greatly to expression. Both in front and profile view the head bears a general resemblance to a well-blunted lean wedge, being smooth and clean in outline and nicely balanced in proportion.
Expression is one of the most important points in considering the relative value of Collies.
The neck is firm, clean, muscular, sinewy and heavily frilled. It is fairly long, carried upright with a slight arch at the nape and imparts a proud, upstanding appearance showing off the frill.
To develop a clear mental picture of correct Collie type an in-depth study of the Standard, attendance at breedspecific seminars, and observation of judging in quality entries [such as the National Specialty] definitely provide a sound beginning. Interaction with qualified, articulate mentors will bring you closer to establishing a clear mental image of ideal type and an appreciation of the virtues that are treasured by those breeders with long experience in our breed.
How do we as breeders define what makes a good Collie judge? What is it that we would like you to focus on when you are invited to judge our breed?
The Collie Standard recognizes four colors: "Sable and White," "Tri-Color," "Blue Merle" and "White." Sable Merles appear sable but may exhibit varying degrees of the merling pattern.
Quality, rather than color or pattern, is of foremost importance in judging the Collie. The Standard's emphasis on overall balance, head properties and expression is clear and should always take precedence over color.
Ideally, the Sable Merle should have dark eyes, matched in color. If the eyes are not dark and matched in color, the Sable Merle should be penalized (not excused or disqualified) to the degree that the expression is affected.
The Standard states, "Expression is one of the most important points in considering the relative value of Collies" and "The Collie cannot be judged properly until its expression has been carefully evaluated." It further states "Eye faults are heavily penalized."
To develop a clear mental picture of correct Collie type an in-depth study of the Standard, attendance at breedspecific seminars, and observation of judging in quality entries [such as the National Specialty] definitely provide a sound beginning. Interaction with qualified, articulate mentors will bring you closer to establishing a clear mental image of ideal type and an appreciation of the virtues that are treasured by those breeders with long experience in our breed.
How do we as breeders define what makes a good Collie judge? What is it that we would like you to focus on when you are invited to judge our breed?
The Collie Standard recognizes four colors: "Sable and White," "Tri-Color," "Blue Merle" and "White." Sable Merles appear sable but may exhibit varying degrees of the merling pattern.
Quality, rather than color or pattern, is of foremost importance in judging the Collie. The Standard's emphasis on overall balance, head properties and expression is clear and should always take precedence over color.
Ideally, the Sable Merle should have dark eyes, matched in color. If the eyes are not dark and matched in color, the Sable Merle should be penalized (not excused or disqualified) to the degree that the expression is affected.
The Standard states, "Expression is one of the most important points in considering the relative value of Collies" and "The Collie cannot be judged properly until its expression has been carefully evaluated." It further states "Eye faults are heavily penalized."
Dan Cardoza
Countryvew@aol.com
> Collie Standard Video (YouTube)
> Evaluating the Collie Head Video (YouTube)
Dan Cardoza
Countryvew@aol.com
> Collie Standard Video (YouTube)
> Evaluating the Collie Head Video (YouTube)