Yes you are right Rune ... In 1873 the first recorded sheep dog trials were held in Bala, North Wales, but it was not until 33 years later that the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) was formed, following a meeting of English and Scottish sheepmen in 1906. In that year, the first International Trials were held in Gullane, Scotland and, except during the war years, these have continued to be an annual event.
[quote;0=Moobli;2374204]Surely it should also say recognised by the ISDS (International Sheep Dog Society).[/quote] Agreed the ISDS has and always will be important to the breed
Health Issues. CEA cPRA OCD, Narrow Glaucoma. These all need to be added as more and more tests are available. Without opening a can of worms but as the breed standard is mostly taken from the KC standard then the correct sizing should be used which is 21 inches for dogs and bitches slightly less. Weight is not specified in the standard and it's a funny one as there is such a range of build, size now. The weights above in my opinion don't cover it.
Thanks guys - I have updated to profile to Bala, and added those health issues Border Collie Info I am taking the height, coat and colour from the KC breed standard wherever possible, as although the breed profiles are meant to be a general overview for international visitors, we will probably get most people reading it from the UK. I will add a note to the profiles to explain where that info comes from at a later point Re the recognised by bit, in line with the original profiles we are only including 3 - but when we revisit the profiles in the second revision, we will add CKC and others. Thanks again for the feeback!
<<as he may have a tendency to bite through his herding instincts. >> Not sure about this bit really ... I suppose there are a number of "pet" collies that may nip, rather than bite? Also I really feel that there should be some reference to the fact that working bred collies don't make the best pets, unless they go to very dedicated owners who work with their inherent herding instincts.
And also perhaps point out that this is a KC breed standard and that the working collies can be extremely diverse in terms of height, weight, coat, colour and temperament.
Ok amended (bite to nip) and added this to the end of character: There is greater diversity in height, weight, coat, colour and temperament of the working Border Collie, which should ideally only go to working homes. Border Collie info page Thanks Kirsty!
Totally agree with what you have said Moobli. I was going to comment on the biting thing too. It comes across as a negative when really this is not the case. I would say and only from my experience when i was first looking for a BC. I was advised away from people i called who had working lines as they felt the working line would be too full on for my requirements. Would you agree Moobli that perhaps for the first time BC owner show lines would be a calmer line to look at. I know there are many people out that have had a working line dog as a pet with no problems, however for the sake of the dog and the "average owner" that wants a companion just to take out for walks" to really consider if a working line dog would suit their needs. AZZ the height i quoted is from the KC which is where most other websites take from as well. As there is argument in the breed that the breed that dogs are getting too big and stocky and bitches are going on the small size, the size has been discussed and agreed to be left at 21inch for dogs and slightly less for bitches.
megan, I guess it depends why people are drawn to border collies to me a border collie IS the inteligence, the intensity - and all the problems that can come with them imo if someone wants a collie just because they like the look of them but dont want any of the intensity then telling them to get a show line collie is not going to help because it depends on what the breeder is breeding for as to what you are going to get Personally I would have them find working dog breeders who breed steady dogs with great off switches and no OCD behaviours Or if that is too much I would suggest considering another breed having an 'easy' dog/breed in no way prepairs you for a difficult dog and to be totaly honest the working line dogs I have seen actually make better pets as they are bred from dogs who although high energy when working also spend large amounts of their day just chilling when there is nothing to do and are able to cope by themselves Many of the sports and show bred collies I have seen are less able to switch off and just chill
Unfortunately I believe many people are drawn to working border collie pups as they are "cheap" compared to their show line counterparts. I do agree that for the "average" dog owner, who likes the look of the border collie but hasn't the time, energy or inclination to do anything with it than to take it for a couple of walks to the park each day should definitely NOT consider a pup from working parents. I can't really say for sure whether they should go for showlines as I don't have any experience with them and so don't know how much "easier" (for want of a better word!) they are than their working cousins ... but you will know the answer to that Megan? Do show bred collies make good pets for the average dog owner? Certain working bred dogs can make good pets for active households, people wanting to train in agility/flyball/working trials, keen hillwalkers/runners etc. However, if this information is specifically targeted at people who are looking for a first time dog as a "pet" and nothing more, then they do need to look at a different breed ... or perhaps show lines if they are happier with less exercise/stimulation etc.
I agree that it definitely depends on WHY someone is drawn to the border collie. How much research they have done, how much commitment they are prepared to give their collie etc. Easy to say find a "working dog breeders who breed steady dogs with great off switches and no OCD behaviours" but these same dogs may well be steady, with a good off switch and no OCD behaviours simply because they ARE worked but they would be a different kettle of fish in a pet home. I have seen unwanted behaviours in pet collies disappear when they have been worked on sheep and given a change of lifestyle.
Yes I agree there, I should have added as well that no matter where you get a collie from you cannot expect them to cope without plenty exercise and mental stimulation If you dont want to be out exercising a dog EVERY day and dont want to train it and give it some jobs to do then you dont want a border collie
Personally totally agree, but there will be people out there that will want a BC regardless. I was asking the question whether some lines would be better than others. Agreed what it comes down to is putting in the time and really doing your homework before even looking at a pup.
I agree with both of you. Lines, I'm not sure, certainly some breeders breed to produce herding, showing or sports dogs but there is variation within a litter. One pup could be relatively laid back and less driven as BC's go and another could be at the other end of the hi-drive scale.
