Rough Collie Dog Breed
Posted by Jeanne on December 12, 2008
The rough collie is among the most popular and dependable of sheep herding dogs. They are extremely intelligent, easily trained, and are especially loyal to their masters. Their dense and profuse coats are well adapted to protect them from all kinds of weather. They make wonderful companions.
- Head – Skull flat, moderately wide between the ears and gradually tapering to the eyes. There should be but a very slight prominence of the eyebrows and a very slight depression at the stop. The proper width of skull necessarily depends on the combined length of skull and muzzle, for what would be a thick or too broad a skull in one dog is not necessarily so in another of the same actual girth, but better supported by length of muzzle. It must also be considered in conjunction with the size of the dog and should incline to lightness accompanied by cleanness of outline of cheeks and jaws. A heavy-headed dog lacks the bright, alert and full-of-sense look so much to be desired. On the other hand, the attenuated head is most frequently seen with small terrier eyes, which show no character.
- Muzzle should be of fair length and tapering to the nose, which should be black; it must not show weakness or appear snipy. The teeth of good size and even. English standard says, “mouth the least bit overshot,” but this is by no means desirable, and if at all exaggerated, should be treated as a malformation.
- Eyes – There being no “brow” in which to set the eyes, they are necessarily placed obliquely, the upper portion of the muzzle being dropped or chiseled to give them the necessary forward look out. They should be of medium size, never showing too light in comparison with color of coat nor with a yellow ring. Expression full of intelligence, with a bright and “What is it?” look when on the alert or listening to orders; this is, of course, largely contributed to by throwing up of the ears which accompanies the “qui vive” attitude.
- Ears – The ears can hardly be too small if carried properly; if too small, they are apt to be thrown quite erect or prick-eared; if too large, they either cannot be properly lifted off the head, or if lifted, they show out of proportion. When in repose the ears are folded lengthwise and thrown back into the frill; on the alert they are thrown up and drawn close together on the top of the skull. They should be carried about three-quarters erect. A prick-eared dog should be penalized. So much attention having of late been given to securing very high carriage of ears, it has resulted in reaching the other extreme in some cases, and that is now necessary to guard against.
- Neck – Should be muscular and of sufficient length to give the dog a fine standing appearance and show the frill, which should be very full.
- Body – Rather long, ribs well rounded, chest deep, but of fair breadth behind the shoulders, which should have good slope. Loin slightly arched, showing power.
- Legs – Forelegs straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone, the forearms moderately fleshy; pastern showing flexibility without weakness; the hindlegs less fleshy, very sinewy, and hocks and stifles well bent. Feet oval in shape, soles well padded and the toes arched close together.
- Tail – Moderately long, carried low when the dog is quiet, the end having an upward twist or “swirl”; gaily when excited, but not carried over the back.
- Coat – This is a very important point. The coat, except on the head and legs, should be abundant, the outer coat harsh to the touch, the inner soft and furry and very close, so close that it is difficult when parting the hair to see the skin. The mane and frill should be very abundant. The mask or face smooth, the forelegs slightly feathered, the hindlegs below the hocks smooth. Hair on tail very profuse and on the hips long and bushy.
- Color – Immaterial, though a richly or nicely marked dog has undoubtedly a considerable amount of weight with judges. The black and tan with white frill and collar, or the still more showy sable with perfect white markings will generally win, other things being equal.
- Size – Dogs, about 24 inches at the shoulder; bitches, about 22 inches. Weight, dogs, about 60 pounds; bitches, about 50 pounds.
- Expression – This is one of the most important points in considering the relative value of Collies. “Expression,” like the term “character,” is difficult to define in words. It is not a fixed point as in color, weight, or height and is something the uninitiated can only properly understand by optical illustration. It is the combined product of the shape of the skull and muzzle, the set, size, shape, and color of the eyes, and the position and carriage of the ears.
- General Character – A lithe, active dog with no useless timber about him, his chest deep, showing strength, his sloping shoulders and well-bent hocks indicating speed, and his face, high intelligence. As a whole, he should present an elegant and pleasing outline, quite distinct from any other breed, and show great strength and activity.
