Page 229 - Showsight April 2013

Border Collies have the ability to drop
to the ground instantaneously, which is
called “clapping”. Additionally, the amaz-
ing stopping, turning and general agility of
the breed is unsurpassed.
It is only after the dog can meet the
physical standards required for its job
should other, non-functional traits be
considered. But, some of the things that
may be thought of as “cosmetic” actually
have a working purpose. Pigmentation
is one example—a well-pigmented dog
is less likely to suffer sunburn. Whiskers
should remain untrimmed because whis-
kers help pick up the scent of sheep that
are out of sight. Even the white tip on the
end of a tail carried in an upward swirl
has a purpose. It is known as the “shep-
herd’s lantern” because many times the
tip of a tail would be all that would lead
the shepherd home in the dark after a long
day’s work.
Herding instinct and ability can-
not be assessed in the conformation
ring, but the physical qualities that
enhance the dog’s ability to work can.
For instance, only a dog with a well-
angulated, sound front will be able to
crouch in true Border Collie fashion.
This posture also requires the scapula to
be further apart when the dog is stand-
ing than many other breeds. Because of
the need for agile, fast turns, the Border
Collie’s length of body should be pri-
marily in the ribcage; not in a long loin
which might be susceptible to injury.
Border Collies must have moderate, oval
bone—light enough for speed, but sub-
stantial enough for stamina.
Border Collies historically come in
four distinct styles. The AKC breed stan-
dard was purposely written to be broad
enough to include all four. No one style
is preferred over the others. This can
be confusing to those who are unfamil-
iar with the development of the breed.
Regardless of its particular style, it is the
judge’s job to pick the best representa-
tive in the ring that day. A final lineup
that includes a variety of styles does not
mean the judge doesn’t know what he
or she is doing. Instead, it ref lects judg-
ing that respects the range of variety
acceptable in this breed. Only when two
dogs are of equal quality should a judge
choose based upon any personal prefer-
ence for one style over another.
Having four historically distinct
styles does not mean that breed type
should be ignored. When a judge is
standing in the middle of the ring look-
ing at a lineup that has just come in,
there should be no question that the
dogs are Border Collies. If one has to
look for a tail to determine whether a
dog is an Australian Shepherd or a Bor-
der Collie, breed type is lacking. In addi-
tion to head and body shape, one of the
most important aspects of breed type is
movement. Some dogs manage to look
great on the stack, but fall apart when
moved. Border Collies should move out
on a loose lead, with their head carried
low. Many judges reward fast and f lashy
movement. This is incorrect. Efficient
movement is imperative because these
dogs must be able to cover miles of
rough terrain daily.
A properly moving Border Collie
seems to glide or float as it covers the
ground smoothly and effortlessly. This
is described in some countries’ breed
standards as the ability to move with
“stealth”. Although stealth is often asso-
ciated with the crouch that Border Col-
lies use when approaching livestock, it is
also apparent in the free-flowing move-
ment when the dog is being gaited in the
ring. When viewed from the side, the
trot covers the ground effortlessly with
minimum lift of feet.
The topline should be firm with no
roll or bounce. Front reach and rear
drive are symmetrical, with the front
foot meeting the ground directly under
the nose and the rear foot pushing back
without kicking up. When the rear foot
is coming forward, it should reach to the
spot just vacated by the front foot. This
easy facility of movement is a hallmark
of the breed.
Even though some Border Collies
may never see sheep in their lifetime,
they should still have the physical attri-
butes necessary to perform their original
function as working sheepdogs. Breeders,
exhibitors and judges each play an impor-
tant role in the quest to respect and main-
tain that heritage.
BIO
Kelly Whiteman was the first Ameri-
can breeder-specialist judge voted by the
Border Collie Society of America (BCSA)
membership to judge a National Specialty.
She has presented many Judges’ Education
seminars and regularly provides ringside
mentoring for those interested in applying
to judge Border Collies. She is the Record-
ing Secretary for BCSA and Secretary of the
Kentuckiana Tartan Border Collie Club
(KTBCC). She currently serves as Chair of
the BCSA Standard Committee.
Illustration by Robyn Evans.
“A properly moving Border
Collie seems to
glide or float as
it Covers the
ground smoothly...”
ShowSight Magazine, April 2013 • 229