Interesting Article on Border Collies (J. Larson)

[skunkstripe]

The BC people have probably seen this but I thought it was very interesting to read. I think it's safe to say that Janet Larson is extremely knowledgable.

What got me though was a description near the end of how the color of the dog's coat influences it's working ability. Apparently sheep don't respect pale dogs!

Most shepherds do not like a dog with too much white, or a pale dog since sheep mistake it for another sheep and challenge it more. This is not a problem on home field where the sheep learn to either respect or ignore the dog on its own merits. At a trial on strange sheep it can making the differences between winning and not even qualifying. A dark dog such as a black, dark slate, or liver will carry the most respect. Red (brown), blue merle and red merle fall somewhere in the middle. The least respected by the sheep are the predominantly white dog or the yellow (Lemon or Australian red) dog, or any very washed out double merles, since these colors approximate a sheep’s own color. For a number of years a woman was trialing a lemon and white male who worked very well at home. At trials he was constantly challenged, and sheep walked up to him to investigate. He developed an attitude and started gripping in retaliation. Finally his owner had a black jacket made for him, and the problem stopped.
http://www.winslowsaussies.com/JudgingTheBorderCollie.pdf

[Jake2006]

It sounds quite reasonable to me. Great idea about the black jacket.

I've had border collies and I found them to be the most eager to please, obedient dogs on the planet - as long as they had plenty and I mean PLENTY of exercise. One bitch was one of my daughter's best friends from a baby until she was about 8. My other daughter has a border collie now and he runs alongside when she's horseriding

[Monkey]

HA, that was really interesting..

Never even thought of something like that!!

[bunnyphone]

That's really interesting, I hadn't thought about it like that before but I knew that white should not be the dominant colour on a BC.

[April]

Thanks Jean, I found that fascinating.

That's really interesting, I hadn't thought about it like that before but I knew that white should not be the dominant colour on a BC.

I have read the Australian standard which says they should have a straight topline, which April had, but I don't think Tilba will, they should have a definite stop. Can't remember much else. I have noticed the dogs of today have more of a domed head, April's was flatter.
It made for great reading. Will have to look out for some of the books. I only have the one by Joan Bray.

[Draco]

Very fascinating! My boy, Ash seems to be a blending between the British and Aussie lines, at the very least between the preferences. Nothing wrong with that. His folks were both herding dogs on a local farm and wonderfully adjusted dogs. I absolutely agree that show dogs should be working dogs too (if their breed has a purpose). It would keep them in better perspective of form and function.

Good posting, Skunkstripe!

[cookygirl]

yes that was interesting...Zak my bc should get respect from sheep then as hes mainly black with a white stripe on face, (not that I want him herding) as both his parents are working sheep dogs. hes only 4 months and hes so obedient.