<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It must be remembered that before anything else the Border Collie is a sheepdog. He is renowned as the world\u2019s greatest sheepdog and would have to be the most widely used working dog around today. The name itself gives some indication as to the dogs\u2019 origins and so the reasons for its basic structure.<\/p>\n
The Border Collie was originally developed in and for the conditions existing on the vast tracts of land on the Welsh and Scottish borders with England. Here the terrain varies from mountains to sweeping moorlands, the winter weather conditions being very bleak with snow, wind and sleet. Land such as this was suitable for very little except sheep and with the introduction of sheep grew the need for a suitable herding dog.<\/p>\n
It is believed the Border Collie comes from a very mixed ancestry of larger and less sensitive dogs such as the Bob-tailed sheepdog and the Bearded Collie. The Border Collie, as we know him today, probably emerged over two hundred years ago from\u00a0this more rugged but intelligent stock. Selective breeding helped develop a dog that\u00a0could cope with the harsh conditions and the work required. Size and agility to cope\u00a0with the mountainous terrain, stamina and economy of movement to cope with the\u00a0moorlands, coat and ear type for the weather conditions.<\/p>\n
Sheep can be anywhere from nervous\/frightened to aggressive. The \u2018stealth\u2019 referred to in the Standard is the Border Collies\u2019 ability to \u2018work\u2019 his flock in a manner that does not disturb or distress them – a light footed, quiet movement, not drawing\u00a0attention to itself until required.<\/p>\n
The first sheepdog trial was held in 1876. With the introduction of International\u00a0Sheepdog Trials in 1906 the outstanding ability of the Border Collie became apparent to the whole world and he subsequently became very much sought after in other\u00a0countries, e.g. New Zealand and\u00a0 Australia. In conjunction with these very early sheepdog trials there was often held a competition to find the \u2018best looking\u2019 dog entered – a forerunner to our modern dog show.<\/p>\n
The Border Collie is still very close to his working origins. In Australia in the early 50\u2019s several states had drawn up their own standards for the breed but it was not until 1963 that the ANKC adopted a national standard for the Border Collie. Successful breeding to type was often difficult during these early years, one factor being that until the early 60\u2019s Border Collies from working stock, or with unknown pedigrees, could be registered for breeding and the showring. In UK, where the breed originated, it did not enter the showring until 1976 when it received Kennel Club recognition, and in USA the Border Collie was not given full recognition as a show dog in the Herding Group until 1995.<\/p>\n
To A Champion Dead<\/strong> For those who have seen you stoop and fly The short, sharp word of command shall pass
\nThe light is dimmed in your loyal eyes,
\nYour swift white feet in the grass are still;
\nNo more, old champion, wary and wise,
\nShall you gather your sheep upon Troney hill!
\nNo more shall you scatter the morning dew
\nAs you make your cast with the rising sun;
\nBut the shepherd world shall remember you
\nAs long as a dog on the hill shall run!<\/p>\n
\nLike an arrow loosed from an archer\u2019s hand
\nHold your sheep with that masterful eye,
\nCrouch and creep at the least command \u2013
\nThose who have watcher you \u2018drive\u2019 and \u2018pen\u2019.
\n\u2018Shed\u2019 and \u2018wear\u2019, on a stubborn three \u2013
\nHave seen what never on earth again
\nThe lover of dogs may be spared to see!<\/p>\n
\nWhen the sheep in the showring turn and break
\nBut no white breast shall gleam in the grass
\nAs, alert, your sustanon 250 steroid<\/a> answering turn you take.
\nTrophy and cup in the cottage stand,
\nTriumphs you won o\u2019er the sheep-world\u2019s best;
\nBut what shall they solace that lonely hand,
\nChampion Kep, that your tongue caressed?<\/p>\n