The official Collie Standard, as approved by the AKC and the National breed club, is the “Blueprint” of the breed. It presents in words, what the ideal collie should look like and it should serve as the guideline that each and every breeder looks to when they set on a course of breeding Collies. There may be some that do not agree with each and every point, but when breeding or judging, it is THE guide that should be followed. Basically it is a “Standard of Perfection” that all should aspire to! It should be noted that one of the objectives of the current Collie Club of America Constitution is: to promote the perfection of the Collie standard.
Per the current Collie Club of America Constitution:
ARTICLE VI - COLLIE STANDARD
SECTION 1. STANDARD. It shall be the duty of the Club “to define precisely the true type” Collie for both Rough and Smooth varieties in accordance with ARTICLE IV, SECTION 5 of the Constitution and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club.
SECTION 2. CHANGES IN THE STANDARD. The Standard may be changed if such changes are not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-laws of The American Kennel Club, at any annual or special meeting called for the purpose. Notice of the meeting shall be sent one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the time of the meeting and the proposed changes shall be incorporated in the notice. A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those voting shall be required for the amendment of the Standard.
STANDARD NOTES
When the Collie Club of America was formed in 1886, the first Standard adopted by the club was actually the same one used in England at the time. In 1897 when the club finally wrote its own Standard, it was loosely based upon both the English and Scottish Standards and included both “Scale of Points” used in those two countries.
The Standard cannot use inches (except for height) for descriptive purposes of some areas (for instance head length or width) because each dog is different. A heavy head on one dog may not be heavy on another. Thus the Standard cannot use measurements because of the variation that exists dog to dog. This is one of the reasons the Standard opening paragraph states: “it could be stated simply that no part of the Collie ever seems to be out of proportion to any other part”.
We forget today that there were many reasons for certain descriptions and terminology. For instance, the Collie Standard puts great emphasis on head, eye and expression. In the old days when the Collies’ natural work was herding/guarding and/or driving flocks, the last thing the Shepherd wanted was a Collie that looked like a wolf. The flock had to trust the Sheepdog and wolves were the natural enemy of most animals!
STANDARD CHANGES
Standard revisions are usually controlled by a handful of individuals and most certainly reflect those individual views, interpretations and prejudices. “Standard Review Committees” ideally should be the responsibility of open minded and experienced breeders.
Regarding voting on Standard changes: there are several schools of thought. Per the Constitution, changes are put to a vote of the entire membership of the Collie Club of America, but there are those that question why a new person joining the club with a pet Collie should have a say in the matter and have the same vote as a breeder who has spent years, and in some cases a lifetime, studying Collies and Collie breeding??
Typically Standard revisions came about as issues or problems arose and for purposes of clarity. Standard changes should not be done or taken lightly and should never be made because of fads and fancies of the moment. Otherwise the club would be changing the Standard every few years!
Over the course of 122 years, the American Collie Standard has only been changed four times and in every case, there have been very excellent reasons for doing so. Not only were the early standards in some cases loaded with contradictions and inconsistencies, but many things were omitted or needed clarification.
Today we would cringe at some of the descriptive terminology in the original standard! “The skull of the Collie should be quite flat and rather broad, with fine tapering muzzle of fair length and mouth the least bit overshot, the eyes widely apart, almond-shaped and obliquely set in the head; the skin of the head tightly drawn, with no folds at the corners of the mouth. The description of head properties has probably been changed more frequently over the years than any other area.
The year 1897 saw the debut of an American Standard the club could call its own. It was based upon both the English and Scottish Standards. Following the rewrite of 1897, the first change in the American Standard came in 1918 and dealt with size. The 1897 Standard read, “Dogs 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, bitches 20 to 22 inches. Weight, dogs 45 to 60 pounds, bitches 40 to 50 pounds.” The big problem was, most of the Collies of that time, including the ones being imported from Great Britain (and many were breed pillars), were actually bigger and heavier than the Standard allowed. For example Eng. Ch. Parbold Piccolo (imported in 1903) was “25 inches at shoulder, 75 pounds” per his description and he was born in 1899 and solid British breeding! And ......he wasn’t the only British import during that time that exceeded standard size guidelines!
Thus “size” was changed twice over the course of the next 50 years. The 1918 revision changed to: “Dogs, about 24 inches at the shoulder; bitches, about 22 inches. Weight, dogs about 60 pounds; bitches about 50 pounds.” However, size still needed to be fine tuned, so the 1950 Standard change read: “Dogs are from 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 75 pounds. Bitches are from 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, weighing from 50 to 65 pounds.”
In the 1940s a movement arose to change the Standard as many longtime breeders felt the Standard during that time, was very inadequate. In the early 1940s a ballot was sent out to all CCA members asking if changes to the Standard should be made. The majority answered “no”. In spite of the vote, several longtime breeders kept pushing for Standard changes and they were finally successful in the late 1940s. Looking back at the Standard that existed during that time, it most certainly was inadequate and in many key areas. Some descriptions were not only murky, but were contradictory as well.
For example in the Standard from 1918, under HEAD it stated: 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 malformation. The new Standard approved in 1950 cleared this up: The teeth are of good size, meeting in a scissors bite. Overshot or undershot jaws are undesirable, the latter being more severely penalized. The clarifications and additions that came with the 1950 Standard revision brought the biggest changes up to that point!
Not only has the breed itself changed over the course of 122 years, but certain areas of the original standard were in need of clarification. For instance, Collie “Gait” was not described until the 1950 Standard revision. However, the description of “Gait” still wasn’t complete until the 1977 Standard revision, when “single tracking” was finally described in great detail!
Collie colors were not defined in early standards. When the original standard stated “color immaterial”, it meant almost anything was possible. Though Sables and Tris were mentioned in the 1897 Collie Standard, Blue Merles and Whites (which had been exhibited for years) weren’t even mentioned until the standard revision of 1950!
Though the Smooth Collie was mentioned in the first adopted Standard (English) in 1886, the next two standards made no reference to the Smooth. Smooths would not appear in the standard again until the revisions done in 1950!
All 5 versions of the American Standard are printed in this chapter. Check the author notes at the end of each Standard.
~ FIRST COLLIE STANDARD ~
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUE TYPE OF COLLIE
The description of the true type of Collie as adopted by the Collie Club of America at the meeting in Waverly, N. J., September, 1886 is as follows:
The skull of the Collie should be quite flat and rather broad, with fine tapering muzzle of fair length and mouth the least bit overshot, the eyes widely apart, almond-shaped and obliquely set in the head; the skin of the head tightly drawn, with no folds at the corners of the mouth; the ears as small as possible, semi-erect when surprised or listening, at other times thrown back and buried in the “ruff.”
The neck should be long, arched and muscular, the shoulders also long, sloping, and fine at the withers; the chest to be deep and narrow in front, but of fair breadth behind the shoulders.
The back to be short and level, with the loin rather long, somewhat arched and powerful. Brush long “with upward swirl” at the end and normally carried low.
The forelegs should be perfectly straight with a fair amount of flat bone, the pasterns rather long, springy, and slightly lighter of bone than the rest of the leg; the foot with toes well arched and compact, soles very thick.
The hindquarters, drooping slightly, should be very long from the hip bones to the hocks, which should be neither turned inward nor outward, with stifle well bent. The hip bones should be wide and rather ragged.
The coat, except on legs and head, should be as abundant as possible; the outer coat straight, hard and rather stiff, the under coat furry and so dense that it would be difficult to find the skin. The “ruff” and “frill” especially should be very full. There should be but little “feather” on the forelegs, and none below the hocks on the hind legs.
Color immaterial.
Symmetry - The dog should be a fair length on the leg and his movements wiry and graceful. He should not be too small, height of dogs from 22 to 24 inches, of bitches from 20 to 22 inches.
The greyhound type is very objectionable, as there is no brain room in the skull, and with this there is to be found a fatuous expression and a long, powerful jaw.
The setter type is also to be avoided, with its pendulous ear, full, soft eyes, heavily feathered legs, and straight, short flag.
The smooth Collie only differs from the rough in its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth.
SCALE OF POINTS
Head and expression 15
Ears 10
Neck and shoulders 10
Legs and feet 15
Hindquarters 10
Back and loins 10
Brush 5
Coat and frill 20
Size 5
Total 100
NOTE: Point judging is not advocated, but figures are only made use of to show the comparative value attached to the different properties; no marks are given for “general symmetry” which is, of course, in judging, a point of the utmost importance. A.K.R.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The above Standard and scale of points was the English Collie Club’s Standard and scale of points. This Standard was in usage until around 1897, at which time, the first American Standard was written. Notice that the “Smooth Collie” is mentioned. It also stated “color immaterial”. And it made mention of “setter type” and “greyhound type” due to the rumored crossings with those two breeds and the negative traits that haunted the breed for years.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUE TYPE OF COLLIE
-Adopted by the COLLIE CLUB OF AMERICA
Amended 1897
1. 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 upon 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 snipey. 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 malformation.
2. 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 the 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 the throwing up of the ears which accompanies the “qui vive” attitude.
3. 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; and if 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.
4. NECK - Should be muscular and of sufficient length to give the dog a fine upstanding appearance, and show off the frill, which should be very full.
5. 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.
6. LEGS - Forelegs straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone, the forearm moderately fleshy; pasterns showing flexibility without weakness; the hind legs less fleshy, very sinewy, and hocks and stifles well bent. Feet oval in shape, soles well padded and the toes arched and close together.
7. TAIL - Moderately long, carried low when the dog is quiet, the end having an upward twist or “swirl”, gayly carried when excited, but not carried over the back.
8. 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 coat soft and furry and very close; so close that it is difficult on 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 hind legs below the hocks smooth. Hair on tail very profuse, and on the hips long and bushy.
9. COLOR - Immaterial, although a richly colored 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.
10. SIZE - Dogs 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, bitches 20 to 22 inches. Weight, dogs 45 to 60 pounds, bitches 40 to 50 pounds.
11. 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 is 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.
12. GENERAL CHARACTER - A lithe, active dog, with no useless timber about him, his deep chest 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.
FAULTS - Domed skull, high-peaked occipital bone, heavy, pendulous ears, or the other extreme, prick ears, short tail, or tail curled over back.
The following scales of points are those adopted by the Collie Clubs of England and Scotland. Neither club recommends point judging, the figures merely showing on which “Properties” the greater stress is laid.
SCALE OF POINTS
ENGLISH
Head and expression 15
Ears 10
Neck and shoulders 10
Legs and feet 15
Hindquarters 10
Back and loins 10
Brush 5
Coat and frill 20
Size 5
Total 100
SCOTTISH
Head 15
Eyes 5
Ears 10
Neck and shoulders 10
Body 10
Legs and feet 15
Brush or Tail 5
Coat 20
Size and general appearance 10
Total 100
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The above Standard was drawn heavily from both the English and Scottish Standards, with a few notable differences from the original Standard adopted by the club in 1886. Notice that any reference to the “Smooth Collie” was dropped! Color still states “immaterial” but gives mention to the tricolor and “more showy sable”.
The Collie Standard
-Adopted by the COLLIE CLUB OF AMERICA
Revised February, 1918
1. 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 upon 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 snipey. 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 malformation.
2. 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 the 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 the throwing up of the ears which accompanies the “qui vive” attitude.
3. 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; and if 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.
4. NECK - Should be muscular and of sufficient length to give the dog a fine upstanding appearance, and show off the frill, which should be very full.
5. 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.
6. LEGS - Forelegs straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone, the forearm moderately fleshy; pasterns showing flexibility without weakness; the hind legs less fleshy, very sinewy, and hocks and stifles well bent. Feet oval in shape, soles well padded and the toes well arched and close together.
7. TAIL - Moderately long, carried low when the dog is quiet, the end having an upward twist or “swirl”, gaily carried when excited, but not carried over the back.
8. 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 coat soft and furry and very close; so close that it is difficult on 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 hind legs below the hocks smooth. Hair on tail very profuse, and on the hips long and bushy.
9. COLOR - Immaterial, although a richly colored 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.
10. SIZE - Dogs, about 24 inches at the shoulder; bitches, about 22 inches. Weight, dogs about 60 pounds; bitches about 50 pounds.
11. 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.
12. GENERAL CHARACTER - A lithe, active dog, with no useless timber about him, his deep chest 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.
FAULTS - Domed skull, high peaked occipital bone, heavy pendulous ears, or the other extreme, prick ears, short tail, or tail curled over back.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The above Standard is basically the same standard as the 1897 version, with a few minor changes. The “DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUE TYPE OF COLLIE” was dropped with the standard revision in 1918 and the term of usage became THE COLLIE STANDARD. The only part changed from the previous Standard was under “SIZE” and the previous listed scales of points of the English and Scottish clubs, was removed. Notice that there still is no mention of the Smooth Collie, the Blue Merle or the White color!
REVISED STANDARD
As Adopted by the Collie Club of America Revised May 1950
GENERAL CHARACTER
The Collie is a lithe, strong, responsive, active dog, carrying no useless timber, standing naturally straight and firm. The deep, moderately wide chest shows strength, the sloping shoulders and wellbent hocks indicate speed and grace and the face shows high intelligence. The Collie presents an impressive, proud picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole. Except for the technical description that is essential to this Standard and without which no Standard for the guidance of breeders and judges is adequate, it could be stated simply that no part of the Collie ever seems to be out of proportion to any other part. Timidity, frailness, sullenness, viciousness, lack of animation, cumbersome appearance and lack of overall balance impair the general character.
HEAD
The head properties are of great importance. When considered in proportion to the size of the dog the head is inclined to lightness and never appears massive. A heavy-headed dog lacks the necessary bright, alert, full-of-sense look that contributes so greatly to expression.
Both in front and profile view the head bears a general resemblance to a well blunted lean wedge, being smooth and clean in outline and nicely balanced in proportion. On the sides it tapers gradually and smoothly from the ears to the end of the black nose, without being flared out in backskull (cheeky) or pinched in muzzle (snipey). In profile view the top of the backskull and the top of the muzzle lie in two approximately parallel, straight planes of equal length, divided by a very slight but perceptible stop or break.
A midpoint between the inside corners of the eyes (which is the center of a correctly placed stop) is the center of balance in length of head.
The end of the smooth, well rounded muzzle is blunt but not square. The underjaw is strong, cleancut and the depth of skull from the brow to the under part of the jaw is not excessive.
The teeth are of good size, meeting in a scissors bite. Overshot or undershot jaws are undesirable, the latter being more severely penalized.
There is a very slight prominence of the eyebrows. The backskull is flat, without receding either laterally or backward and the occipital bone is not highly peaked. The proper width of backskull necessarily depends upon the combined length of skull and muzzle and the width of the backskull is less than its length. Thus the correct width varies with the individual and is dependent upon the extent to which it is supported by length of muzzle.
Because of the importance of the head characteristics, prominent head faults are very severely penalized.
EYES
Because of the combination of the flat skull, the arched eyebrows, the slight stop and the rounded muzzle, the foreface must be chiseled to form a receptacle for the eyes and they are necessarily placed obliquely to give them the required forward outlook. Except for the blue merles, they are required to be matched in color. They are almond-shaped, of medium size and never properly appear to be large or prominent. The color is dark and the eye does not show a yellow ring or a sufficiently prominent haw to affect the dog’s expression.
The eyes have a clear, bright appearance, expressing intelligent inquisitiveness, particularly when the ears are drawn up and the dog is on the alert.
In blue merles, dark brown eyes are preferable but either or both eyes may be merle or china in color without specific penalty.
A large, round, full eye seriously detracts from the desired “sweet” expression. Eye faults are heavily penalized.
EARS
The ears are in proportion to the size of the head and, if they are carried properly and unquestionably “break” naturally, are seldom too small. Large ears usually can not be lifted correctly off the head and even if lifted they will be out of proportion to the size of the head. When in repose the ears are folded lengthwise and thrown back into the frill. On the alert they are drawn well up on the backskull and are carried about three-quarters erect, with about one-fourth of the ear tipping or “breaking” forward. A dog with prick ears or low ears can not show true expression and is penalized accordingly.
NECK
The neck is firm, clean, muscular, sinewy and heavily frilled. It is fairly long, is carried upright with a slight arch at the nape and imparts a proud, upstanding appearance showing off the frill.
BODY
The body is firm, hard and muscular, a trifle long in proportion to the height. The ribs are well-rounded behind the well-sloped shoulders and the chest is deep, extending to the elbows. The back is strong and level, supported by powerful hips and thighs and the croup is sloped to give a well rounded finish. The loin is powerful and slightly arched. Noticeably fat dogs or dogs in poor flesh or with skin disease or with no undercoat are out of condition and are moderately penalized accordingly. In grown males, a monorchid is penalized and a cryptorchid is disqualified.
LEGS
The forelegs are straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone considering the size of the dog. A cumbersome appearance is undesirable. Both narrow and wide placement are penalized. The forearm is moderately fleshy and the pasterns are flexible but without weakness. The hind legs are less fleshy, are muscular at the thighs, very sinewy and the hocks and stifles are well bent. A cow hocked dog or a dog with straight stifles is penalized. The comparatively small feet are approximately oval in shape. The soles are well padded and tough and the toes are well arched and close together. When the Collie is not in motion the legs and feet are judged by allowing the dog to come to a natural stop in a standing position so that both the forelegs and the hind legs are placed well apart, with the feet extending straight forward. Excessive “posing” is undesirable.
GAIT
The gait or movement is distinctly characteristic of the breed. A sound Collie is not out at the elbows but it does, nevertheless, move toward the observer with its front feet tracking comparatively close together at the ground. The front legs do not “cross over” nor does the Collie move with a pacing or rolling gait. Viewed from the front, one gains the impression that the dog is capable of changing its direction of travel almost instantaneously, as indeed it is. When viewed from the rear, the hind legs, from the hock joint to the ground, move in comparatively close-together parallel, vertical planes. The hind legs are powerful and propelling. Viewed from the side, the gait is not choppy but smooth. The reasonably long, “reaching” stride is even, easy, light and seemingly effortless.
TAIL
The tail is moderately long, the bone reaching to the hock joint or below. It is carried low when the dog is quiet, the end having an upward twist or “swirl.” When gaited or when the dog is excited it is carried gaily but not over the back.
COAT
The well-fitting, proper-textured coat is the crowning glory of the Rough Variety of Collie. It is abundant except on the head and legs. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch. A soft, open outer coat or a curly outer coat, regardless of quantity, is penalized. The under coat, however, is soft, furry and so close together that it is difficult to see the skin when the hair is parted. The coat is very abundant on the mane and frill. The face or mask is smooth. The forelegs are smooth and well feathered to the back of the pasterns. The hind legs are smooth below the hock joints. Any feathering below the hocks is removed for the show ring. The hair on the tail is very profuse and on the hips it is long and bushy. The texture, quantity and the extent to which the coat “fits the dog” are important points.
COLOR
The four recognized colors are “Sable and White,” “Tricolor,’’ “Blue Merle” and “White.” There is no preference among them. The “Sable and White” is predominantly sable (a fawn sable color of varying shades from light gold to dark mahogany) with white markings usually on the chest, neck, legs, feet and the tip of the tail. A blaze may appear on the foreface or backskull or both. The “Tricolor” is predominantly black, carrying white markings as in a sable and white and has tan shadings on and about the head and legs. The “Blue Merle” is a mottled or “marbled” color, predominantly blue-gray and black with white markings as in the “Sable and White” and usually has tan shadings as in the “Tricolor”. The “White” is predominantly White, preferably with sable or tricolor markings. Blue merle coloring is undesirable in whites.
SIZE
Dogs are from 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 75 pounds. Bitches are from 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, weighing from 50 to 65 pounds. An undersize or an oversize Collie is penalized according to the extent to which the dog appears to be undersize or oversize.
EXPRESSION
Expression 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 it is something the uninitiated can properly understand only by optical illustration. In general, however, it may be said to be the combined product of the shape and balance of the skull and muzzle, the placement, size, shape and color of the eyes and the position, size and carriage of the ears. An expression that shows sullenness or which is suggestive of any other breed is entirely foreign. The Collie can not be judged properly until its expression has been carefully evaluated.
SMOOTH COLLIE
The Smooth Variety of Collie is judged by the same Standard as the Rough Variety, except that the references to the quantity and the distribution of the coat are not applicable to the Smooth Variety, which has a hard, dense, smooth coat.
AUTHOR’S NOTE:
In 1950, the long awaited “updated” Collie Standard was approved by the Executive Committee and the membership of the Collie Club of America. From 1944 to 1949, the Standard Revision committee worked long and hard in preparing the changes. Over the years, the standard had changed very little. This new one brought not only major changes, but additions and clarifications. Under “GENERAL CHARACTER” words were added detailing the overall description and for the first time, “Timidity, frailness, sulleness, Viciousness, lack of animation, cumbersome appearance and lack of overall balance impair the general character” appeared. The section under “HEAD” added greater detail, especially in the area of skull and stop and for the first time “scissors bite” appeared. Plus the statement that “head properties are of great importance” was added. The section under “EYES” also brought major additions, such as “almond-shaped”, and “Except for the blue merles, they are required to be matched in color” and “Eye faults are heavily penalized”. “EARS” and “NECK” had only minor clarifications. The “BODY” and “LEGS” sections also brought greater detail. “Noticeably fat dogs or dogs in poor flesh or with skin disease or with no undercoat are out of condition and are moderately penalized accordingly” was added. Also mention was made of “Monorchid” and “Cryptorchid” (monorchid was penalized and a cryptorchid was disqualified). Under “LEGS”, “Excessive “posing” is undesirable”, made an appearance. Amazingly the old standard had no description of “GAIT” at all. The new standard added an entirely new section describing the “distinctively characteristic” gait of the Collie. The “TAIL” section stayed basically the same, with minor clarifications. “COAT” description was clarified. Another major change was under “COLOR”. For the first time four recognized colors were included. “SIZE” was increased to “24 to 26 inches at the shoulder” for males, weight 60 to 75 pounds and Bitches were increased from “22 to 24 inches at the shoulder” with weight of 50 to 65 pounds. The section under “EXPRESSION” was fine-tuned, with greater elaboration. Also, previous standards (with the exception of the first Standard adopted in 1886) did not deal with or even mention the “SMOOTH COLLIE”. Finally with the approval of the new standard “Smooth Collies” were officially recognized.
CURRENT STANDARD
The Collie Standard
As approved by The American Kennel Club May 10, 1977
GENERAL CHARACTER
The Collie is a lithe, strong, responsive, active dog, carrying no useless timber, standing naturally straight and firm. The deep, moderately wide chest shows strength, the sloping shoulders and well-bent hocks indicate speed and grace and the face shows high intelligence. The Collie presents an impressive, proud picture of true balance, each part being in harmonious proportion to every other part and to the whole. Except for the technical description that is essential to this Standard and without which no Standard for the guidance of breeders and judges is adequate, it could be stated simply that no part of the Collie ever seems to be out of proportion to any other part. Timidity, frailness, sullenness, viciousness, lack of animation, cumbersome appearance and lack of overall balance impair the general character.
HEAD
The head properties are of great importance. When considered in proportion to the size of the dog the head is inclined to lightness and never appears massive. A heavy-headed dog lacks the necessary bright, alert, full-of-sense look that contributes so greatly to expression. Both in front and profile view the head bears a general resemblance to a well blunted lean wedge, being smooth and clean in outline and nicely balanced in proportion. On the sides it tapers gradually and smoothly from the ears to the end of the black nose, without being flared out in backskull (cheeky) or pinched in muzzle (snipey). In profile view the top of the backskull and the top of the muzzle lie in two approximately parallel, straight planes of equal length, divided by a very slight but perceptible stop or break. A mid-point between the inside corners of the eyes (which is the center of a correctly placed stop) is the center of balance in length of head.
The end of the smooth, well-rounded muzzle is blunt but not square. The underjaw is strong, cleancut and the depth of skull from the brow to the under part of the jaw is not excessive. The teeth are of good size, meeting in a scissors bite. Overshot or undershot jaws are undesirable, the latter being more severely penalized. There is a very slight prominence of the eyebrows. The backskull is flat, without receding either laterally or backward and the occipital bone is not highly peaked. The proper width of backskull necessarily depends upon the combined length of skull and muzzle and the width of the backskull is less than its length. Thus, the correct width varies with the individual and is dependent upon the extent to which it is supported by length of muzzle. Because of the importance of the head characteristics, prominent head faults are severely penalized.
EYES
Because of the combination of the flat skull, the arched eyebrows, the slight stop and the rounded muzzle, the foreface must be chiseled to form a receptacle for the eyes and they are necessarily placed obliquely to give them the required forward outlook. Except for the blue merles, they are required to be matched in color. They are almond-shaped, of medium size and never properly appear to be large or prominent. The color is dark and the eye does not show a yellow ring or a sufficiently prominent haw to affect the dog’s expression. The eyes have a clear, bright appearance, expressing intelligent inquisitiveness, particularly when the ears are drawn up and the dog is on the alert. In blue merles, dark brown eyes are preferable, but either or both eyes may be merle or china in color without specific penalty. A large, round, full eye seriously detracts from the desired “sweet” expression. Eye faults are heavily penalized.
EARS
The ears are in proportion to the size of the head and, if they are carried properly and unquestionably “break” naturally, are seldom too small. Large ears usually cannot be lifted correctly off the head, and even if lifted, they will be out of proportion to the size of the head. When in repose the ears are folded lengthwise and thrown back into the frill. On the alert they are drawn well up on the backskull and are carried about three-quarters erect, with about one-fourth of the ear tipping or “breaking” forward. A dog with prick ears or low ears cannot show true expression and is penalized accordingly.
NECK
The neck is firm, clean, muscular, sinewy, and heavily frilled. It is fairly long, is carried upright with a slight arch at the nape and imparts a proud, upstanding appearance showing off the frill.
BODY
The body is firm, hard and muscular, a trifle long in proportion to the height. The ribs are well-rounded behind the well-sloped shoulders and the chest is deep, extending to the elbows. The back is strong and level, supported by powerful hips and thighs and the croup is sloped to give a well-rounded finish. The loin is powerful and slightly arched. Noticeably fat dogs or dogs in poor flesh or with skin disease or with no undercoat are out of condition and are moderately penalized accordingly. In grown males, a monorchid or cryptorchid are disqualified.
LEGS
The forelegs are straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone considering the size of the dog. A cumbersome appearance is undesirable. Both narrow and wide placement are penalized. The forearm is moderately fleshy and the pasterns are flexible, but without weakness. The hind legs are less fleshy, are muscular at the thighs, very sinewy and the hocks and stifles are well bent. A cow-hocked dog or a dog with straight stifles is penalized. The comparatively small feet are approximately oval in shape. The soles are well padded and tough and the toes are well arched and close together. When the Collie is not in motion, the legs and feet are judged by allowing the dog to come to a natural stop in a standing position so that both the forelegs and the hind legs are placed well apart, with the feet extending straight forward. Excessive “posing” is undesirable.
GAIT
Gait is sound. When the dog is moved at a slow trot toward an observer its straight front legs track comparatively close together at the ground. The front legs are not out at the elbows, do not “cross over” nor does the dog move with a choppy, pacing or rolling gait. When viewed from the rear the hind legs are straight, tracking comparatively close together at the ground. At a moderate trot the hind legs are powerful and propelling. Viewed from the side the reasonably long, “reaching” stride is smooth and even, keeping the back line firm and level.
As the speed of the gait is increased the Collie single tracks, bringing the front legs inward in a straight line from the shoulder toward the center line of the body and the hind legs inward in a straight line from the hip toward the center line of the body. The gait suggests effortless speed combined with the dog’s herding heritage, requiring it to be capable of changing its direction of travel almost instantaneously.
TAIL
The tail is moderately long, the bone reaching to the hock joint or below. It is carried low when the dog is quiet, the end having an upward twist or “swirl.” When gaited or when the dog is excited it is carried gaily, but not over the back.
COAT
The well-fitting, proper-textured coat is the crowning glory of the Rough Variety of Collie. It is abundant except on the head and legs. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch. A soft, open outer coat or a curly outer coat, regardless of quantity is penalized. The under coat, however, is soft, furry and so close together that it is difficult to see the skin when the hair is parted. The coat is very abundant on the mane and frill. The face or mask is smooth. The forelegs are smooth and well feathered to the back of the pasterns. The hind legs are smooth below the hock joints. Any feathering below the hocks is removed for the show ring. The hair on the tail is very profuse and on the hips it is long and bushy. The texture, quantity and the extent to which the coat “fits the dog” are important points.
COLOR
The four recognized colors are “Sable and White,” ‘’Tri-color,” “Blue Merle” and “White.” There is no preference among them. The ‘’Sable and White’’ is predominantly sable (a fawn sable color of varying shades from light gold to dark mahogany) with white markings usually on the chest, neck, legs, feet and the tip of the tail. A blaze may appear on the foreface or backskull or both. The “Tri-color” is predominantly black, carrying white markings as in a sable and white and has tan shadings on and about the head and legs. The “Blue Merle” is a mottled or “marbled” color, predominantly blue-grey and black with white markings as in the “Sable and White” and usually has tan shadings as in the “Tri-color.” The “White” is predominantly white, with sable, tri-color or blue merle markings.
SIZE
Dogs are from 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 75 pounds. Bitches are from 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, weighing from 50 to 65 pounds. An undersize or an oversize Collie is penalized according to the extent to which the dog appears to be undersize or oversize.
EXPRESSION
Expression 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 it is something the uninitiated can properly understand only by optical illustration. In general, however, it may be said to be the combined product of the shape and balance of the skull and muzzle, the placement, size, shape and color of the eyes, and the position, size and carriage of the ears. An expression that shows sullenness or which is suggestive of any other breed is entirely foreign. The Collie cannot be judged properly until its expression has been carefully evaluated.
SMOOTH COLLIE
The Smooth Variety of Collie is judged by the same Standard as the Rough Variety, except that the references to the quantity and distribution of the coat are not applicable to the Smooth Variety, which has a short, hard, dense, flat coat of good texture, with an abundance of undercoat.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: In this most current Standard, finally a bona fide description of “Single tracking” gait was included. Under color, the white description was changed to include Blue Merle markings (previously stated as being undesirable). The description of coat under the Smooth Collie was further clarified, with a few descriptive words added. It should be noted that the Collie Standard does not have any disqualifications (other than. “In grown males, a monorchid or cryptorchid are disqualified). Even that wording is interesting as it states “in grown males”....does that mean a monorchid or cryptorchid is acceptable in the young puppy?? In any case, this is the current Standard...it’s a very good descriptive standard but like others before it, the interpretation is based upon the subjective opinion and the amount of knowledge of the person reading it.