JUDGING THE BEARDED COLLIE
A PHOTOGRAPHIC REFERENCE
by Joe Holava
© Copyright by author. You must ask for permission before redistributing.
| The picture above of a Bearded Collie male was used for the Breed Standard Visualization when the breed was recognized in 1977. This photo illustrates very well what is the correct breed outline. Though coats today have generally lengthened (as breeders, exhibitors and handlers glamorize the breed for show) from the medium length called for in the breed standard, the picture remains today an excellent illustration of what body type the coat should fit. If you find a dog like the one in the picture, one should not hesitate to reward that dog. Perhaps Rick Beauchamp says it best in his October 2001 article in Dogs in Review entitled "Odd Man Out - When the Best Dog Looks Different". |
|
JUDGING THE BEARDED COLLIE Bookmarks to Take With You by Joe Holava |
 |
THE BEARDED COLLIE IS AN OUTLINE BREED. When you step back and look at your class, you should look for a dog that is longer than it is tall and one showing a good amount of room between the ground and the bottom of the chest. You should see a level top line blending into a nicely curved rump with a low tail set. There should be good length of neck. |
|
THE BEARDED COLLIE IS NOT A HEAD BREED. Although the breed shares collie as part of its name, head points should not be weighted heavily as in the Rough & Smooth Collies that you may also judge. You will want an inquiring and affectionate expression, but don't let yourself get too hung up on head points. Avoid ugly and you will do fine |
|
THE BEARDED COLLIE BREED ALLOWS PLENTY OF DAYLIGHT UNDER THE BODY. The wording in the standard on the above has presented confusion for many. You should remember that this phrase is not a reference to length of coat (there is separate reference to this point), but instead it is a reference to the amount of space or room under the body. The terminology in the standard can be attributed to the definition used in "The Dog in Action" by McDowell Lyons where daylight is referred to as the height from ground to brisket. When judging and you see equal distances from the ground to the elbow and from the elbow to the withers, you are on target. Avoid the short-leg look. |
|
THE BODY OF THE BEARDED COLLIE IS LONG AND LEAN. Wide fronts and rears are incorrect and should be avoided. Such a piggy-like look is not proper breed type. The breed should single track. If you are coming from a wider stationed breed, do not be alarmed when you see the Beardie moving away from you as it will move closer than what you are accustomed to due to its long, lean nature. Just the opposite, you should be alert to a dog that is moving improperly wide in the rear. |
|
THE BEARDED COLLIE MOVES WITH A FIRM AND LEVEL BACK. You should see a topline that is parallel to the ground upon which the Bearded Collie is moving. If your eyes see a topline that slopes toward the rear when the dog is moving, the dog is over angulated and can be said to be more German Shepherd in type than what is the standard. |
|
JUDGING THE BEARDED COLLIE TODAY'S ISSUES At nearly every seminar the following question is asked of the presentor: "What do you see are the biggest problems in the breed today?". In answer from one who has been involved with the breed prior to its AKC recognition in 1977, the greatest problems or peeves I have as I view the breed today are: · · Poor Fronts (Coming, too many can't converge & from the side, too many can't extend).· Lacking daylight under the dog (Ground to elbow shorter than Elbow to Withers).· Piggy looking specimens (Too wide and squatty looking as opposed to being long, lean and up on leg).· Small Bitches. |
© Copyright by author. You must ask for permission before redistributing.
