TEMPERAMENT - (Not specified.)
Although temperament is not specified in the standard, Hazel Hunt (in her history of the Rough Collie published in the International Collie handbook, 1983) explains the true Collie temperament perfectly when she says:
“There is no doubt that the Collie’s gentle, tractable nature developed from the work he was selected to do. No other breed works in such willing partnership with man. The Collie’s eye is always on his master, alert for some signal, his ears semi pricked to catch some command.”
The temperament is also shown in the “impassive dignity” required in general appearance.
HEAD AND SKULL - The head properties are of great importance and must be considered in proportion to the size of the dog. When viewed from the front or the side the head bears a general resemblance to a well-blunted, clean wedge, being smooth in outline. The skull should be flat. The sides should taper gradually and smoothly from the ears to the end of the black nose, without prominent cheek bones or pinched muzzle. Viewed in profile, the top of the skull and the top of the muzzle lie in two parallel straight planes of equal length divided by a slight, but perceptible "stop" or break. A mid-point between the inside corners of the eyes (which is the centre of a correctly placed "stop") is the centre of balance in length of head. The end of the smooth, well rounded muzzle is blunt, but not square. The underjaw is strong, clean cut and the depth of the skull from the brow to the underpart of the jaw, must never be excessive (deep through). Whatever the colour of the dog the nose must be black.
For balance the head must suit the entire dog and will differ with individuals. With the difference in size and substance of the dog so too does the head size differ. This is the relationship of one part to another so we have balance.
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This photo shows
correct well blunted,
clean wedge being
smooth in outline
tapering gradually
with the required
well rounded muzzle,
correct eye and ear
placement giving the
desired sweet
COLLIE expression |
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A correct head
in profile shows
the desired
parallel planes
& well rounded
muzzle |
EYES - These are a very important feature and give a sweet expression to the dog. They should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape and of dark brown colour, except in the case of blue merles when the eyes are frequently (one or both, or part of one or both) blue or blue flecked. Expression full of intelligence, with a quick, alert look when listening
Remember that the medium size, almond shaped, somewhat obliquely set eyes contribute greatly to the correct COLLIE expression.
EARS - These should be small and not too close together on top of the skull, nor too much to the side of the head. When in repose they should be carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, that is, with approximately two-thirds of the ear standing erect, the top third tipping forward naturally, below the horizontal
When the dog is alert, the ears contribute to correct expression but once seen, this should be sufficient. The dog should not be expected to be alert at all times.
MOUTH - The teeth should be of good size, with the lower incisors fitting closely behind the upper incisors; a very slight space not to be regarded as a serious fault.
You should expect to find a scissor bite with full dentition in an adult. However, as some youngsters (under 12 months) can be slow to develop and often have a slight space, the reference in the standard to this space not being a serious fault is intended for these youngsters.
