29th November 2024

Having served quite a few years at the RKC on the Breed Standards & Stud Book Committee as the Representative to the Pastoral Group I gained a really good insight as to how this Committee works. This was under the guidance of Mr Frank Kane as Chairman. The current pastoral representative, according to the latest 2024/25 Year Book, commonly known as the Red Book, is Mr Jeff Horswell.
It is with some dismay I read the latest release concerning changes to ALL standards and as a breed we should be acting / discussing what they actually mean as it would appear that there is a move to “Standardise” all Breed Standards regardless of breed type or distinguishing features which makes each breed “stand alone”.
Our first standard, was published in 1881 and following this and the amalgamation and formation of many breed clubs, various issues followed in 1885, 1898, 1910, followed by revision in 1950 and 1969. Since then various amendments have been made 1988 and 2012 by the RKC to include points they consider, possibly on health grounds.
Last year, 2023, on 1st April a Statement was issued to all Breeds concerning changes to the Introductory Clause, which originally read as: However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour  described as Undesirable or Highly Undesirable it is strongly recommended that it must not be rewarded in the show ring TO:  However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour  described as  Highly Undesirable it must not be rewarded in the show ring.

However, this statement will be revised and become effective on January 1st 2025 and now reads:
If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as (Highly Undesirable) Unacceptable it must not be rewarded in the show ring

To those of you who actually read our Breed Standard, the clause, HIGHLY UNDESIRABLE occurs quite a few times  especially in the coat colour clause but also under Gait and Movement. It is the intention of the RKC to be replaced with the Term “UNACCEPTABLE”
Again, another item for discussion by the Rough Collie Breed Council

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com