21st February 2025

I make no apologies for this opening paragraph, as I care deeply for the true, original Rough Collie that I (and many others) grew up with. The breed is very dear to my heart, and I hope that many also feel the same way and try to understand my concerns.

The reasoning for this is, as follows, yet again, mainly from contact with fellow collie owners/breeders from abroad (I am not including the USA/Canada as they have their own Breed Standard  but direct this to those in countries affiliated via the FCI and subsequently to the RKC) who have concerns regarding “Out-Crossing to another breed” If you wish to do this, buy a mongrel as that is what they are, they are not Collies!

The Rough Collie, for which the UK holds the Country of Origin Breed Standard, states quite clearly the requirements for the breed in the show ring and in the UK not every puppy born will meet show standard and often needs a non-show home therefore health issues are paramount, regardless. Our Breed Standard also has clauses concerning health issues stating that any fault should not be rewarded in the show ring so if a dog is not show material by way of a minor issue, it still needs a good pet home!

In all breeds there is a requirement for genetic diversity and in the Rough Collie, this is being addressed in the UK by the RKC Health Standard, individual Breed Health groups and in Roughs we do have a Breed Health Focus Group and an active Breed Health Co-Ordinator who is in frequent contact with the RKC & Breed Council over health matters and can also put anyone interested in touch with relevant Health issues and also RKC statistics, so do feel free to make contact.

It would appear that a few people, (in different countries) are maybe what I would call “Novice” breeders and have decided that they know so much better than the establishment and knowledgeable breeders currently and also in the past. To those who worked so hard to establish the breed as we know it now must be “turning in their graves”

So, I ask, why is it that “those who think they know better” are trying to change our breed. Is it to suit the animals they have in their kennels and no doubt are using these as future / current breeding stock. The introduction of another breed to any breeding programme will result in Mongrels or to be slightly politer, “Cross-Breeds”. The gene pool is easy to understand, if you can read a pedigree (how many actually study these?)
Their issue is concerning the gene pool, or, as they state, lack of and this is their reasoning for breeding two separate breeds together as it will improve the Collie overall.

Yes, I will agree that our breed numbers have fallen in popularity over the years and there is a chance  that the Rough could end up as a Vulnerable Breed if registration numbers do not improve. The introduction of cross-breeds, if ever approved (it would take many many years) and will undoubtably be the end of the Rough as both I and others knew it.

The introduction of so-called “New Colours” (and photos of these can be found via many of the social media platforms) is also of grave concern. Is it because these people outside of the show dog world want something different and maybe those “seeing a quick buck” are jumping on this particular band-waggon regardless of issues which will arise when mating blue merles to sables, whites and colour headed specimens. All of which are not acceptable to honest, genuine breeders who actually care about the breed nor are these colours within the remit of our breed standard!

I am also aware that some FCI countries are allowing the mating of colour headed collies and subsequently have had these registered and accepted into breeding programmes so if you are intent of buying in from abroad, please please do your research before parting with your pounds as you may well be bringing into the UK issues you may well regret!

I just hope you will all understand my concerns for our breed as it would appear many others are not and the future of the Rough Collie is in jeopardy.

Now to show news:  So good to receive news direct from the Secretary of a show, so many thanks to Josh Blackburn who has given me details of their recent Open Show and writes: I’m pleased to report that the show yesterday was absolutely fantastic, we had home-made refreshments that were made by the committee on offer, the soup went down a treat on such a cold day, the atmosphere was lovely, we had so many nice comments and it was a pleasure to see the hall dressed up with N&D colours and we had a nice crowd of people. It was a proud moment for me as Olivia stepped into the ring to help show the dogs, after gaining two 1st prizes she stepped into the ring alone in the challenge. All in all, it was a fantastic day. Also, that all the Committee, including me, wish to thank all of the exhibitors for entering, my officers,committee and helpers for working so hard and to Mrs Pierson for officiating on the day. I hope they all had an enjoyable day and look forward to seeing them all again at our next show and wish them continued success throughout the year.

With a very small committee, along with others produced a good, friendly show for those who managed to attend. The judge for this event was Linda Peirson, a local person who is actually passed to award CC’s in Shetland Sheepdogs, Beardies and Portuguese Water Dogs  and is currently working her way through Roughs via the JEP.
Notification was made of the entry at Trimdon Village Hall of 41 dogs, however, due to illness and other factors there were just 8 males present and taking BD was Wilma Brodie and her shaded sable Shanaburn Country Road, with his son, Shanaburn Dark Night who won both MP and Novice with David helping out on the handling side. RBD went to Michelle Mitchell and Avonfair Aloysius JW. Although Veteran had 2 entries, both were missing on the day.
Ladies followed with a slightly better entry and taking top honours for the girls was another for Michelle Mitchell and Avonfair A Million Lovesong JW who won a well filled Open class. RBB was the blue merle from Junior Erjon Eyes on Me and Duna Jones. With 2 of her exhibits in the challenge, extra handlers were required and how nice to see Olivia Blackburn, learning the ropes and handling Erjon Evolving Beauty like a professional in a calm and sensible manner. BP was Jopium Follow My Heart and a nice message from Jo confirmed this win following on from her RBPIS at MCC. Ronansprey Rumour Has It won Veteran for Terri Brand.
In the BIS challenge, this went to Michelle and her sable girl,  RBIS to Erjon Eyes On Me and BPIS to Jo Hodges and her sable.

The same day, Jean Kenny was the judge for the National Working & Pastoral Breeds Open Show at Coventry and had received an excellent entry of 37, the highest breed entry for the whole show. BOB went to Jo Williams and Maverick (Mejola Top Gun) RBOB to Brian & Odile with Beldones Ivory Star and BPIB to Miranda and Corydon The Baronet. Although all stayed for the group we did manage to be shortlisted in both. Sponsored by the CA, a nice change was to offer actual Prize Money in lieu of rosettes and in this constricted times, this was much appreciated by all
The next day, some stalwart folk attended another show, with Maxine Mellish and “Riot” went to St Helens to attend their Centenary show. Stephen Webb was the breed judge and awarded Demelewis Double Take BOB with Jan Williams, Essanjay Ring of Fire BPIB and Denis & Mary Beardsworth annexed RBOB with Maysinder Sapphire Reign. Bill Rogerson was the nominated Group Judge and Maxine came home with G2 and Jan Williams took Puppy G3.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)

email: ca.antoc@btinternet.com