Quote:
Originally Posted by Majestic Mayhem
Are they a different breed to "real" working border collies?
Just wondered cos the show ones I saw yesterday smelled of talc or similar, had been for a backcomb and had probably never ran more than 25m in their lives.
Also seemed smaller than most working collies?
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Where did you see these, then?
It's against KC Rules to use have any type of product in the coat when the dog is being shown. Most show border collies I know do look absolutely stunning in the ring - but will and do run and play for miles when they are "off duty", so to speak. Believe me, they can and do get just as filthy as their working cousins.
There are two different types of coat allowed - the really thick ones are just that, thick and abundant, and not backcombed! As for size, there are some smaller border collies out there, but the breed standard says 53cms for dogs, with bitches slightly less.
I've c & p'd the bits from the Kennel Club Breed Standard for you below:
Coat
Two varieties: 1) Moderately long; 2) Smooth. In both, topcoat dense and medium textured, undercoat soft and dense giving good weather resistance. In moderately long-coated variety, abundant coat forms mane, breeching and brush. On face, ears, forelegs (except for feather), hindlegs from hock to ground, hair should be short and smooth.
Size
Ideal height: dogs: 53 cms (21 ins); bitches slightly less.