Scottish-Collie Preservation Society

07/01/2025

03/16/2025

Solo and Zia’s official photos! This was Zia’s fastest time and Solo’s first run!

11/08/2024

COLLIE EYES:

WEEK 1: "SCPS Eye Standards" goal for Breeders.

The eyes on our collies are a very important feature and not only give expression to the dog, but perform very valuable functions.
Collie eyes are defined as almond shaped.

● Placement of the eye is important. The collies' eyes should be obliquely placed on the head, neither perpendicular nor parallel. This allows for both binocular vision as well as peripheral vision. The eyes should have an alert expression full of intelligence. Their eyes should be fair or medium in size, never small and beady or too large and prominent. If the eyes are too prominent and bulbous it can put the dog at risk of injury, including a possible hoof connecting during herding work.

● Color may be any shade of brown, however, yellow eyes are discouraged. Dogs of merle color frequently have either one or both eyes blue and white or china colored.

● How a dog's eyes are set determines the field of view as well as depth perception allowing them to easily monitor activity around them, especially when working livestock. Eyes too close together and placed more in the front of the head, gives a dog good binocular vision allowing for enhanced depth perception, however, it limits their range of view. Prey animals such as deer, horses & rabbits have eyes placed on the side of the head providing peripheral vision. This enables them the ability to see things outside of their direct line of sight without moving their head enabling them to monitor movement all around them. A critical skill when observing surroundings for unknown predators approaching from different angles, however, this comes at the cost of poor eyesight directly in front of them. The collie was bred to have both as a working/ herding breed. Eye placement is very important to their visual capabilities. Eyes should be placed obliquely on the head, allowing for excellent vision both binocular and peripheral.

● Collie eyes are defined as almond shaped. If a dog has nice deep sockets (adequately deep) then the dogs eyes will be better protected from dirt, debris, weather and injury, this is important for a working dog. The deep eye socket bred into the collie gives their eyes the recessed look and almond shaped eye we often see.

As preservation breeders, it is important to understand the traits bred into the collie and how they help the collie perform the tasks they were bred to do. I hope you found this information helpful.

https://www.scottishcolliepreservationsociety.com/scps-breed-standard-2016.html

09/27/2024

Do not rely on the USDA label as your only source as to whether a breeder is ethical or not. There are just to many breeders and too few USDA agents to monitor compliance. Please do your own research before purchasing your puppy. This is such a tragic story.

The animal-welfare organization is suing the federal government over its alleged lax oversight of a major Iowa puppy-mill operator.

09/03/2024

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE SCOTTISH COLLIE PRESERVATION SOCIETY?

The purpose of the SCPS is to preserve and revive the breed of the Scottish Rough and Smooth Collie as described in the various ancient standards for the Collie breed from: The Scottish Collie Standard - 1885, English Club’s Revised Collie Standard - 1898, and the Revised Rough and Smooth Collie Standard – 1910.

This group intends to return the Scottish Collie to its original form, health, and vigor, with form fitted to its function of sheepherding by means of careful breeding, which provides for genetic diversity and selection of genetically-tested dogs and bi***es resembling the dogs described in the earliest Standards of the breed.

The SCPS will endeavor to popularize this breed and help it regain favor with the public and with agricultural groups.

It is understood that achieving these ends is a process not a starting point. No dogs will perfectly fit the original Scottish Collie Standards, but by assessing the dogs critically against the amalgamated version of the three early Standards, we will be better able to choose mates whose strengths compensate for identified weaknesses. Each evaluated dog will receive a Score Card identifying strengths and weaknesses to assist the Owner/Breeder in selection of suitable mates for breeding.

The same is true of working to eliminate the most common of the genetically carried diseases to which the Collie is prone, such as CEA and MDR1. If a breeder has a dog or bitch which is Affected, and so is carrying two mutant genes for any of the Collie panel of diseases, he/she must make every effort possible to breed in such a way as to begin to breed away from these mutant genes by finding a mate whose genes can begin to correct the problem, thereby raising offspring to the level of unaffected, but Carrier, with the eventual goal being the elimination of these mutant genes from the Scottish Collie gene pool.

All dogs’ pedigrees will be kept and maintained by the SCPS, as well as records for: health, genetic testing, breeding, and litter registration of all eligible Scottish Collie puppies.

Records will be maintained in an online website database which may be viewed by the public. Entries will be the responsibility of the Registrar.

Admission of dogs to the registry will be based on evaluation and approval by a committee of three, including the Registrar, and appointed by the Board of Directors.

Evaluations will be based on a published list of criteria to include at least the following:

A similarity to old Scottish Collie type as described in the original 1885 to 1910 Standards.
Proof of at least beginning, and a commitment to, further genetic testing for all breeding dogs, or proof that the dog's genetic status is known and Clear by Parentage.
A Veterinarian's certificate of good health for each dog admitted or current record of dog's veterinarian care.
Good temperament - not aggressive with either other dogs or people, although warning/alerting or guarding of his owner's property is acceptable.
It will highly desirable if herding instinct or working ability is known.
Dogs may be double- or triple- (Multiple-) registered with other collie, breed, or working collie registries.
All dogs evaluated for admission to the SCPS Registry will receive, in written form, a critique of their dog, noting strengths and weaknesses when compared to the SCPS Standard.
Evaluation will assist the Breeder/Owner in selecting a suitable mate strong in the areas in which their dog is weakest.

Genetic testing will be required to assist the Breeder/Owner to choose a mate whose genetic makeup will compensate for mutant genes in his own dog or bitch.

Genetic diversity must be considered in choosing a mate and Co-efficient of Inbreeding (COI) will be tracked by dna or within the pedigree database.

Breeding to suitable mates within the Collie landrace, which will bring the breeder’s dogs’ offspring closer to the SCPS Standard, will be considered desirable. Males or females from the Collie landrace used for breeding are eligible for Registration through the same evaluation process as any other dog. Multiple registrations for any dog are not problematic.

Altered collies who meet the breed standards are welcome to apply to our express registry and may participate in our versatility program.

To learn more about the Scottish Collie Preservation Society or how to join our efforts, please visit our website. Thank you!

Scottishcolliepreservationsociety.com

08/22/2024

Looking to add a Scottish Collie to your family? Check out our New Puppy/Planned Breedings page.

You can be assured pups will be bred to SCPS, standards with a focus on health and temperament.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2007333152856975/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

08/01/2024

The Incredible Explosion of Dog Breeds


From a teacup-size Chihuahua to a Great Dane, there is an incredible amount of variety among dog breeds. But all breeds belong to a single species, so scientists have studied the breeds to better understand the workings of evolution, and how such great variation could have arisen within one group.

The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is far more variable in size, shape and behavior than any other living mammal, but most experts now believe that all dogs, no matter how different, originated exclusively from a single species: the gray wolf (Canis lupus) of central Asia, said James Serpell, professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and editor of "The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour, and Interactions With People" (Cambridge University Press, 1995).

It's also likely that there was just one domestication event, and all domesticated dogs today descended from an ancestral wolf-dog that became someone's best friend long ago. The evidence comes from a 2009 study in which a team of researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm analyzed samples of mitochondrial DNA (the DNA found in mitochondria, or energy-making structures within cells) from dogs around the world.

They found that all dogs belong to one lineage, which indicates that domestication occurred just one time. (If wolves were domesticated several times in various regions, the team would expect to find more than one lineage among modern dogs.)

Despite the fact that dogs were first domesticated about 14,000 to 17,000 years ago, most dog breeds were developed within the last few centuries. When ancient humans bred dogs for features such as a louder bark (for added protection of their owner's property) or a docile temperament (so it would be less likely to lash out at its owner), they were actually already tinkering with the selection of dog genes.

One of the earliest breeds believed to be purposefully selected for its preferred traits is still around today – the greyhound. Perhaps the first fully distinct breed was the Saluki, also called the Arabian greyhound, whose name translates to "noble," according to "Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs" (Fireside, 1980).

"Selective cross-breeding has been done since antiquity, but it really accelerated during the 19th century," said Leslie Irvine of the University of Colorado at Boulder, who is author of "If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection with Animals" (Temple University Press, 2004).

Over time, because of natural mutations, climate and human preferences, "breeds became ever more numerous and specialized until they reached the point of modern classification," according to "Guide to Dogs." This classification is based on the aptitude of a breed in five skills: hunting, shepherding, guarding, work and company.

Now, there are about 340 breeds recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the world governing body of dog breeds, sometimes known as the World Canine Organization. But the standards for breed recognition vary from country to country – the American Kennel Club currently recognizes only 167 breeds.

Unfortunately, many purebred dog breeders define a breed in terms of appearance and physical attributes. They tend to ignore the breeds true purpose as a working or herding breed. While physical characteristics of a breed are very important it is critical to breed for the whole dog.

Recently, the number of deliberately crossbred "designer dogs" has been growing. These include the labradoodle (a cross between a Labrador and a poodle), the cockapoo (a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle) and the puggle (the offspring of a pug and a beagle).

"Dogs are constantly evolving as we're continually building variants of dog breeds," said Stanley Coren, author of "The Modern Dog" (Free Press, 2008).

"The nature of humans is to want unique things, but a unique thing is not necessarily a better thing," Coren told Life's Little Mysteries.

Breeds will continue to evolve and change as trends come and go. The German Shepherd, Rough Collie, Border Collie have all been a victim to trend breeding.

At SCPS, our goal is to restore the working collie to it roots as a true herding breed built form to function with a focus health, genetic diversity and temperament.

While change can be good, it can also water down a breed from its original purpose. It may take change to return a breed to the very traits it was originally bred for. Learn more about our efforts to restore the Scottish Collie at scottishcolliepreservationsociety.com

Ref. Remy Melina August 05, 2010

07/31/2024

Solo says this vet office is pretty swanky!

07/03/2024

PREPARING YOUR PUP FOR FIREWORKS

Fireworks can be fun for humans, but dogs don't have the same reaction.

July 5th is one of the busiest days for animal shelters. For pet owners, it’s no secret that animals are easily spooked by fireworks. That sound can often cause pets, particularly dogs, to run away out of fear.

In the United States, July 4th is around the corner, along with the fireworks that inevitably come with this holiday. Almost all humans with canines in the U.S. declare this day the worst day of the year for their dogs. Veterinarians say that July 3rd is usually the most trafficked day in their offices, with clients coming in to get drugs for their dogs.

When one considers that dogs hear a frequency range of 40 to 60,000 Hz while a human range is between 20 and 20,000 Hz, it only makes sense that dogs have a difficult time with very loud noises. Sounds that may be acceptable to us can be uncomfortable to a dog and fireworks can be very loud.

A few years ago, I found a lost dog on the 4th of July. He was obviously a well fed, groomed, and trained dog that escaped his yard when he heard the fireworks. When I called our local Humane Society, I was informed that it is the busiest time of the year for them, as more dogs are found wandering loose on July 4th than any other day of the year in the U.S.

Tips for providing a safe July 4th for your Canine Household:

▪Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
▪Feed your dog early before they become stressed.
▪Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship. If it’s hot, air conditioning will help. Bringing your dogs to a fireworks display is never a good idea.
▪Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.) If your dog is comfortable in a crate, that is a good option.
▪If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed. Covering the crate or lowering the blinds can also be helpful.
▪Removing visual stimulation can also help calm dogs.
▪Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.
▪Leave your dog something fun to do – like a frozen Kong filled with his favorite treats.

Also, try using sensory enrichment to calm dogs:

Sound Therapy: The psychoacoustically designed music of Through a Dog's Ear has been specifically designed to reduce canine anxiety and has been successfully utilized by dog lovers world-wide. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already feeling peaceful and relaxed. He will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective as it has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Listen to free sound samples.Sound Therapy combined with Desensitization: The Canine Noise Phobia series (CNP) consists of four CD's that can be used individually or as a set: Fireworks, Thunderstorms, City Sounds, and Calming. CNP is an innovative desensitization training tool that combines three distinctive elements for the treatment and prevention of sound-sensitivities and noise-phobias:progressive sound effects (distant/close)specially-designed psychoacoustic music (Through a Dog’s Ear)reward-based reinforcement protocols (Victoria Stilwell)

Here's what Nancy Weller said after using CNP Fireworks:

"I am preparing for New Years Eve. The most skittish of the greyhounds already went to bed. My boy is just game for everything. Tonight, we are relaxing to the Phobia Series Fireworks. He fights hard to stay awake. The subtle fireworks make him stare at the speaker. Then not. 75+ lb brindle boy, sleeping like a baby. Mom might have to curl up too."

Tactile: There are two canine wraps on the market that reportedly help sound phobic dogs. The original Anxiety Wrap was invented by professional dog trainer Susan Sharpe, CPDT-KA. The patented design uses acupressure and maintained pressure to reduce stress. The thundershirt is also a wrap for your dog that provides gentle, constant pressure. Their website reports that over 85% of Thundershirt users see significant improvement in noise anxiety symptoms. Most dogs respond with the very first usage; some need 2-3 usages before showing significant improvement.Scent: Canine Calm, an all-natural mist from Earth Heart™ Inc., can help dogs relax and cope more effectively with loud noises and other stressful situations. Directions on their website say to spray Canine Calm onto your hands and massage the dog’s outer ears or abdomen. Or lightly mist the air behind your dog’s head, inside the travel crate or car, or directly onto bedding or clothing.

Do you have any additional tips for helping keep dogs calm and safe on this noisy holiday? Please share your success stories. Also, feel free to share how your dogs have acted during previous July 4th holidays.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now is a good time to start preparing your pets for the 4th of July week.

https://positively.com/contributors/10-safety-and-calming-tips-for-dogs-during-fireworks/

07/01/2024

Show us your collies! Let’s start with the gorgeous !!!!

05/21/2024

The old fashioned farm collie was a legend in the early 1900's.

Homer Davenport wrote of the working collie Fly on the Geer farm near Silverton where he lived for some time when he was a boy (the Geers were his mother's family). In a newspaper article in 1907 he related: "I remember once when 'By' Geer and a herder were moving a band of 2500 head of sheep over onto a new range and were driving at night . . . a rain was falling that made the sheep hard to keep together. It was slow work. Fly had been very active. She was covering lots of ground, and it was quite dark. But she worked without orders. She seemed in complete control, and her sharp bark could be heard at intervals. Finally they missed her bark; an hour or so had passed without hearing it. The men were alarmed, as they knew that without her in the dark they would possibly lose a hundred sheep every mile without missing them. They shouted for her, but no Fly. She had gone. They decided that the only thing to do was to stop where they were. They got around their flock as soon as they could and got them bunched. They knew they had let some sheep drop behind and that old Fly was with them. But they thought it was strange she didn't hurry them along, as she was known all over the state as a fast worker. They waited and waited. Daylight came and no Fly. Finally about noon she came with 250 sheep. She was tired and traveling slow. One doe had given birth to a lamb, and old Fly had gathered it by the back of the neck, as she would carry one of her pups. . . . Thus the faithful old Fly, carrying the lamb too young to walk and keep up, drove her strayed band on until they overtook the first division."
Davenport loved the old-fashioned collie. He wrote in praise of it and was critical of the development of the show-only dog. He even suggested that sheep herding contests for collies be held in conjunction with dog shows, an idea scoffed at by show dog writer James Watson in their "debate" in the Country Life in America magazine in 1908. Written by Linda Rorem

05/19/2024

Sister and brother - same dad, different moms!
And sister in the background