The American Collie
Historical
Originally, there was only one Collie, also known as the Scottish Shepherd, an ancestral breed officially recognized in 1881!
From the 19th century, the breed developed both in England and in America following numerous imports to the American continent. It is one of the first breeds registered with the AKC since its creation dates back to 1884!
These are therefore the same lines that time and local preferences will eventually cause to evolve differently.
Differences between an English Collie and an American Collie in 2017
The morphological differences have particularly widened in recent decades.
We say of an English Collie that he is of "modern" style and of an American Collie that he is of "classic" style.
If we look at the photos of Collies in the 19th century, the resemblance is striking between these dogs and the American Collie, while the English has become detached from it.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of their differences is the expression: the American has larger eyes, less sunken in the skull, a less pronounced stop and a square muzzle.
He knew how to preserve, for me, this expression of great gentleness so characteristic of the breed.
In second position, the most glaring difference: the difference in size.
Then the texture and the abundance of the coat, the English is much more provided in wool, its spectacular fur which pleases so much in exhibition but "hides" the dog.
Finally, character: still frequently used as a working dog in America (guide dog, sheepdog, etc.), the American Collie is generally more confident and sure of himself.
The American Collie in France
The very first American Collies imported into France arrived in 1998 thanks to Mrs. Stewart from the Clos d'Acadie kennel. Five subjects were imported to found his breeding and the first litter was born in 1999.
I have the chance and the immense honor to continue his work since 2014.
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There are a few breeders in Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic...) who work with more recent American bloodlines. Some make American-English mixes, it's their choice but it's very far from our ethic at Talamasca.
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When I have to acquire a new breeder, I must necessarily turn to imports.
The United States and Canada are the "reserves" of choice when it comes to American Collies.
Importing is not easy, it takes time, a lot of anticipation and considerable financial means.
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Our dogs are known to be very large Collies.
This is a little less true with the new generation because the average height has also decreased in the United States, but not as much as in France fortunately! Our female dogs are often larger than the English males...
We seek to get closer to the largest measurements.
We note that sexual dimorphism is important in the Collie, so the male must be visibly more imposing than the female dog.
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We respect the AMERICAN STANDARD:
Male
Height: 61 to 66cm at the withers
Weight: 27 to 34kg
Standard English
Height: 56 to 61cm
Weight: 21.5 to 29.5kg
Female
Height: 55.8 to 61cm at the withers
Weight: 22 to 29.5kg
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Standard English
Height: 51 to 56cm at the withers
Weight: 18 to 25kg
Cherry 58cm for 22kg & Nebraska 65cm for 35kg
The character
The Collie is a dog described by its standard as being of "friendly disposition, neither fearful nor aggressive".
I can talk to you with much more detail about the temperament of our US Collies.
Indeed they are friendly but not extravagant, very gentle and confident, they are keen observers to whom it is enough to whisper an intention, they are tender and cuddly (male and female!).
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Sociability is their forte, they love everyone, both human and animal, a great quality for a family dog.
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As worthy shepherd dogs, they are very intelligent.
Some will say that they are "stubborn", this is not true: they are actually so intelligent that they will not obey an order that puts them in discomfort or brings them nothing positive!
Besides, it's been a long time since I gave an "order" to a Collie...I talk to them and they would follow me to the end of the world.
Health and Longevity
The Collie is a hardy dog that rarely gets sick .
A quality environment and care contributing directly to good health.
Unlike other large breeds, cases of early incurable diseases are rare.
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Despite its size, it enjoys excellent longevity, frequently reaching the age of 13 or 14 years.