The Border Collie has been refined over the centuries into the world’s premier Sheepdog
The Breed and the Boys: Some fun-fact trivia about the history of Border Collies and our lines
Border Collie breeding emerged from a mix of Roman canines and Scandinavian Spitz stock herders. Much of the development is credited to the Scots-Anglo border sheep farmers, however Wales & Ireland now equal this in modern breed development. Wherever you see sheep farms in UK & Ireland, you will find the apex of the breed.
Collies have been imported into US & Canadian farms and ranches for decades and bred domestically, and new fresh blood is always being brought over from across the Atlantic. Many parts of America, particularly western mountains and range- see selective breeding to work cattle as well as a much more vast landscape and ‘western range sheep’. These dogs must be rugged, have stamina over long distances, and move cattle & sheep as humanely by avoiding bite if possible.
It’s especially true with cattle that good ‘Eye’ quality is passed onto the next litter. This Eye should be doing most of the work. It is also the trait which puts the fear of God into Geese, and make them decide that your property is not a safe haven to loiter, or worse, become a maternity ward.
Cap & Jute are brothers from the K7 Stockdogs working ranches located in Saskatchewan and Kansas. Their great-grandfather, [J.R.] Red, was the first Border Collie inducted into the National Cattledog Association (NCA) Hall of Fame. Some background about the Juan Reyes Angus operation in Wyoming can be found at: MrAngusRanch.com
The paternal side, is loaded with names of European Sheepdog Trial champs ranging from Robert Ellis’s Mirk, Serge Van Der Zweep’s Glen, Bobby Dalziel’s Wisp, Wayne Roberts’s Drift, Ross Games’s Roy, Highgate Ben, and many more.
At 7 weeks young, Cap & Jute were standing their own against stubborn rams, and rounding up Ewes, with their mother Meraxes in the pen. As the ‘loverboy’, Jute wears his heart on his sleeve, and will always try to give you a kiss when off the job.
‘Serious Cap’ has matured faster and is a little aloof to strangers while working, but not shy, and will soon come over for a pat when the time is right. Both have excelled at learning their commands, and stand out anywhere we may train or work, even popping into a store that might shower them with Pupperoni. The difference between their work vs. leisure time is astounding, but a testament to professionalism.
Going back 8 generations on the male side, Joe Wilson’s Davy bred by Price won not only the English National in 1987, but also International Supreme that year – the highest title in the Ire-Eng-Wales-Scot annual Trials.
Unfortunately, very little accounts or photos exist when trying to research prior to the 1980’s but most of the pedigree has been mapped on geneo sites along with their accomplishments.
‘White Cap’ – named for his appearance type legendary Wiston Cap, as well as Serge Van Der Zweep’s ‘Llanfarian Cap’, both a few generations back in their lines, and also for his puppy huge ‘white cap’ markings. Cap picks up training and commands with ease, even faster with a whistle. His full white collar stands out without eye-strain during long outruns where he may vanish for awhile behind stones & shrubs. But that white collar is also the first to be seen upon his speedy return. Cap is what most people recognize as the quintessential Border Collie when seen in the field, or taking love from local shop owners and people on the street. Cap is also a ‘silent worker’, meaning during his work he never utters a bark.
What makes these lines effective for humane goose removal is their ability to panic them into flight instantly upon mere presence. A full outrun may be an impressive site to witness, however they are just as effective on a 50′ lead, which can be very effective in tight or urban settings where discretion is desired.
‘Red Jute’ is more of a ‘hard’ dog: point A to B, direct, no-nonsense. Most of his work never even develops into a full outrun, since his mere presence quite often convinces the birds to swiftly leave the vicinity. His appearance harkens back to the original, and first true stud of the early 20th century: Auld Hemp. Practically all Border Collies today can trace their lineage to Hemp and Wiston Cap. This one is the lover-boy of the pair, always affectionate, optimistic, and unlimited kisses to give. Truly a dog-lover’s delight.
Old Hemp (1893–1901) was a sheepdog and stud, owned by Adam Telfer. His style was different from that commonly seen during his era, as he worked far more quietly than the other sheepdogs of the time. This was adopted and used by other breeders and trainers, and became the most common style among Border Collies within a few generations. Many of Hemp’s descendants became successful international sheepdog champions:
“He flashed like a meteor across the sheepdog horizon. There never was such an outstanding personality.”
– Adam Telfer
text credit to: Differentia, Queens Hall Arts Centre. Beaumont Street. Hexham. Northumberland
