Two rather interesting discussions/debates raging on the BC Boards at the moment regarding the working of show bred collies and the breeding of border collies who are not worked on stock. There are some VERY strong opinions flying around.

I am undecided as to how I feel about it, so am just reading and digesting.

http://www.bordercollie.org/boards/index.p...wtopic=9567&hl=

http://www.bordercollie.org/boards/index.p...wtopic=9589&hl=

Kirsty, I don't think I ever did thank you for posting those links to BC Boards. Both articles are excellent reading, and BC Boards as a whole has helped to clarify and confirm a lot of my own thinking about Border Collies and their breeding.

So thanks! trophy1st

And anyone who hasn't read both topics - thoroughly recommended. Especially if you read 'studding out my male pup' substituting 'agility' for 'frisbee'.

Only just read them myself and agree completely.
Far too many people breeding from their "decent" dog just because they can and everyone else is doing it.
And all the while the rescues are bursting at the seams.
Our collie is obviously from working stock but I don't actually think he'd be much good with sheep - too much working drive if anything and too full on. Likely to scare the sheep to death.
I have no intention of trying to find out. It suits us that he can ignore sheep and I don't want to awaken his interest.
For dogs like him agility and the like are lifelines and what working drive he has can be channelled in that direction.
"Failed" sheepdogs all too often only look forward to a bullet in the head, being beaten to death or run over to kill them. (Believe me, I am not exaggerating.) No need to deliberately produce dogs for "lesser" activities than "proper" work as there is a constant potential supply.
The most careful breeding programme to produce dogs with excellent stock working ability will always have its rejects that still have the potential to succeed in other fields.

Pam