56 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



standard, as the keepers of the show Collie breed to an ac- 

 knowledged type of perfection. Nevertheless, from a bad 

 worker of good descent many an efficient worker might be 

 produced by proper mating, and those of us skilled in the 

 breeding of Collies know the importance of a well-considered 

 process of selection from unsullied strains. 



It is a pity that the hard-working dog of the shepherd does 

 not receive the attention in the way of feeding and groom- 

 ing that is bestowed on the ornamental show dog. He is 

 too often neglected in these particulars. Notwithstanding 

 this neglect, however, the average life of the working dog is 

 longer by a year or two than that of his more beautiful cousin. 

 Pampering and artificial living are not to be encouraged ; 

 but, on the other hand, neglect has the same effect of shorten- 

 ing the span of life, and bad feeding and inattention to clean- 

 liness provoke the skin diseases which are far too prevalent. 



There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog 

 to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced 

 from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct 

 breed. His qualities in the field are not often tested, but 

 he is a much more handsome and attractive animal, and his 

 comeliness will always win for him many admiring friends. 

 The improvements in his style and appearance have been 

 alleged to be due to an admixture with Gordon Setter blood. 

 In the early years of exhibitions he showed the shorter head, 

 heavy ears, and much of the black and tan colouring which 

 might seem to justify such a supposition ; but there is no evi- 

 dence that the cross was ever purposely sought. Gradually 

 the colour was lightened to sable and a mingling of black, 

 white, and tan came into favour. The shape of the head was 

 also improved. These improvements in beauty of form and 

 colour have been largely induced by the many Collie clubs 

 now in existence not only in the United Kingdom and America, 

 but also in South Africa and Germany, by whom the standards 

 of points have been perfected. Type has been enhanced, 

 the head with the small ornamental ears that now prevail is 



