Have Border Collies gone too far in Obedience and Agility?

Question

Should Border Collies be split into a seperate class for Obedience and Agility competiions?

Answer 1

I used to do obedience and agility (on a very limited scale)with my terrier cross and nearly every other dog in the class was a border collie. They are very special and have a real headstart on the other breeds, so yes I think they should be split off into their own classes. Good idea!

Answer 2

I have thought about this question, and I think you are half right, without a doubt Border Collies are in a class of their own as regards obedience, however it doesn't give other breeds a look in does it? I have done local obedience competitions with a few of my dogs, one of which was a Bassett X, also a German Shepherd Labrador X and they both made it down to the finals of a PET PLAN obedience competition in Portsmouth one year, although they didn't win, they were good enough to get that far, so I think there should be an open obedience competition as well as. As regards agility, I think that the cross breeds and other breeds have just as good a chance as the Collies, though I admit that they often aren't as fast!

Answer 3

Both sports are dominated by Border Collies / Working Sheep Dogs particularly at the higher levels but can be enjoyed by owners with almost any breed. There are competitions in agility for ABCs (Anything But A Collie) including one of the finals supported by the Kennel Club at Olympia each year. The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Pre-Beginner stakes also has separate qualifiers for Border Collies or ABCs so we do acknowledge that other breeds can do both disciplines.

Answer 4

In agility competitions dogs are entered in different classes according to their height. In the large classes, dogs are split into Collies and ABC's (anything but collies). The collie class is for collies and any collie crosses only. This ensures that collies do not compete against other breeds.

Not sure about the obedience.

Answer 5

I have a 7 year old border collie X and we do agility and obedience (at home). The classes I attend have a good mix of all breeds of dog. The collies have a slight advantage but there is a small terrier in our clas who goes round just as well as all the collies!! Why split them? As long as they want to do it, all dogs can excel at Agility. My dog enjoys what he does and is very good for it, but the terrier definately gives him a run for his money! Splitting it would be like splitting the horses that do show-jumping/dressage or eventing competitions or splitting the children who can run faster, its prejudice and wouldn't be met witrh approval from anyone I know!

Answer 6

I agree with splitting the agility classes by height, but its a bit daft really - the prize goes to the best dog and handler on the day. If the best is a collie, they win.
I've heard of obediance shows in the States that ban people winning two years running. Why? If you're the best, you win!
For those of us not up to that standard, entry is about beating your own best time and having fun.

Answer 7

And then when the Goldens & poodles win the "non-border collie" classes in Obedience and the Aussies and shelties win it in agility do we split them off too?
There is actually a whippet racing group that bans the bloodline that wins most race meets - they are regarded VERY poorly.

Answer 8

That's the owner of a dog who doesn't do well speaking.

I had an Irish Setter - you know - big, red, gangly, long ears - and notoriously stupid !

He came 5th in scotland for obedience - with a 1/2 mark separating each dog in the top 6.

So it's not necessarily about a special aptitude from any particular breed - it's about whether the dog enjoys it and if the owner is able to teach it - and it takes both aspects to be successful.

Answer 9

you may wanna evaluate upping the exercising - Border Collies are the utmost potential canines I certainly have ever are available the time of, they are equipped to be out herding all day long so as a puppy they choose a good number of intense exercising to maintain them calm and on their ultimate habit. Agility or Frisbee sounds great for potential, yet except you are trying this many times happening you will nonetheless ought to function different exercising in. and you ought to crate prepare, that's a very great coaching gadget and each canines i've got met likes this is crate. only be attentive to to in no way use the crate as punishment, this is going to be like a secure den the place the canines can nap or bite on toys whilst they are able to't be watched. it will shop them from being unfavourable, shop them secure and facilitates amazingly with potty coaching.

Answer 10

No!!! We often face to much regulation as it is. Anytime someone "legislates" them self a winner everyone looses. In every dog game there is there are breeds that are better than others (check to see when a Flat Coat Retriever, Curly Coat Retriever, or an IWS last won a field trial)
If winning is that important (especially in a game that uses a 'standard'), and a particular breed keeps winning,,,,, can I make a simple suggestion?????? Dah