folio1

Collie Folio April 1907
Scottish Notes

This is what Mr. Birrell writes me aboutthe Shetland Collie at Aberdeen.

"The Shetland Collie should not have the name of Collie. The specimens at Aberdeen were a disgrace to the fancy, and should not be encouranged."

The Shetland (?) Collie (?)
Collie Folio dec 1908 pages 407-409

The righteous war against the unfair use of the word Collie as an appellation to the breed of toys styled by some as "Shetland Collies", has waxed hot and strong in the canine Press in many parts of the world.

If further justification for our share in the matter is needed let it be said that several cross-bred mongrels have, during the past months been registered at the English Kennel Club as "Collies" with pedigrees of most wonderful construction.

As the matter, so far as the registration and recognition is concerned is now in the hands of the Committee of the Kennel Club it must be considered as sub judice, though we shall not relax our efforts to expose the exploitation of the dear old Collie so long as we hold our present views.

That the pirates are going further afield with their bluff and misrepresentation is clear, as the following article, published, bear in mind, in an American contemporary of good standing, will indicate: -

"It is a far cry from the centres of civilisation to the distant islands of Orkney and Shetland, and the writer, who has recently been sojourning in these parts, after a lapse of many years, was naturally interested in the history of the Shetland Collie. Much has been written concerning this interesting variety, but reliable data is somewhat difficult to obtain. There is little doubt, however, but that the origin of the breed dates from the time of the arrival of a Toy Spaniel which was detained in these islands from a yacht which had touched there. Most of the local specimens have been shipped to supply the requirements of fashion in the south, but there are still a few to be met with, and breeding operations are being conducted which may tend to supply the undoubted demand for these characteristic and clever little dogs. Shetland sheep, of course, are very diminutive, although particularly dainty to the palate, and the dogs which do duty in tendig them share in the matter of size the object of their watch.

"They certainly keep a faithful guard, and are as alert and intelligent as any variety to be met with. Colour is not a distinctive feature of the dogs to be met with, but sable, sable and white, tricolours are all in evidence. The skull and eyes are fuller than might be though desireable in any animal pertaining to the Sheepdog, but what they lack in substance they atone for in intelligence and activity. They keep a careful watch, and no day is too long for them.

"They are not at all quarrelsome, but can defend themselves wonderfully if put to the test, and they need little attention; nor are they particularly dainty in the matter of food. So great has been the demand in Great Britain and Ireland that it is a matter of considerable difficulty at this time of day to secure a decent one. There are, however, a number of brood bitches in the islands, many of which have been suitably mated, and ere long it is expected that the breed will be as plentiful as formerly".

It will be noticed that the writer admits that his information is that the breed are descended from a Spaniel. So far, so good. His statement that there has been such a great demand for them in Great Britain and Ireland is a wish father to the thought, though undoubtedly some gullible folk may have been duped into the idea that the mongrels are decended from the real Collie. We like the reference to "the number of brood bitches" in the islands, and also of the suitable mates found for them. Mongrels of this kind are pretty sure to be "as plentiful as formerly", so long as dogs of all breeds are permitted to roam about the streets of any town or hamlet.

So far as the English Press is concerned, the Editor of this journal seems to have provided the necessary objectivee for the usual abuse of supporters of a bad cause. We willingly accept the responsibility.

Mr. W.T. Horry and Mr. J.H. Jacques, President and Secretary of the Collie Club, will share the glory with ourselves if we succeed in getting the "Toy" disfranchised, as both these gentlemen are interesting themselves in the good cause; as also is Mr. W. Stephens, one of the oldest judges and exhibitors of the Collie in this country.

An anonymous correspondent sent a long letter to his pet paper, in which he makes use of the following expressions of opinion;

"It is of the undeniable thruth that the Shetland Collie really exists."
"Have the members who object to the advance of this dog actually seen the pure article?"
"There are shows in Scotland that I could mention where there were dogs that even the greatest authority on the Scottish Collie would not but admit that, with the exception of a trifle, shortness of face, were, so far as body, coat, colour, and general character, pure duplicates of our modern Show Collie, but in miniature."
"My advice is, study the dog before condemning him".
"Go and see the best dogs being exhibited".

Then follows a statement that an all-wise Providence has made the Toy Collie to tend the toy sheep of the Shetlands.

Referring to the Collie Club motion to interview the Kennel Club on the matter, he says, "Here we have a Club of men trying to retard the progress of a breed that may in time vie with that in which they are interested".

"Because a Shetland ’pony’ is a miniature hackney, should it be deprived of its kinship with the horse or the word pony?"

A pathetic last appeal ends a really clear bluff: - "All that the little fellow asks is equality, just recognition, opportunity of improvement, and his birth-right left alone - surely an honourable and legitimate ambition."

Bear in mind also that this same authority (?) has written a book on the Shetland Collie.

We took the liberty of addressing to him the following letter: -

Dear Sir,

I see your letter regarding "Shetlands."

I am interested in the matter more genuinely than your article and that of others would appear to give me credit for, but am far from being convinced that the Toy being styled Shetland Collie is in any way akin or alike to the Collie of more robust build. I am open to conviction, and ask you to tell me where I can see some so like the ordinary Collie that are, "so far as body, coat, colour, and general character pure duplicates of our modern Show Collie, but in miniature." I will go see them if you will tell me where they are, or if you will send me photographs of them I shall be very much obliged.

I have seen a good many, both in Scotland and at some shows in England, which are called Shetlands, and certainly none of these can claim the resemblance you mention. Still, there may be others nearer to your ideal, and I just want to see one or two of these.

I have no desire whatsoever to interefere in any way with a perfectly legitimate attempt to perfect certain points in cross breeds, but I do object until more convinced that I am wrong, to these specimens being styled Collies, or to the foisting of them on the public as a pure but almost extinct breed.

If you can give me any data to show your claims to be justifiable I shall be the first to give credence to them if founded on solid facts.

Your use of the word "pony" in regard to Shetland ponies exactly fots my views as regards these small dogs.

I suggested months ago that you call them Shetland Toys, which latter word is analogous to the word "pony" in horse-flesh, and not to the word Collie in canine matters. Accept them as "Shelties", "Shetland Toys," or Shetlands," and I have no further quarrel with you or other owners of them; but to register them as Collies, and show them as such, is to my present way of thinking doing an injustice to the grandest breed of dogs yet produced. But, as I say above, I am open to conviction, and will gladly avail myself of "light" from you if you will provide it.

Yours faithfullt,

W.E. Mason

Following are the salient points of his reply:-

"My dear Sir,

"When I wrote the article re this dog I had neither you nor any Collie man in my mind, and I have no desire to have any controversy - far less than a quarrel, as mentioned in your letter - on this subject, and I can only repeat what I have already written, that I have seen in my travels in the Highlands and through the Shetlands Islands dogs of Collie character in minature - always, as I have held out, that the face of the present Toy wants a great deal of attention to bring ir into Collie line. As I have already written, I am quite alive to the fact that beasts with not the slightest resemblance to the Toy Collie or ordinary Collie have been classed alongside these, and perhaps ridiculated the Toy. For myself, I have not the slightest intention of foisting them on the public under false pretences.

"Personally, I cannot see why the bringing of this Toy forward should in any way trouble the ordinary Collie fanciers. You, perhaps the foremost authority of our present Collie, will, I am certain, admit that the Collie of to-day is a vasty improved dog of a more graceful appearance than his forefathers, which has only been the result of skilful mating and breeding - then, why shouldn’t this little dog have the opportunity of making himself presentable?

"So far as I am concerned in this Toy I simply write what I have seen; my information and my convictions as a journalist - I have never bought or sold one.

"I have fought the cause of this Toy so far, and I think it now lies with the breeders, fanciers, exhibitors, and sellers to look after the dog’s future interests."

* * *

Let it be noted that whereas he stated that it was "an undeniable fact that the Shetland Collie really exists," and that he had seen many at Scotch shows, he is unable to accept to our request to say where we can see them.

Another intrepid anonimity compares the propagation of the Shetland with that of the Blue Merle, and describes the boom in the latter as freak production. Clearly he is unaware of the fact that Collies existed of the Blue Merle colour long before any sables were seen. In fact, most of the Collies of forty years ago were of this colour, and were furthermore, considered the best workers.

Here are his views condensed: -

Sir,
- Many thanks for your protest against the rival showman descrying his opponent’s curios. The "Blue Merles", despite the trumpeting of their admirers, are far from perfect, and will for many years, at the present rate of progress, afford an outlet for all the energy of freak producers.

However, I object to the claim that this interesting Toy Collie should be designated "Shetland", and am prepared to match a team of "Ayrshire Toy Collies," alias the "Spanish Collie," against a team of "Shetlanders" drawn from kennels north of the Tay. Type, size, coat, and colour to be the test, coupled with improvements in lenght of head and expression (vide "juteopolis’" Inverness Show report in "Our Dogs"). Let "Juteopolis" take heart; calumniators of his pets will be confounded, and should they evoke the K.C.’s assistance, even that august body knows the uncomfortable sensation of a prick from the "thistle." - Yours, etc.,

"Auld Killie."

A third enthusiast boldly comes out in his proper colours and accuses us of "crushing the apsirations of a perfectly legitimate fancy." here are his opinions in cold type: -

"Sir,
- It is with surprise I learn that Mr. W.E. Mason is now promoting opposition to Shetland Collies, and was responsible for a motion to report them to the kennel Club for daring to possess their only name. "One begins to wonder who and what next Mr Mason will attempt to crush? Surely the Kennel Club will not respond to this move to crush the aspirations of a perfectly legitimate fancy, while ever ready to officially recognise new foreign introductions. Shetland Collie fanciers are indeed to be praised, for they are sacrificing money and time in their attempt to popularise them, and most people will readily understand that, with great prospects of success, we should soon see a faultless specimen, ’a beauty and joy for ever.’ "In closing, I express a sincere desire that the Kennel Club will decline to add to that extremely interesting black list the name of innocent little Shetland Collies. If the breed has no connection with Collies, and is unworthy of recognition, why is it necessary for Collie men to denounce them?

"J.L.Chadwick."

(To the Editor of the Collie Folio.")

It seems that in the present state of affairs with regard to the recently-discovered alleged new variety of Collie the position of Collie clubs and Collie fanciers generally to it should be definitely stated.

Collie clubs and Collie fanciers have no objection to any amount of new breeds - the introduction of Japanese Spaniels, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, etc., left them cold and unmoved - but what they will not accept without vigorous protest is any new variety of Collie on the mere "say so" of an anonymous contributor to a dog paper, unsupported by any evidence of its origin or antiquity.

There is, moreover, a strong objection held by Collie fanciers to any new variety of dog being described as a Collie. They contend that the "Collie" is the name of one of the oldest of the Sheepdog tribe, and just as there are "Fox" terriers, "Irish" Terriers, so there are Collies, Old Englsih Sheepdogs, Russian Sheepdogs, Belgian Sheepdogs, etc. The Collie is again subdivided into Roughs and Smooths, as is the Fox terrier, and therefore, even if this new breed is in fact a Sheepdog (which is more than doubtful), there is no justification for calling it a Collie, and its proper description should be the "Shetland Sheepdog."

The exploitation of the alleged new breed is not unfunny, and will bear repetition. An anonymous contributor to one of your contemporarries comes across to him, a year or so ago, with a new breed. he or someone else names it in a misguided moment "Shetland Collie". He then writes flowery history of it, full of assumptions - which, by the way, he later on writes of as facts, and which reads like a romance, as it certainly is. He then, all by his little lone, actually invents a "description of type" (of which it may be safely said that it is a description of anything on earth but his new-found variety), and gives it a "standard of points."

His latest effusion at the time iof writing is so much piffle. Even if, as he declares, the Collie is on the wane, that is no reason for Collie men to adopt his foundling. He states that those who oppose these alleged Collies have never seen them, whereas it is just those Collie men who have that are the strongest in their indignation that these prick-eared, goggle-eyed, bandy-legged, Spaniel-tailed toys should be called Collies. He assumes that they have been used for generations for cattle work (which, following his usual practice, he will now state as a fact), whereas the cattle dogs on the islands are just the same as those used on the mainland with the exception that they have perhaps a touch of the Iceland dog in them.

But the fat is now in the fire, for another anonymous supporter of the breed, after congratulating Anonymity No. 1 on his courage, roundly declares that they should not be called "Shetland Collies" but "Ayrshire Toy Collies." Well may No 1 say, "Save me from my friends", for if No. 2 is right, then they are, on looks, not Collies at all, and any way can’t be Shetland; and what becomes of their romatic history?

It is no concern of Collie fanciers as to whether there is or is not a breed of Toys indigenous to the Shetland Isles so long as they are not miscalled Collies, but one may be allowed to say that it is passing strange, if this is so, how they have been allowed to exist, unhonoured and unsung, all these years, for, notwithstanding another anonymous contributor to yet another doggy paper, the Shetlands are not new or unknown, nor are they inaccessible. Why, the Iceland doh has been known for years, although Iceland is far more remote and difficult of access.

Personally, I have seen one of these Toys in the flesh, To those that like them they may be fascinating little creatures, but from a Collie fancier’s point of view the one I saw had no single point of resemblance to a Collie. He had pricked ears, Toy Spaniel eyes, pinched foreface, was apple-headed, had a soft silky coat, a Toy Spaniel tail, and was livercoloured. Why in this village there is a dog, a tricolour, about 12-lbs. in weight, bred from a Pom. sire and dam of unknown origin, that has more Collie character than the specimen I saw, or the photos of others said to be good speciments.

It has been said that the Collie fancy is agitating itself too much on this subject, but it cannot be known to those who write and think to this effect that the owners of some of these monstrosities as Collies (although no doubt beautiful in their proper sphere) have had the audacity to register them at the Kennel Club as Rough Collies.

In conclusion, I may perhaps be allowed to repeat the history of the origin of this Toy.

My authority is a gentleman in Lerwick who is in the best position of anyone on the Islands to know.

About twenty years ago a lady left on the Island for the winter a "King Charles" Spaniel, from which these toys undoubtedly descend. Time enough has, of course, elapsed for a type to be fixed, but by no stretch of imagination can it be called a Collie. In this connection it may be remembered that Mr. J. Dalgleish, who is an accepted Collie authority, roundly stated some short while back that these toys were not Collies, but look to him to be more like Toy Spaniels.

John H. Jacques

* * *

Mr. Hugh Millar, the secretary of the Scottish Collie Club, writes to say:- "I have no sympathy whatever with the brutes, because, in my opinion, they are mongrels." Short, but to the point. And this from a gentleman of wide experience in Collies, and who, in a weak moment, consented to judge a class of Shetlands at Aberdeen. He has, therefore, seen them in this "hot-bed" of the variety, so is in a god position to know whether they have any claims to be called Collies or otherwise.

* * *

Here is a contribution culled from "The Kennel" :-

"The proposition which was submitted by Mr W E Mason, and passed at the Crystal Palace meeting of the Collie Club, objecting to the specific name ’Collie’ being applied to the miniature Sheepdog hailing from Shetland, has drawn upon Mr Mason and the Club some adverse criticism from correspondents to the Kennel papers. The tone of the various letters implies that Mr Mason and the Club are trying to ’crush’ a veriety, and that Collie men are jelous of the advancing popularity of this rival to the supremacy of the Collie. Yet one looks in vain for anything in the proposition which calls for this interpretation. The opinion of a majority of experts must rule, and the opinion of our leading Collie fanciers is that the little Shetland dog has no connection with the show Collie of to-day, and they naturally enough object to the term ’Collie’ being applied to him. A Sheepdog he may be, but a Collie, in their opinion, he is not, and he should not be called one. Because this miniature dog has been trained to tend miniature sheep, it does not follow that he has a right to be termed a Collie, any more than the many mongrel dogs which have from time to time been trained as efficient sheepdogs. If the variety has any claims to popularity and recognition, those who admire him, seek to push him to the front, should let their favourite swim on his own corks, rather than seek to buoy him up with a name to which he has, in expert opinion, no claim. No one could object to the Shetland Sheepdog being called a Shetland Sheepdog, and the title would beneft from alliteration, whilst it would be safe from the accusation of piracy."

Need we draw our reader’s attention to the fact that so far not a tittle of evidence has been produced that these toys are bred from the Collie at all? The statement that the Collie men proper have not seen them is untrue, as those who have are just the persons who are loudest in their disclaimer re the use of the "Collie." No information is to hand as to where these almost exact reproductions of the Collie can be seen. Nothing but mere statements unsupported by evidence of origin or pedigree. It is possible that some which have been benched are not as "perfect" as they might be, but where, oh, where are the "best"?

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