A Vulnerable Breed

In 2003, a Kennel Club initiative identified 28 of our native breeds of dog as being "vulnerable". The criterion for being listed as vulnerable is breed registrations with an overall trend of fewer than 300 per year (in the UK) over a period of ten years. The Smooth Collie is one of the native British and Irish Breeds listed as vulnerable - in 2006 the number of registrations was 53 and in 2007 just 63 registration.

There are several issues arising from this vulnerability status. If you are looking to adopt a Smooth Collie to become a new member of your family, you will probably find that you have to wait many months before a puppy becomes available. If you are a breeder, you will find that there are a limited number of lines to access for your breeding programme.

On the plus side, our minority status makes us very desirable! Not being a commercial breed, the Smooth Collie has retained his wonderful temperament and healthy status. Click here to download the discussion paper Fit for the Future.

The Kennel Club has some information about vulnerable breeds on its site. You can also find information at the British & Irish Dog Breeds Preservation Trust.

To encourage more dog lovers to take on a Smooth Collie, the Club is present at the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs events at Crufts in March and at Earls Court in November of each year. At these events you can get 'close up and personal' with Smooth Collies and see for yourself what they actually look like, how big they are and how their wonderful personalities suit mostfamilies down to the ground.

This year, 2008, the Club is honouring its late President, Ada L Bishop, by holding a fun day. This will be on Sunday 27th July at Walcote Memorial Hall, Walcote, Nr Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Everyone is welcome to come along and have some fun! Meet the committee and other Smooth Collie owners and chat or ask questions and generally enjoy a social day out. Bring your Smooth Collie with you - show or pet - and other canine family members too (vaccinated please!).

Calling all Smooth Collie owners or future owners! Want to meet Smooth Collies? Want to chat to breed specialists? Want to have fun? Come to our first Ada Bishop Memorial Fun Day which will be held on Sunday 27th July 2008 at the Walcote Memorial Hall, Franks Road, Walcote, Leicestershire LE17 4JS. Events include a Companion Dog show in aid of Rough and Smooth Collie rescue, Kennel Club Good Citizen's Bronze Test (examiner Ray Coles), a Discover Dogs Corner and a Treasure Hunt with prizes for adults and kids. Entries for the Companion Show and registration (first come - first served) for the Good Citizens Tests start at 12 noon following the offical opening by Mr Ken Bishop. If you are going to have a go at the Good Citizen tests - don't forget your poop bags, collar and lead. Your dog must have an ID tag on his collar displaying the owner's name and address - postcode only is acceptable. Judges for the companion show are Jon Rudbach (Clumberdane) - pedigree classes (all breeds) and Di Collino - novelty classes (best non-pedigree/crossbreed, best veteran - over 7 years, best rescue, best child handler - 6 - 14 years old, best condition, cutest couple - dog and child, happy families - 2 or more dogs from the same home, dog and owner most alike, dog with the waggiest tail, dog with the most appealing eyes, judges choice - best bitch and judges choice - best dog. All classes £1.00 - details from Joan/Leigh 01277 228823 (show) or for directions Mr and Mrs Mullahy 0116 2240063. For queries about the fun day Bev White 01785 605089 or 07976 191327. After the completion of the novelty classes there will be a parade of Rough and Smooth Collies with awards for the best Rough Collie, best Smooth Collie and best colours (judge to be announced on the day).

The Smooth Collie is a very versatile breed - easy to live with and easy to train. There are so many different competitive dog events and dog activities you can enjoy, giving you great opportunities to meet fellow dog lovers and enjoy lots of fun with your dog.