In the world of dog shows, “parts judging” should be discouraged because the whole dog needs to be evaluated, not parts of it.

That said, there are certain breed standards which place a good deal of importance on the breed’s head, and the Collie is one such breed. By and large, when evaluating Collies either in the show ring or in the whelping box, it’s said that one must start by considering the head.

Some cynologists believe that during the development of the Rough Collie, Borzoi blood was introduced which contributed to the breed’s beautiful and distinctive wedge-shaped head. More specifically, it’s said that in 1893, Czar Nicholas II sent fifteen Borzoi to Queen Victoria as a diplomatic gift, and that she ended up crossing a few with her Collies.

Other sources maintain that the Collie’s head was attributed to early shepherd crossing their Collies with Greyhound or Deerhounds. We always defer to breed experts here, so input is welcomed on the validity of the breed’s ancestry.

Image of the Collie, Ch. Seedley Stirling was painted by F. Sinett in 1916. This painting was gifted to the AKC Museum of the Dog by Mr. and Mrs. Royal Peterson. From the museum: “Stirling was considered by many early breeders to be one of the finest examples of Collie type. He was known for his wonderful head, eye and expression and his well-fitting coat. He had many admirers and expectations.”  Others have opined that the shape and placement of this dog’s eye along with a long blunt wedge and a back skull that is not to wide makes this a very pleasing head.