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Expression
is one of the most important points in considering the
relative value of Collies. Expression, like the term character
is difficult to define in words. It is not a fixed point
as in color, weight or height and it is something the
uninitiated can properly understand only by optical illustration.
In general, however, it may be said to be the combined
product of the shape and balance of the skull and muzzle,
the placement, size, shape and color of the eye and the
position, size and carriage of the ears. An expression
that shows sullenness or which is suggestive of any other
breed is entirely foreign. The Collie cannot be judged
properly until its expression has been carefully evaluated.
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“No
other factor contributes as greatly to the beauty of the
Collie head as the expression. One quite naturally looks
to the “face” of the Collie and what he sees there sets
the foundation of thought - good or bad?”
--
Trudy Mangels, Brandwyne Collies
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“True
expression is the sine qua non of every typical Collie.
In fact, a dog may be ever so characteristic in other
ways but if he has not this correct expression he is not
a typical Collie. It is quite true that expression cannot
be described, but when once seen and appreciated, it is
then afterwards easily recognized. It is only obtained
by a perfect combination of the various head sections
- skull and muzzle, also the shape, size, color and placement
of the eyes, and the correct shape, position and carriage
of the ears.”
--
Dr. O.P. Bennett, Tazewell
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“Some
of us head-hunters consider the head the most important
part of the Collie but to justify this, the part INSIDE
must be considered equally important with the outside.
It is this revelation of the inside by the expression
which gives it the great importance it holds.”
--
Oren Kem, Lodestone
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“Smoothness,
symmetry and balance are the significant words in head
quality, and ‘balance’ is the most important. Expression
is the sum total of the head qualities, and you’re not
going to find out what expression is without seeing it.”
--
Steve Field, Parader
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“The
most important thing to think of when judging Collies
I would have to say is ‘expression.’ I come to that conclusion
after many years of careful study and observation. The
characteristics which create the desired expression of
intelligent inquisitiveness, are the same characteristics
that I feel create a correct head. I believe it is impossible
to have correctly set eyes on a head that flares or which
does not have a flat frontal bone. When stops are misplaced
or there is a lack of correct chiseling of foreface, it
is also impossible to have correctly placed eyes, which
is detracting. Ear set and carriage also have a direct
impact on the desirability of correct expression as well.
I find, therefore, that most dogs that really do have
the correct expression generally have at the very least,
a moderately correct head. Because I feel a good expression
is generally the result of correct head structure, I feel
that judges who know good expression generally know proper
head structure. It is definitely something I consider
a hard-to-get virtue.”
--
John Buddie, Tartanside
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Download
the two-page guide, Collie Expression (583k/PDF)
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