Ears
Standard - The ears should be of medium size and texture, set well apart, carried semi-erect. They are sensitive in their use, and inside well furnished with hair.
There is a wide variation of ear carriage within the term semi-erect. The ears are sensitive in their use and should therefore not be expected to be held semi-erect for any length of time. The higher set and partly tipped Collie (Rough/Smooth) ear is uncharacteristic of this breed. Remember the skull should be flat and broad between the ears. The ears may be partly to half erect, keeping in mind the difference from the Collie (Rough/Smooth) which requires one third tipped. Do look for the correct width of skull to go with the ears. Because of the varying heights in Border Collie’s ears, the dogs with the higher ears may look more alert, but alertness is shown with a combination of the eyes, the ear placement and ear carriage.
Ear placement can visually effect the shape of the head. With too high set an ear the correct shape of the Border Collie head is lost, the same as when the ear is set too low.
The term semi erect ears in relation to the Border Collie can also describe an ear that can be partially lifted, and does not necessarily mean lifted towards the front but rather turning to the side. This type of ear is an accepted part of the breed, is in fact a form of semi-erect carriage and does not spoil the natural appearance of the breed. It was termed a “Rose” ear when included in the first Border Collie standard (adopted 18th July, 1950), is historically part of the breed and should not be penalised.
On the other hand prick ears are considered to give too harsh an appearance and drop ears to detract from the intelligent expression required.
The tips of the ears are slightly rounded.
Ear carriage is not a high priority in this breed - there are no ear carriage faults listed in the standard. Ear carriage should only be penalised to the extent that it detracts from the breed type expression and the balanced proportions of the head.
Judge the dog for what it is, not for ears alone.
There is a wide variation of ear carriage within the term semi-erect. The ears are sensitive in their use and should therefore not be expected to be held semi-erect for any length of time. The higher set and partly tipped Collie (Rough/Smooth) ear is uncharacteristic of this breed. Remember the skull should be flat and broad between the ears. The ears may be partly to half erect, keeping in mind the difference from the Collie (Rough/Smooth) which requires one third tipped. Do look for the correct width of skull to go with the ears. Because of the varying heights in Border Collie’s ears, the dogs with the higher ears may look more alert, but alertness is shown with a combination of the eyes, the ear placement and ear carriage.
Ear placement can visually effect the shape of the head. With too high set an ear the correct shape of the Border Collie head is lost, the same as when the ear is set too low.
The term semi erect ears in relation to the Border Collie can also describe an ear that can be partially lifted, and does not necessarily mean lifted towards the front but rather turning to the side. This type of ear is an accepted part of the breed, is in fact a form of semi-erect carriage and does not spoil the natural appearance of the breed. It was termed a “Rose” ear when included in the first Border Collie standard (adopted 18th July, 1950), is historically part of the breed and should not be penalised.
On the other hand prick ears are considered to give too harsh an appearance and drop ears to detract from the intelligent expression required.
The tips of the ears are slightly rounded.
Ear carriage is not a high priority in this breed - there are no ear carriage faults listed in the standard. Ear carriage should only be penalised to the extent that it detracts from the breed type expression and the balanced proportions of the head.
Judge the dog for what it is, not for ears alone.