American Working Farmcollies – A New Old Time Favorite
Old Style Farm Collies are also known as American Working Farmcollies, or the Old Farm Shepherd dogs. They were the most popular type of dog in the country at one time. This versatile working dogs was kept by farmers dogs to protect (guard dogs) and keep animals in their proper enclosures (herding dogs). Many also worked as hunting dogs.
The AKC collies of today are not the same as old time farm collies, which are herding and shepherd dogs. These dogs’ ancestors came from Europe, and have a Scotch Collie heritage. Dogs that are registered as American Working Farmcollies must meet the following qualifications:
- Of Scotch Collie ancestry (or appear to be so if the background is not known), resembling the breed standard.
- Must qualify in at least two of the three working categories of guardian, herder and hunter.
- Should be at least one year of age.
A Certification of Merit is given to dogs that qualify in each of the three working categories. It is also an encouraged practice to double register dogs with both the AFWA (American Working Farmcollie Association) and as an English Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Kelpie, AKC collie, or Border Collie.
Being well socialized to his or her master and knowing the rules and routines of the farm are essential traits of a good farm collie. That includes knowing the boundaries of the property and staying within them, besides being aware of what animals are supposed to be on the farm and their appointed places. Working as a guardian, the dog should protect the farm animals from predators.
These dogs are meant to be an all-purpose farm dog, working as guardians, herding and hunting. Every dog will not do well in all three categories, so it is important to find the dog that can do the things you want it to do.
If you want to get a puppy, the best thing to do is check out both parents and see what traits they have. Take into account, however, that the puppy may not mature into exactly the dog you envisioned. Dogs of even the same breed still are individuals, and have a personality of their own. The strengths and weaknesses may not be exactly what you were looking for, but a puppy from parents exhibiting the traits you desire will most likely have at least some of them.
Versatile and helpful, the American Working Farmcollie is a great asset to any homestead.
