Friends of the Old Farm Collie, Bulletin #1 page 4
4. Possible ways to bring back the Old Farm Collie:
It is likely that a number of old-fashioned collies could still be found as working dogs in Great Britian. Along with those that may be found in the U.S. and Canada, selected individuals of the above-listed breeds (particularly the English Shepherd and Auistralian Shepherd) that most typify the desired appearance and character could be used in reestablishing the Old Farm Collie as a breed in its own right. Some people might question such "breeding back," but in fact it was just such breeding back, even including cross-breeding, that led to the restoration of such well-known breeds as the Irish Wolfhound, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and others, as well as a number of old livestock breeds.
Should a restoration of the Old Farm Collie be undertaken, I believe it is to such organizations as the American Livestock Breeds Concervancy rather than the modern show-oriented kennel clubs that the Friends of the Old Farm Collie should look. For instance, any breeding to a standard should be done by the ALBC's card-grading system, rather than the all-or-nothing competitive breed-ring shoing of the kennel clubs that has led to such exaggerated features in many of the modern dog breeds. In addition, it should be stressed that character and soundness are as important as physical appearance, and should registration be undertaken, prior health checks such as eye examinations and hip x-rays should be strongly encouraged or even required.
I would like to learn what others think about these issues. Please provide your thoughts and views on any aspect of the above. I will relay the responses to everyone in a subsequent bulletin. (Those wishing to receive future updates should let me know, so that your name can be retained on the mailing list).
Thank you for your attention. Linda Rorem Pacifica19@aol.com.