Variety

We just returned from an Agility trial in Peoria, Illinois. First, I have to say a little about their trials. They are a small club and hold their trials at their own property. The standard and fast courses are run on a long and narrow area next to the building, and the jumpers course is behind the buiding and on a little bit of a hill. Everyone always complains a little about the hill, but really it isn't too bad. Of course, I have a dog that does not require me to run to every jump, so maybe I would feel differently if I had to actually "run." Anyway, the people are always so warm and welcoming, and there is no reason to hurry. It was a very relaxing weekend- especially when the weather is as nice as it is this weekend. It was so very different from the 660 dog trials where everyone and all the dogs are stressed and in a hurry.
Anyway, several people asked me about Sarah's dog Reba. They would ask, "is she a rescue?" and then something like "I can see that she's part border collie, but what else do you think she is?" The funny thing is that Maggie's heritage is pretty much unknown, but Reba has a long (and distinguished) pedigree. Yet people always question her breed, just because of her color.
That's one of the things I like most about this breed; what makes them alike isn't their coat, their ears, or their color. What makes a border collie a border collie, is that working/herding ability, not their appearance-making for some pretty stark variety in appearance. Putting Maggie and Reba next to one another really makes this point... I'm not sure I know of any other breed that has this much variety.