I last had rough collies 20 odd years ago but have recently got 2 boys now almost 1 year old. At present I use a nylon half check chain collar for my boys as due to the shape of their heads, they slip ordinary collars. Years ago I used leather check collars but can't find any locally, can anyone recommend anything better as the nylon does matt the underfur.
Also we want to start showing again so can anyone recommend the best type of show lead for them I used to use quite thin brightly coloured nylon ones with a single slider adjuster, but these boys are stronger and I think I will need something that gives me more control.

Hi Ossie,

I have Rough Collies too, as does Val who will no doubt be along at some point.  (I'm in Berkshire too, Ascot.) Where did you get your boys from?

I use a rolled leather half check on mine. I tend to buy from [url=]www.accoladeleathercraft.co.uk[/url] - they will make them in your choice of colour and 'strength'. I have white ones for the show ring, normal brown for everyday use. You can also buy them with leads attached as a show set, or with matching clip leads. Their service is normally very efficient, too.

Hope that helps,

M.

Yep that is what my Elkhounds wear too http://www.accoladeleathercraft.com/

Thanks Barbara, don't know what I did wrong on the link.

M.

Thanks I'll give them a try, I got my boys from Sue Thomas (Amathus) I did contact yourself and a couple of other nearby breeders last year, but I was looking for a BM and S/W to be ready for Easter time when my daughter left school on study leave and would be home to take care of them. The S/W is by CH. Pepperstone Piccolino x Amathus MArcasita (a Myriehewe Rainbow Quest over Kazmith Daughter) and the BM is by Troydon Tomaster at Pepperstone x Amathus Zodiac (a Sylps Saggitarius Daugher). In fact the BM is the S/W's uncle on the Mothers side, although he is 4 days younger!
I don't expect them to be great winners, but I do enjoy showing and am thinking of going to the Maidenhead Ringcraft classes at Knowl hill in Feb and see how they do. We have done a course in basic obediance as they are pets and good citizens first, but hopefully haven't left it too late to ring train them. Thanks for your advice.

Ah yes, I know Sue.

Are you going to come along to the London & Provincial Collie Club show in Langley at the end of February? PM me if you haven't had a schedule, or ask Sue and she can give you the details too I'm sure.

If so, I'll look out for you and say hello.

M.

I don't think they will be ready for showing that soon as we haven't done much with them yet, they will stand nicely, but are not used to people going over them, perhaps I could just come along and watch?

You certainly could come along and watch, no problem at all.

M.

We have a sheltie (and have had 2 previously) and use nylon or leather collars.  We've only ever had problems with 'slipping' them when they haven't been properly tightened (being able to slip 2 fingers between the collar and the dogs neck is how it should be).  Our current little girl has never slipped her collar (despite trying when spooked) and it will not go over her head :)