>It means the number breeding for work was overwhelmed by the number breeding for cute. The Border Collies have handled it better, since the largest registry of Border Collies has fought the AKC. Aussies gave in, and now they have cute dogs.<
I might agree that with AKC registration, the Australian shepherd became more attractive to the pet owner, the casual breeder and yes, the show exhibitor, but I think there is more problem when dogs are bred by uneducated people, who purchase a random male and female and produce litters for pocket money than by people who breed dogs and show them.
Border collies aren’t as pretty as Aussies. They haven’t been affected by AKC registrations because, frankly, they make lousy pets as a rule. They’re hyper, they have tons of prey drive so they chase anything that moves, and they nip due to that prey drive. They’re also very, very bright and they will find things to do if their owner isn’t savvy enough to provide mental stimulation for them.
If you breed dogs for show, then purpose falls to the wayside. Shows look at dogs, rather than at dog performance. Trials test dog performance, so I don’t object to that...but the shape of a Border Collie’s head doesn’t count for squat at what they do.
That is why the show dogs are very distinctive in appearance from the workers - show BCs are heavier boned, hairy, and have ‘New Zealand’ heads (more like a St Bernard).
AKC registration cost the Aussies their focus - is it good looking dogs, or dogs that can work cattle? In 1980, an Aussie looked like a tail-less BC, usually red or blue merle, slightly stockier and more aggressive with stock. Lots of ranchers running cattle loved them. Now, most ranchers wouldn’t consider seeking out an Aussie.
There is more money to be made in ‘cute’ than performance.
“They haven’t been affected by AKC registrations because, frankly, they make lousy pets as a rule. They’re hyper, they have tons of prey drive so they chase anything that moves, and they nip due to that prey drive.”
Keep spreading the bad word! I want BCs to be unpopular! However, a working bred Border Collie is NOT hyper with tons of prey drive. Dogs like that get shot on a farm, or killed by the cars passing on the highway. BCs bred for sport or show can be like that, but no farmer can afford a hyperactive dog with lots of prey drive.
That doesn’t mean they make good leave-alone pets. Someone who makes a habit of leaving a Border Collie will get what they deserve, and the BC will suffer for it. A breeder shouldn’t breed a smart dog without an off switch - but one CAN get away with it if your ‘product’ is sold on looks.