VERSATILITY OVERVIEW

Program Overview and General Information

Program Overview and General Information

Description of Program: The program is intended to be a way to acknowledge, showcase and reward our Scottish Collies who can demonstrate their versatility, intelligence, athleticism, biddability and ability to excel in the traditional working skills of the breed.  It also aims to promote, encourage and celebrate the human-canine bond – something that collies and their people excel at!

The program works on a points system – dogs earn points by completing levels of training or competition in any of five different categories. A basic title may be completed by earning only five points in three different categories, and the titles become more challenging from there!  It is designed to be merit-based and to avoid similarities to AKC-style conformation competitions in any way. You must be a member in good standing to participate in the program.  Any dog who is registered in the SCPS database is eligible to earn points, titles and awards.
 
Cost to Participate: There is one-time $15 fee to join the program – this fee includes the cost of your dog’s first title and awards when they are earned.  There is no subsequent up-front cost to submit information to be reviewed for future titles.  

  • Should it be determined by the judge’s panel that your dog has earned a subsequent title, you will be invoiced for $10, which will include a printed certificate and ribbon, shipped to you.  Your dog’s name will also be updated in the SCPS Registry to reflect the new title earned, and an announcement posted on the club Facebook page (please send us a picture of your dog with his/her award for the post).
  • Should it be determined that your dog has not earned a title, a member of the judges’ panel will contact you to let you know what is needed.
  • Fees to participate are designed to cover the cost of prizes and shipping.  The SCPS Versatility Committee reserves the right to adjust the fees if necessary.

Judging: Materials submitted for consideration will be reviewed by a panel of volunteer judges.  The judges’ panel reserves the right to consult with outside experts when and if needed.  Please note that judges are all volunteers who evaluate entries outside of work hours; please be patient and give us a week from receipt of your submission to review your entry!  

Titles to be offered for ‘Equivalent Work’: we happily solicit and accept documentation of your dog performing work around your farm or ranch that is roughly equivalent to the work required to earn titles at trials, competitions, etc.  What better way to show your dog’s instincts and training than the practical, ‘paws-on’ tasks they were developed to perform ‘in the field’? Please see the sections, below, on Categories, Titles, and Submitting Your Documentation for more information.
Sportsmanlike and Ethical Conduct: The SCPS Versatility Program is designed to support and celebrate the human/canine bond, and at the same time, relies in large part on the honor system.  We encourage sportsmanlike conduct and responsible dog ownership.
Questions are welcome!  Help us make this program run smoothly, clearly and efficiently.  Contact the Committee at president@scottishcolliepreservationsociety.org.

Earning Points: Categories and Points to be Earned within Each
Categories:  Description of Categories and Points to be earned for specific work within each one.

  1. Health and Soundness – a point for ‘clean scores’ on each test.  The SCPS requires some testing in dogs that are part of a breeding program; this section of the Versatility Program gives ‘extra credit’ to those dogs whose test results show them to be exemplars of the very best in soundness and genetic health.
    1. CEA – normal/normal  
    2. MDR1 –  normal/normal
    3. CN (Cyclic Neutropenia/Gray Collie Syndrome) – normal/normal
    4. DM (Degenerative Myeolopathy) – normal/normal
    5. VWD II (Von Willebrand’s Disease Type II) – normal/normal
    6. PRA – normal/normal
    7. OFA Hips – Good or Excellent; PennHip DI score of lower than .30
    8. OFA Elbows – Good or Excellent

 

  1. Herding: (AHBA, ASCA, AKC or equivalent home video/photos of farm/ranch work) … a classic collie skill!
    1. Training classes and Instinct Test – a point each
    2. Most Herding Trial programs have difficulty levels – titles earned at levels 1 & 2 earn 2 points; titles at levels 3 & 4 earn 3 points each.

 

  1. Other Farm/Ranch Skills: a point for proof of completion of a training class; otherwise, a point for a Beginning-level title, two points for an Intermediate-level title, and three points for an Advanced-level title.  As with herding, you are welcome to submit documentation of equivalent work in a farm or ranch setting.
    1. Barn Hunt
    2. Nosework
    3. Lure-coursing
    4. Home video/photos of equivalent farm work

 

  1. Other Work and Sports: while not the traditional farm/ranch skills, these also demonstrate the intelligence, biddability and athleticism of the Scottish Collie, and are often more easily accessed by those who have companion collies.  A point for proof of completion of a training class and/or CGC title; otherwise, a point for a beginning-level title, two points for an intermediate-level title, and three points for an advanced-level title.
    1. Completion of training class
    2. CGC (AKC)
    3. Obedience – formal and/or Rally (AKC)
    4. Agility (AKC, CPE, USDAA, NADAC, UKC, ASCA)
    5. Dock-diving? Carting? Backpacking? Flyball? Triebball? Canine Freestyle? Tricks? AV Canine?  There are many more established and up-and-coming sports and activities that people are enjoying with their dogs.  The judges’ panel is happy to consider these or any other ‘organized sports’ you play with your dog. Please email us at president@scottishcolliepreservationsociety.org with your suggestions.

 

  1. Service, Assistance & Education: many collies demonstrate a special gift for work in this important category.  A point for documentation showing proof of completion of training; an additional two points for documentation showing proof of each year’s-worth of work in field. Any actual work in field is to be considered advanced-level work. (except – see items e. and f., Education and Promotion)
    1. Service Dog: Guide Dog, Hearing Dog, Mobility Assistance Dog, Seizure Alert/Response Dog, Psychiatric Service Dog, Autism Dog, or other recognized type of service dog
    2. Therapy Dog
    3. Emotional Support Dog
    4. SAR
    5. Education: participation in demonstrations, seminars, clinics, Scottish Festivals or other events where you and your dog(s) are there to officially and specifically present and promote Scottish Collies.  Also, official use of your dog as a “demo dog” for any of the other activities or training in this or other Categories. One point total may be claimed per year – must submit description of event(s) and documentation of attendance.
    6. Promotion: If your dog’s image(s) has/have been used to promote the SCPS a flyer, brochure, or other official advertising, you may claim a lifetime total of one point.  

Adding Up Points to Earn a Title; Titles and Awards Offered
Titles and Awards

Representative (R-I, R-II, R-III)

  1. A total of 5 points in at least three different categories.  For example, Fluffy has tested clear for CEA and is mdr1 normal/normal (Category 1), so she earns two points.  She passed her basic puppy class, and a CGC test (both Category 4 , two more points. Then, she attended a Highland Festival (Category 5) and participated in the Scottish Breeds parade for her 5th point and third category, and she has earned her R-I title!

 

  1. A total of 10 points in at least three different categories – work must be of at least intermediate level in at least one category.  Fluffy already has 5 points from her R-I title.  Now, she has attended agility classes (another point) and has been doing great at local  trials. She earned her Novice-level title in two classes (two more points), advanced to Open/Intermediate classes, and earned an Open Title (two points).  Fluffy is to be congratulated for earning her R-II!

 

  1. A total of 20 points in at least three different categories – work must be of advanced level in at least one category.  Fluffy carries over her 10 points from her R-II.  She continues to excel in agility, earning two more Open Titles (4 points) and an Advanced Title (3 points).  A year has passed, and she again participates in the Highland Festival Parade (a point). For fun, she and her owner take a Nosework Class and a Rally Class (a point each).  Fluffy has now satisfied the requirements for her R-III title!

Ambassador (A-I, A-II, A-III)

  1. A total of 5 points – one from each of all five categories
  2. A total of 10 points – all categories must be represented and work must be of at least intermediate level in at least two categories
  3. A total of 20 points – all categories must be represented and work must be of advanced level in at least two categories

Prizes for Standard Awards: The judges’ panel will review documentation submitted in support of your application for a title or award.  Upon successful completion of your dog’s title or award, submission of your documentation, and payment of your invoice, you will be sent a certificate and rosette ribbon that corresponds to the title/level/award earned.  Your dog’s name and information in the SCPS Registry will also be updated to reflect the title earned.  You MUST be a current member, in good standing, of the SCPS to receive any prizes.  

Special Awards
Sire/Dam of Merit (SoM. DoM).  This special title is awarded to dogs who exemplify both the desired traits of the Scottish Collie, and the ability to pass these traits to his/her offspring.

  • Any dog who has earned at least an R-I title, and who has at least 3 offspring who have earned at least an R-I title.

Farm Dog, Farm Dog Outstanding, Farm Dog Exceptional (FD, FDO, FDE).  This special Designation recognizes dogs whose abilities and work focus especially on those categories which represent a Scottish Collie’s traditional job, and as such should be a sought-after award to earn.  Points are earned as for titles above, EXCEPT:

  • they MUST include Points from Categories 2 and 3
  • the Intermediate and Advanced work required for higher level titles MUST include Points from Categories 2 and 3.

This title is listed thusly: Old-Timey’s Fluffy, R-I, FD.  The title A-III, FDE, is therefore the most prestigious award offered through this program.
3
Scottish Collie Hero:  Has your Collie performed an act of exceptional bravery or heroism?  We want to hear about it!  At their discretion, the judges’ panel may from time to time award a special certificate and medal to a Scottish Collie who has demonstrated outstanding bravery and heroism … it’s what they’re known for, isn’t it?  Send us your documented story – with pictures if possible!

Prizes for Special Awards: The panel will review documentation submitted in support of your application for a title or award.  Upon successful completion of your dog’s title or award, submission of your documentation, and payment of your invoice*, you will be sent a certificate and medal that corresponds to the title/level/award earned.  Your dog’s name and information in the SCPS Registry will also be updated to reflect the title earned.  You MUST be a current member, in good standing, of the SCPS to receive any prizes.  
*The Scottish Collie Hero medal and certificate will be awarded at no cost.
Submitting Your Documentation
How to Submit Documentation for a Title:  The process of submitting documentation for a title is similar in many ways to the process for applying for registration for your dog.

  • Fill out and submit the Versatility Enrollment form to join the program – it includes a section to apply for your dog’s first title. Choose Title Application if your dog has already earned his or her first title.

Here are the guidelines for sending in valid documentation, to be emailed to the panel once you’ve completed and submitted your entry form.  You can send:

  • Photos of title or class completion certificates
  • Photos uploaded to your application,
  • Photos of programs showing participation in events
  • Photos of health reports
  • Please make sure all images are very clear and legible!
  • If you are sharing an image such as a screenshot of a web site, please make sure the image includes a ‘header’ or similar so that we can see what organization it comes from.
  • Links to other web pages showing health report results, or competition or class completion results.
  • For ‘equivalent’ work on a ranch or farm, very clear documentation for the dog at work, showing their skills – preferably video – is needed.  
    • For example, a picture of your puppy sitting outside the chicken coop does not sufficiently demonstrate livestock guarding or herding … we need to see it in action!  
    • To avoid misunderstanding, the owner/handler will be responsible for a general level of familiarity with the various competition levels available for their dog’s equivalent skill, as the judging committee will make their best assessment of the skill level of the dog in the absence of actual titles earned.  
    • You may submit a link of your video on YouTube right within the application, or post to the Scottish Collie Versatility Club Facebook page (note that Facebook is a little more public than YouTube, where you can post a private video).
  • Please try to ensure that your application is as complete as possible upon submission.  If you have any questions, please check our FAQ page or ask by emailing president@scottishcolliepreservationsociety.org

Good Luck and Have Fun Playing with your Dogs! 

 

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