Scotch Collie vs Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore - Breed Comparison

The landrace breed, which started in the highlands of Scotland is known as the Scotch Collie. There were at the time two types of collies – the Rough or long haired collie and the smooth or short haired collie. The Scotch Collie is considered to be from a line of very ancient herding dogs. It might have existed in the days of the Roman Empire, these herding dogs might have included the Native Celtic Dogs, Roman Cattle Dogs, Gordon Setter, Viking Herding Spitzes and Irish Setters.

In its native land the Scotch Collie is often called the colley dogs, coaly and cooley. Collie comes from the Scottish words for black coal – or the Coaley Sheep they herded. In addition to herding, the Scotch Collie also acted as a hunter and guard dog for its family. A large group of these collies were exported to America to work on family farms. Soon they were so popular they became family pets. They were first shown in both England and America in in the mid to late 1800’s.

The Scotch Collie Club was formed in 1885 and the breed accepted into the AKC the same year. The Collie Club of America started the following year. The AKC eventually dropped the moniker Scotch in favor or Rough and Smooth Collie. This move also separated the show dogs from the still working/herding Scotch Collies.

Aa time went on and the collie became more prominent in conformation competitions, some breeders mixed in the Greyhound and perhaps the Borzoi to get the collie we see today. The Scotch Collie itself eventually lost its independent recognition in the UKC and the NKC. It was mixed in with the English Shepard, but it was an important element in the development of the Australian Shepard, Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies.

The breed had a revival of sorts in the early 2000’s as the Old Time Scotch Collie. Any type of farm collie in America and Canada can be registered in the OTSCA. They are more often referred to as Old Time Farm Shepherds to avoid confusion them with the very popular collies. In 2017 there were 174 of these OTSCA dogs. Collies today have less working instincts, and the heeling instinct seems to be gone.

Today the show version of the Scotch Collie is recognized by both the AKC and UKC in the herding group.

It has been said of the Scotch Collie that they have “the majesty of a lion, the pride of a great thoroughbred stallion, the confidence of a Winston Churchill.”

Originating in France, the Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore has been recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006. He was developed in France in the 1800s.

He is a rare breed, even in France. Today he is essentially a hunting- and scentdog and isn't really kept as a companion pet. The breed is recognized in France too by the French Kennel Club and also recognized internationally in 1983. In France today the dog is bred and kept primarily as a hunting dog and pet combined.

This Scotch Collie is an athletic, intelligent, well-balanced and alert dog. This collie has no exaggerated features like the long nose/muzzle of the current collies. This Scotch Collie is sound in mind and body, a hard working dog. He is hearty and versatile. They are longer than they are tall. Their heads are moderate and the stoop is well defined. They have a wide, flat skull. Their lips are tight and they are fitted well.

Their ears are also moderate in size and pointed or partially erect. They should not have long or droopy ears. They have eyes that might be oblique, almond, and round. The eyes are usually brown and merles may have blue eyes. The breed has a deep chest, broad shoulders and a long tail. There are also some bobtails that occur naturally.

Looking quite a bit like its Foxhound ancestors,the muscular Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore is a large dog standing at 60cm to 70cm tall at the withers and weighing in the region of 30kg and 35kg.

The Tricolore has a fairly broad, flat head, black nose and large brown eyes. His ears are set at eye level, they are medium length and floppy. The legs of the dog are straight and strong and the chest is deep and broad. The tail is long and slim. His double coat coat is short and smooth and he is tri-colored – tan, white and black.

Temperament:

Your Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore has always been used as a hunting dog and scenthound and has been used in a hunting team. The dog has been created by crossing French scenthounds with English Foxhounds, with this particular dog being descended from crosses between the Foxhound and the tricoloured Poitevins.

There are actually 3 Grand Anglo-Français breeds, with this Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore being one. He is a docile dog and doesn't make a particularly good watchdog. The dog enjoys the company of other canines and while he can get on well with his human family, and is good and patient with children, he isn't the ideal pet with children, as his mind is on hunting and the chase and following exciting scents.

He is a dog totally dedicated to hunting and hunting in packs sees him getting on well in the presence of other dogs. His strong hunting instinct and his wish to roam on a scent makes it that he will require a very large garden.

1.Children friendliness - they are great with children.

2.Special talents agility and speed.

3.Adaptability - Scotch Collies are versatile and adaptable. There is no need to crate them as they are not destructive. If you have a large run or kennel, they can live anywhere. However they are happiest on farms and open lands.

4.Learning ability - They are very intelligent and open to learning.

The Tricolore is an excellent hunter but he also makes a good family pet. Because of the dog having ingrained hunting skills you won't find him being used essentially as a pet.

He can be stubborn, but with training and socialization he can become obedient and amicable. He is a dog that will require a great deal of exercise as he is an exuberant dog and won't do well in an environment where there is scant regard to outdoor living and exercise.

While hunting is a great love of this tri-colored dog, he is also capable of being a loving and devoted pet.

The old line breed was hearty with few health issues. The ones they did have included:

• Musculoskeletal problems - can cause weakness or even some lameness.

• Skin problems - can have skin diseases like mange that may or may not be acute, may have allergies or sensitivities.

• Bloat – can cause death if not treated quickly.

Living to be about 10-13 years of age, your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is fortunate to be a healthy dog, but just like many other dogs, he may well get sick and then, as a responsible dog owner, you need to get your 4-legged family member to the vet.

Hip Dysplasia:

An abnormal hip joint can be hard for your dog as you notice him becoming less active and battling to get up after lying down. Hip dysplasia can lead to osteoarthritis, a limp and lameness. Get him to the vet so that you can at least help with making your pet's problem easier to bear.

Bloat:

Typically with deep chested dogs, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore can develop the life-threatening problem of bloat, when the stomach twists.

1Feeding the puppy - The Scotch Collie is not a medium dog nor is it a large dog. It is somewhere in-between. Because of this there is some discretion in not only how much you feed your puppy, but also what you feed. Normally we would feed according to breed size but here you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The puppy will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 3-4 times a day.

2.Feeding the adult - you need a high quality formula that is made for working breeds. The adult will need enough calories to meet their high energy needs. Feed at least 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina and athleticism.

4. Games and Exercises

There is a high need for exercise starting with walks or jog but that is not going to be enough. The Scotch Collie is not a Border Collie or a Corgi in terms of energy, but they are not couch potaoes. They need more than access to a yard. They need a job or they need defined exercise and play. The daily walk or jog will do it but intense play is better.

The exercise requirements of this breed are high and he thrives on being busy and being involved in a hunt. If you do happen to keep him as a pet, he will require plenty of intense exercise from going on walks to joining in with your jogging and cycling activities. He just never seems to get enough exercise.

Grooming:

The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore requires little grooming and will do well with a good brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Diet:

For your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore to be strong and healthy, he'll need protein for strong bones and muscles.Protein needs to be the primary ingredient in an active dog's diet. If you're not sure, ask your vet about the best kibble to feed him and add in some raw meat to this every now and then.

Where possible, cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken can be added into the kibble too to make his diet more interesting and healthy. Fresh, cool water should be reachable for your dog 24/7.