Why can't you use a horse lead if you need a strong leash? If it's strong enough to hold a horse it's strong enough for a dog is it not? (plus they come in cuter colours)
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This isn't what I was looking for but it sums it up nicely.
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Looks--Diversity is the Key Word
It is incorrect to state that shepherd[']s [dogs] have been bred solely for work[ing] ability with no care for looks or conformation. Seldom does one see an ugly working collie, and even more seldom, one of poor conformation. Hard working farm dogs would never cope with years of stock work if they were ill-made.
...howing has not developed these beautiful dogs; they are the product of many, many years of careful breeding by practical shepherds, most of whom have carefully studied the pedigrees of the animals involved...Show enthusiasts are now reaping the benefit of all this past experience...
The renowned quality of the Border Collie must continue to be judged on its work[ing] ability, as it has been judged for over 100 years...not solely on its good looks, or by its show ring successes...
The Border Collie has achieved the high esteem in which it is held, by sheer merit of accomplishing its herding tasks to the highest standards in the pastoral...world.
--Mrs. E. B. (Barbara) Carpenter
Brocken Border Collies
Pasters Hill House, Gloucestershire
April 1986
It is incorrect to state that shepherd[']s [dogs] have been bred solely for work[ing] ability with no care for looks or conformation. Seldom does one see an ugly working collie, and even more seldom, one of poor conformation. Hard working farm dogs would never cope with years of stock work if they were ill-made.
...howing has not developed these beautiful dogs; they are the product of many, many years of careful breeding by practical shepherds, most of whom have carefully studied the pedigrees of the animals involved...Show enthusiasts are now reaping the benefit of all this past experience...
The renowned quality of the Border Collie must continue to be judged on its work[ing] ability, as it has been judged for over 100 years...not solely on its good looks, or by its show ring successes...
The Border Collie has achieved the high esteem in which it is held, by sheer merit of accomplishing its herding tasks to the highest standards in the pastoral...world.
--Mrs. E. B. (Barbara) Carpenter
Brocken Border Collies
Pasters Hill House, Gloucestershire
April 1986
This isn't what I was looking for but it sums it up nicely.