The "Eye"

The Border Collie “Eye”, also called the “Stare”, is a breed characteristic of the Border Collie used to help it maintain order over a flock of sheep.  Border Collies would use this intense, strong-eyed stare to help exhibit dominance and unnerve sheep who try and leave the flock or challenge the dog’s authority.  This often allowed the Border Collie to get the sheep back in line quickly and without any further escalation. It was a highly sought after ability which was bred into working Border Collies by shepherds, and one which persists in much of the breed to this day.

• (Pictured Left) Winston Cap (ISDS 31154), who was selected to be on the International Sheep Dog Society’s seal and is the breed’s most prolific stud.