Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris | Rank Breed | |
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Similar Cumberland Sheepdog, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattl, New Zealand Heading, Magellan sheep dog, Gaddi Kutta | ||
The Smithfield, Smithfield Collie or Smithfield Sheepdog is a type of herding dog. It is a large, strong dog of collie type. The Smithfield can be black, grey or red with a white collar, or wholly white and they always possess floppy-ears and shaggy hair on the body, face and legs. Two varieties exist, with one having a natural bobtail and the second with a longer tail. It was used for droving cattle in the south-east of England, especially the Smithfield Market in London, and although this breed of dog is believed to be extinct and was never recognised by any of the major kennel clubs before its extinction, dogs of similar type are shown under the same name in Tasmania, Australia.
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Overview
The Smithfield was first introduced to Australia during colonial times. It was a handy dog used to work the meat markets in Smithfield, London. It is a dog standing from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) and has a shaggy appearance. Very little has been documented about this breed, and although it is not a recognised pure-breed in the Australian National Kennel Council, it is shown at the Campbell Town Show in Tasmania. Many older farmers still own the breed as well as some breeders who want to keep the original lines going and maintain effort in a future of the breed.
Exhibition at the Campbell Town Show, Tasmania
Each year Smithfields are exhibited at the Campbell Town Show, held in Campbell Town, Tasmania.
The Dogs are shown under five categories:
with the Smithfield Champion Award being chosen from winners of each class.
Whilst it is accepted that they are not a registered breed as such, there is sufficient interest and acceptance in Tasmania of the breed for this event to be held. The show is held in early June, usually with over forty entries, and the dogs are presented in natural condition. Purity is decided by the dog's owner, solely on the basis of the dog's appearance and regardless of known or suspected ancestry; all dogs are required to be genuine working dogs.
