About the Border Collie

Border Collies are best known for their working ability, shepherding in a distinctive style unique to the breed. It is a well-balanced, very athletic, medium sized dog ranging from 35 to 55 pounds. The Border Collie is believed to be one of the oldest existing dog breeds, with its Roman origins dating back to 36 B.C.

Border Collie coats come in two varieties. The rough coat is medium to long, with texture ranging from flat to wavy. The smooth coat is short over the entire body. Traditional colors are black with white, occasionally offering tan points. Colors less common to the breed range from red, blue and variable colors creating a merle effect. The ear set varies from standing up erect on top of the dog's head to drooping completely down and any variation in between. Several registries in the U.S. and overseas are available. The most common are the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Border Collie Association (ABCA), the American International Border Collie Association (AIBCA), the National Association Sheep Dog Society (NASDS) and the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS).

Anyone interested in a Border Collie must be committed to providing a stimulating and active environment. Affection and the need for companionship are desirable breed traits, and are present in most Border Collies, creating particular challenges in handling a new dog. Being consistent with obedience instruction and providing an intense schedule of various activities will assist in building a successful relationship with your Border Collie. Fear of failure is common in Border Collies; they have such an intense desire to please. Training strategies must be positive, motivational and consistent. In order to have your dog's utmost respect, you must display a sense of authority and guidance.

Border collies and children can be a lethal combination. Any type of quick movement, for instance, a child running to fetch a ball, can trigger the natural gathering instinct of the dog. The dog may chase, circle, bark and - worst case - snap at the child to try to control what the Border Collie sees as out of control behavior. The child's natural instinct is to respond with fear, vocalization and more quick movements. This in turn exacerbates an already dangerous situation. If, on the other hand, you do not mind a personal escort into every room in your home, a tireless ball playing companion, a buddy to take for a ride in your vehicle, a warm fuzzy body to curl up at your feet while you are sitting at your computer reading this brief, or, on the other hand, staring at you demanding that you hurry up and get off the computer and "take me for a walk," then by all means consider a Border Collie.

Please keep in mind the distinction between your loving companion and your personal belongings. Let me give you a couple of examples. My two-year-old dog Scout is so well behaved, the ideal companion. I had to leave the house for a short time, and I checked on Scout and found him sleeping peacefully in the family room, close to the nice, warm wood-burning stove, which meant that he would not need to go into his crate, he was such a good boy. I arrived home; Scout greeted me at the door, panting, tail wagging, but why was there foam in his mouth? My brand new couch in the family room had exploded, no, really, EXPLODED! To this day I am still searching for the explosive device. My little Ms. Meg is my pride and joy. We were on our way home from working sheep. All tired out, Meg lay sound asleep on the seat of my truck. I had to make a quick run into the store, and with Meg sound asleep, there was no need to put her in her crate -- after all she was all worn out from working sheep. I returned to my truck to find a character mark on my door panel. Do you think the vinyl repair kit really works? I have a test spot if a company that produces the product needs one.

If you have decided that you have what it takes to have a Border Collie as a companion, you need to decide whether you will obtain your companion from a breeder or a rescue organization. A conscientious breeder will offer references, proven their dogs' abilities and certify that their dogs are free of genetic faults. If you would like a Border Collie, but have concerns about your ability to live with their intense drives, then perhaps a Border Collie mix could be an option you might consider. A good rescue organization can offer some of the same benefits as a breeder with respect to certifications, contracts and the ability to assist you in finding the right dog.

We occasionally have puppies. Our priority in breeding is health, temperament and working ability. Both sire and dam will have their hips and eyes OFA, and CERF registered, and will have excellent temperaments. Research has proven that there is a genetic link associated with temperament.
Our pups are home raised with children and other dogs. It is imperative that specific types of environmental enrichment are introduced correctly at various times during the pup's mental growth process.

Conditioning puppies to a crate prior to leaving our family will assist the new family in house training. It will also provide the pup with a safe environment to be in when left unattended. This conditioning process is completed before the pups leave our family. We feel it is stressful enough making the transfer to the new family. Placing them in a crate without the pup being familiar now adds more stress to the pup and the new family.

The vaccination and worming schedule will be kept to the veterinarian's standards.

Physicals will be performed by our veterinarian prior to the pups leaving at no less than eight weeks of age.

Temperament testing using the Volhard method is completed at seven weeks of age.

This is only a portion of the deciding factor as to which puppy will best suit your family. Training classes with an approved trainer is not an option. I cannot stress enough the importance of proper training for both you and your puppy, especially throughout the first year. Puppies go from being a baby to a young adult all in twelve months. Do you remember either raising or being a teenager??

We do require references from those interested in one of our Border Collie pups, and we will also provide references upon request. There is a contract to be signed at time of transfer. If for any reason during the dog’s lifetime you can no longer offer an adequate home life, we insist that the dog must be returned to us. We stand behind our pups and never want to see them end up in a shelter, under any circumstance. We will find a new home and place the dog, should the need arise. The vast majority of our dogs are thriving in their original homes, and our extended families are always proud to "brag" about their wonderful companion.