Breeder help (border collies)

Babyblue5290

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I need help. I'm looking for a border collie breeder. I have decided against a rescue on this one, but it's my first time trying to find a breeder! I won't be getting a puppy for months (earliest possible being March 2012), but I want to start looking for a breeder now! I would prefer working or sport dogs rather than show.

Of course I've fallen head over heels for Hob Nob Border collies, but who hasn't? LOL That ones probably going to be out of my reach for now. I'd die if I could get there upcoming litter or Shale and Bru *drool*

But I'm having a lot of difficulty finding a breeder I like, that has dogs I like. @_@

I'd appreciate opinions and hlep! I'm in Western Wa, but will likely be in Eastern Wa at the time. I'm willing to travel a little bit to get a pup, but if possible I'd prefer not. Anyways, so only ones I've found that are even semi likeable are as follows.

First one is midnight border collies:
Midnight Border Collies

Vaccinated, CERF, OFA tested, and ABCA registered. I've got a few problems with them. Health guarantee for only one year, when questioned they stated "they are 3rd generation, if there were any problems we would have seen them by now." Seems a bit of a ignorant answer, IMO. Also it's agains "life threatening hereditary or life threatening genetic defects until one year of age" and they emphasize "life threatening." Which leads me to believe a problem that is genetic, but not deemed life threatening would be ignored. They train in Obedience, Herding and agility but do not do any actual competitions. Few other problems I have with them, so I think they are a no go.

Second one is White Road Border Collies:
White Road Border Collies | PUPPIES FOR SALE! | Shelton, Washington

Vaccinated, OFA and DNA for CEA tested. These are more of a farm dog type, where they do herding and they say agility, again not formally. Not really much else to say about them. I like the "look" of the puppies as adults, but there's not much information about how they raise the pups. I shot them an email.

Last one is Hidden Valley Border Collies:
Hidden Valley Border Collies of Oregon

This one is in oregon, not too far at all. They OFA (hips/elbows), BAER, CERF, DNA test for CEA and of course vaccinations/dewormers. Participate in agility, herding, Obedience, and tracking. And they have titles! A lot of titles lol I like these guys the best so far, I've sent an email to get some more information from them (like price! lol), but as far as I can see from their site they seem pretty good.


Any opinions? or even suggestions?
 

SaraB

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#2
I would stay away from the first two. IMO titles are necessary to prevent the breeders from being kennel blind and to ensure that their breeding stock has been evaluated by peers and they deserve to be bred.
 

Babyblue5290

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SaraB, you are right. The second one I haven't recieved an email back from yet, so I don't know for sure their dogs aren't titled, though I doubt it as they would have put it on their site.

Honestly, I don't really like either of the first two, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding a breeder that I do like. The third is the only real interest at the moment, but they have nothing about contract or health of puppies or price even. So I don't know about them either! :(
 

SaraB

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#4
Honestly, I don't really like either of the first two, but I'm having a lot of trouble finding a breeder that I do like. The third is the only real interest at the moment, but they have nothing about contract or health of puppies or price even. So I don't know about them either! :(
Don't rule them out just because of that! A lot of dane breeders don't put that info on their websites even though they are really good breeders. Hopefully they will be able to answer some of your questions.

Is there a sport or activity that you are interested in? Generally the best way is to attend some events, watch the dogs that interest you and talk to their owners.
 
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#5
Meh, I wouldn't rule a working BC breeder out because they don't title their dogs. Just like I wouldn't rule out a sighthound breeder who didn't title their dogs but hunted them. A great ranch and/or farm dog can be worth it's weight in gold and you can't typically tell that from title, herding or not because most of the time the real ranch/farm work doesn't have much in common with trials so titles don't really help prove breeding quality for those types of dogs.

For that second breeder I think the most telling thing would be to have them get you in contact with people who've gotten their dogs and gone off to compete in trialed events.

But I hope the third breeder emails you back since you seem to like them the best! Personally, since I'm allergic to contracts that was the first thing I liked about them :p

Hope some of the BC chime in with some more suggestions for you breeder wise
 

SaraB

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#6
Meh, I wouldn't rule a working BC breeder out because they don't title their dogs. Just like I wouldn't rule out a sighthound breeder who didn't title their dogs but hunted them. A great ranch and/or farm dog can be worth it's weight in gold and you can't typically tell that from title, herding or not because most of the time the real ranch/farm work doesn't have much in common with trials so titles don't really help prove breeding quality for those types of dogs.

For that second breeder I think the most telling thing would be to have them get you in contact with people who've gotten their dogs and gone off to compete in trialed events.

But I hope the third breeder emails you back since you seem to like them the best! Personally, since I'm allergic to contracts that was the first thing I liked about them :p

Hope some of the BC chime in with some more suggestions for you breeder wise
Dogs in the lines should be titled, if the stock dogs are working, fine, but I want to see titles somewhere. I was more or less implying the "agility" training. Agility training means squat to me unless there are titles.
 

Laurelin

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#7
Just so you're aware, Hob Nob is generally considered sport and not working. Have you joined the BC Boards?

You will get a lot further asking on the boards if you really are looking for stock working/trial bred dogs. Yes, there's a lot of politics there but it really is a great resource, particularly if you're looking for that type of dog. I posted on there about rescue dogs and had people more than willing to point me in the direction of working folks that are not too far from me.

Also, try to attend a stock trial if possible! That's what has really really swayed me towards a working style breeder if I go the breeder route. I hope to attend more in the near future.
 

RD

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Working dogs have absolutely no need for titles, but I would want to see the dogs working. I do agree about agility and other sports, though. If you claim your dog is trained to do agility, why not compete? A dog that does agility for fun is probably a fun dog, but I wouldn't use "he plays agility at home" to validate breeding the dog.

BB, I'm honestly not keen on any of the breeders, but I don't know what kind of dog you are looking for. I'm completely sold on border collies bred for practical farm work or usbcha trialing. I've yet to see a dog bred for stockwork that couldn't absolutely excel at EVERY sport.

How far are you willing to travel, Babyblue? Patrick Shannahan (red top farm) is in Caldwell, Idaho. He is absolutely terrific and his dogs are outstanding as well. He might be a little far for your liking, I'm not sure.

Edited to clarify a point.
 
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#9
I guess I just don't see why they should have titled dogs in their lines if that's not what they are breeding for. But hey, maybe that's just me.

I agree though, don't say your dogs can do agility if not titled. If you have dogs that you produce going off and being titled in it then brag away but make sure people know you aren't titling or breeding for that. Just like I don't think you should say you're dogs can work (not sport work) if they aren't out working on a farm/ranch/what have you.

ETA:
Working dogs have absolutely no need for titles, but I would want to see the dogs working. I'm honestly not keen on any of the breeders, but I don't know what kind of dog you are looking for. I'm completely sold on border collies bred for practical farm work or usbcha trialing. I've yet to see a dog bred for stockwork that couldn't absolutely excel at EVERY sport.
Yes, that :hail:
 

Laurelin

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#10
I would kill for a Red Top dog. I'm still thinking about emailing him even though he's across the country lol.
 

RD

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#11
Laur, I totally think you should. He's delightful. I still really wish I could make it to one of his clinics.
 

Laurelin

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#12
I have heard such FABULOUS things about his dogs from all walks of the border collie world. I think I will email him when it's closer to time. I am very willing to travel for an outstanding pup. Even if he doesn't have anything, maybe he'll have more suggestions.
 

RD

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#13
Eve's breeder raves about him, and he's been an absolute delight to talk to when I've been in touch with him. He's very down to earth, and that's a rare trait in BC people. I'm not going to be ready to add another BC to the household for some time, but when I do, he'll be one of the very first people I contact.
 

Laurelin

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#14
I have a friend into show BCs but she's met quite a few of his dogs and says they're just really stable and wonderful. She has a friend using one as a service dog even. And I've also heard he's just great and easy to talk to. Haven't emailed him myself yet but I will when I'm closer to being ready for a dog.
 

Lizmo

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#15
What RD and Linds said concerning titles. Spot on.

Here is a list that I've looked at many times. This is just a list of names, I don't know much, if anything, about most of the people on here. You can do more research from there if you see one you like: Border Collie Breeders List
 

Shai

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#16
Anecdotal but I've actually met a Hidden Valley dog at an agility seminar so spent the day around the dog in a new environment (though agility context). Nice dog, very very "busy" but stable, didn't freak out when on the sidelines, moved beautifully.

Just one dog though and I don't know which breeding she was from. My 2cents.

I think Contact Point is out your way as well if you are going the mostly-sports-route. They supposedly do herding as well but I don't know if that is like..."herding" more to get pics of their dogs on sheep for PR or if they really herd. They have a good rep as solid sport dogs but I haven't met any and don't know what they are like to live with.
 

elegy

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#17
there are a couple red top dogs showing in obedience around here. one is stellar, one is really neurotic and dog aggressive, but his owner seems to be pretty neurotic, so i don't know what the source of the dog's issues really is.

steve has red top behind him on his mama's side.
 

Babyblue5290

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Don't rule them out just because of that! A lot of dane breeders don't put that info on their websites even though they are really good breeders. Hopefully they will be able to answer some of your questions.

Is there a sport or activity that you are interested in? Generally the best way is to attend some events, watch the dogs that interest you and talk to their owners.
Agility mostly, though I'd really like to do a little herding too. But mostly agility!

Just so you're aware, Hob Nob is generally considered sport and not working. Have you joined the BC Boards?

You will get a lot further asking on the boards if you really are looking for stock working/trial bred dogs. Yes, there's a lot of politics there but it really is a great resource, particularly if you're looking for that type of dog. I posted on there about rescue dogs and had people more than willing to point me in the direction of working folks that are not too far from me.

Also, try to attend a stock trial if possible! That's what has really really swayed me towards a working style breeder if I go the breeder route. I hope to attend more in the near future.
I know Hob Nob are sports, I am considering both sport bred and working bred. :)

I have not joined a BC board, though I guess while I'm able to be online I should do that. I was mainly worried about all the politics, and finding a board that I could get some good advice without being constantly a big argument. Any suggestions?

I am planning on going to a stock dog in July (soonest one I could find anywehre near me) and also an agility trial for fun. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun! I can't wait. :)

Working dogs have absolutely no need for titles, but I would want to see the dogs working. I do agree about agility and other sports, though. If you claim your dog is trained to do agility, why not compete? A dog that does agility for fun is probably a fun dog, but I wouldn't use "he plays agility at home" to validate breeding the dog.

BB, I'm honestly not keen on any of the breeders, but I don't know what kind of dog you are looking for. I'm completely sold on border collies bred for practical farm work or usbcha trialing. I've yet to see a dog bred for stockwork that couldn't absolutely excel at EVERY sport.

How far are you willing to travel, Babyblue? Patrick Shannahan (red top farm) is in Caldwell, Idaho. He is absolutely terrific and his dogs are outstanding as well. He might be a little far for your liking, I'm not sure.

Edited to clarify a point.
For a good puppy, Idaho is not too far! ^_^ I'll take a look at his dogs thanks :)
 

Laurelin

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#19
there are a couple red top dogs showing in obedience around here. one is stellar, one is really neurotic and dog aggressive, but his owner seems to be pretty neurotic, so i don't know what the source of the dog's issues really is.

steve has red top behind him on his mama's side.
Hmmm that's unfortunate to hear. I've run into that problem a lot with the sports lines around here. I will meet one stellar dog then meet another that is crazy aggressive and neurotic. It's really turned me off of the local sports breeders.
 

Laurelin

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#20
The BC boards are very political and very very pro working dogs. THAT said there are some very knowledgeable people there and I've learned loads just reading the boards for the past 2 years. I think it's a great resource for the breed overall.
 
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