Hello everyone! I'm new to forum, but have been lurking for quite a bit.
Here is some background on me:
I am a 20 year old college student studying veterinary medicine at the University of Mississippi. I am originally from Memphis, TN. I have worked at a pet supply store for the past two years as well as working for my cousin, a veterinarian, when I have time. I have two Basenjis (both 11 years old) who I have been feeding raw for several years now. My old Border Collie just passed away last fall at 16 years of age and I have been preparing myself for another dog. Although I'm in school, I have a very active lifestyle and my current dogs are getting too old to keep up with me (not to mention they're very lazy!).
My old BC was a rescue and although he had some quirks, he turned out pretty well. The main reason I don't want to go with a rescue this time is because I'd like to know the parents have been tested for genetic diseases like CEA, TNS, and hip dysplasia. There is a wonderful obedience and agility facility nearby and I'd like to be able to compete at the higher levels. I know it's possible to find a wonderful dog in a rescue, but I would really like to stick to a reputable breeder this time.
I am familiar with the working BC vs the performance BC debate and of course would rather support the working BC, but I am open to suggestions for any types of breeders as long as they do the necessary health testing and the parents have been proven somehow. Preferably I'd like to find a breeder who promotes raw, limited vaccinations, and good socialization for the puppies. I would like the puppy to be familiar to certain commands such as "sit" "down" and "come" before going home. Training is actually my favorite part of having a new puppy! I plan to teach certain commands each week to prepare for activities such as agility down the road. I will be working with a trainer and plan to enroll in all types of classes (beginning with puppy classes) for the first year. I would like to earn the CGC certificate as soon as possible and move on from there. I'm also interested in therapy dog training.
I am in no hurry to get a puppy, but would prefer it to be between May and August as I have the most time off for training. Here are some breeders I have been looking at and am on the waiting list for:
1) Top Notch Border Collies - Although not a working BC breeder, I really like her program and this will be her first litter. The female is titled in agility, obedience, herding, and conformation. The sire of the female has MACH3 title. She is still searching for the best stud because she feels her own stud does not compliment the female well enough. This breeder is 14 hours away and is the most expensive (not that distance and price are extremely important), however, she does feed raw and limited vaccinations and the puppies will be well-trained and socialized before leaving. I feel very comfortable with this breeder.
2) FH Border Collies - Working BC breeder and all her dogs are registered with the ABCA. Her stud, Lootah, has an RN title and Certified Therapy Dog. The female has her CGC and is also a therapy dogs. Her puppies are only $500. She was recommended to me by a BC owner on another forum. All her dogs are health tested and have an "off-switch," but doesn't look like they compete much. I like that they are ABCA, but the dogs don't really seem like anything special to me.
3) Jule Too - This breeder is only 3 hours away from me and was very friendly on the phone. Her stud has several herding and field trial titles and CGC certificate. Because of the close distance, I would be able to see the puppies after they're born and check the place out. I also have first pick on the males. She does all the necessary health testing including BAER on the puppies after they're born.
4) Plumridge Kennels - Working ABCA breeder
5) FlyOn Border Collies - Also a working ABCA breeder. The stud is a herding dog while the female is a high drive sports dog. I really like how they raise their puppies and they're also involved in rescues.
Please let me know what you think of these breeders or if you have some better recommendations. It's really important to me that I get the right dog for my lifestyle. I do want an active medium-high drive BC that has the potential to compete in high levels of obedience, rally, and agility. I am still looking into herding facilities nearby and will definitely pursue it. I don't care about limited or full registration as I'm not ever planning on breeding. I have been saving up this past year specifically for the cost of the puppy + vet bills, training classes, toys, food, etc and finally feel comfortable that I can handle the new addition. Feel free to ask me any questions!
Here is some background on me:
I am a 20 year old college student studying veterinary medicine at the University of Mississippi. I am originally from Memphis, TN. I have worked at a pet supply store for the past two years as well as working for my cousin, a veterinarian, when I have time. I have two Basenjis (both 11 years old) who I have been feeding raw for several years now. My old Border Collie just passed away last fall at 16 years of age and I have been preparing myself for another dog. Although I'm in school, I have a very active lifestyle and my current dogs are getting too old to keep up with me (not to mention they're very lazy!).
My old BC was a rescue and although he had some quirks, he turned out pretty well. The main reason I don't want to go with a rescue this time is because I'd like to know the parents have been tested for genetic diseases like CEA, TNS, and hip dysplasia. There is a wonderful obedience and agility facility nearby and I'd like to be able to compete at the higher levels. I know it's possible to find a wonderful dog in a rescue, but I would really like to stick to a reputable breeder this time.
I am familiar with the working BC vs the performance BC debate and of course would rather support the working BC, but I am open to suggestions for any types of breeders as long as they do the necessary health testing and the parents have been proven somehow. Preferably I'd like to find a breeder who promotes raw, limited vaccinations, and good socialization for the puppies. I would like the puppy to be familiar to certain commands such as "sit" "down" and "come" before going home. Training is actually my favorite part of having a new puppy! I plan to teach certain commands each week to prepare for activities such as agility down the road. I will be working with a trainer and plan to enroll in all types of classes (beginning with puppy classes) for the first year. I would like to earn the CGC certificate as soon as possible and move on from there. I'm also interested in therapy dog training.
I am in no hurry to get a puppy, but would prefer it to be between May and August as I have the most time off for training. Here are some breeders I have been looking at and am on the waiting list for:
1) Top Notch Border Collies - Although not a working BC breeder, I really like her program and this will be her first litter. The female is titled in agility, obedience, herding, and conformation. The sire of the female has MACH3 title. She is still searching for the best stud because she feels her own stud does not compliment the female well enough. This breeder is 14 hours away and is the most expensive (not that distance and price are extremely important), however, she does feed raw and limited vaccinations and the puppies will be well-trained and socialized before leaving. I feel very comfortable with this breeder.
2) FH Border Collies - Working BC breeder and all her dogs are registered with the ABCA. Her stud, Lootah, has an RN title and Certified Therapy Dog. The female has her CGC and is also a therapy dogs. Her puppies are only $500. She was recommended to me by a BC owner on another forum. All her dogs are health tested and have an "off-switch," but doesn't look like they compete much. I like that they are ABCA, but the dogs don't really seem like anything special to me.
3) Jule Too - This breeder is only 3 hours away from me and was very friendly on the phone. Her stud has several herding and field trial titles and CGC certificate. Because of the close distance, I would be able to see the puppies after they're born and check the place out. I also have first pick on the males. She does all the necessary health testing including BAER on the puppies after they're born.
4) Plumridge Kennels - Working ABCA breeder
5) FlyOn Border Collies - Also a working ABCA breeder. The stud is a herding dog while the female is a high drive sports dog. I really like how they raise their puppies and they're also involved in rescues.
Please let me know what you think of these breeders or if you have some better recommendations. It's really important to me that I get the right dog for my lifestyle. I do want an active medium-high drive BC that has the potential to compete in high levels of obedience, rally, and agility. I am still looking into herding facilities nearby and will definitely pursue it. I don't care about limited or full registration as I'm not ever planning on breeding. I have been saving up this past year specifically for the cost of the puppy + vet bills, training classes, toys, food, etc and finally feel comfortable that I can handle the new addition. Feel free to ask me any questions!