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Breeding Ethics |
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We take the breeding of our Border Collies very seriously and adhere to the standards of good breeding practice. We health test and OFA certify our dogs prior to becoming part of the breeding stock. All breeding dogs are CERF tested annually as well as given a brucellosis test prior to breeding. All are also AKC DNA profiled as well as have tattoo and microchip identification. Our ladies are not bred often and they are rarely if ever bred two cycles in a row. When a litter is planned it is with the intention that they will represent their breed and remain true to the purpose and description of their ancestors. I do not breed any of my dogs because the are old enough. I require my dogs to have proven themselves in at least one performance venue as well as possess the required health clearances. It is my desire to maintain the instinct, drive, intensity and intelligence that is associated with a Border Collie. Not every border collie makes a great performance dog (herding, agility, flyball, obedience or the like) and just as important, not all border collies make great family dogs.
The breeding choices I make are to produce a good, honest working dog with a steady temperament and an athletic body. While my dogs do either carry or are colors other than black, I do not specialize in any colors or breed to create a certain popular color in order to market for a current trend.
Puppies are whelped in the bedroom and raised in the house with a lot of love and care. They are well socialized starting at birth with adults, children, cats, and our adult dogs. I spend hours giving them daily individual handing time and stimulation as well as quality group time to watch them interact. They are never afraid of being touched or handled since it is all they ever know. (For more information please read Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia's article Breeding Better Dogs). Puppies have been dewormed at least 3 times. They have also be given first puppy booster shoot, bordatella vaccine, heartworm preventative, and flea/tick preventative. All pups receive a vet exam and health clearance prior to going to their new homes. They are exposed to stock (sheep) at least once (preferably 2 times) between 6-8 weeks old. All pups are CERF tested by seven weeks of age. They are also temperament tested and structurally evaluated to see how well they meet the breed standard at seven to eight weeks of age. These evaluations are a critical part for ensuring the puppies are matched to the right family. Should there be more than one puppy that fits your family's wants/needs, you are then allowed to choose from the puppies that tested as matches. Order for selection of a puppy is based on the order of the deposits. I spend a lot of time and put a lot of thought in matching the personality and temperament with the lifestyle they will be joining. ALL puppies are sold under contract regardless if it will be a family pet, shown, or a performance prospect.
Regardless of what breeder you chose to get a puppy from, please ask about the health background of their breeding stock and animals they have bred. Ask to SEE documentation of health test results. A reputable breeder will be happy to discuss this with you and show you their dogs' health clearances as well as those of the puppies.
