swlmc2

Just to be clear, I do wholeheartedly respect the desire to maintain the integrity of the breed. I would never suggest or condone breeding for flyball or agility purposes. Aaack.... Sue R mentions a good point. The cuteness factor in puppies is undeniable, but I agree that is not the way to choose a pup. Were I to go to a reputable breeder, I would expect that part of that breeder's service would be to use their expertise and knowledge of that litter to select a pup for me. More specifically, to select the pup that they feel would be most suited for my lifestyle and needs. Thank you all again for giving me such an array of varied and diverse information!

ErinKate, so, if I read this correctly, I am in a catch-22 situation: no good breeder will sell to me, so any breeder who sells to me is a BYB. I don't think I am talking out of both sides of my head so much as I simply don't see the irreconcilable dichotomy that you posit. Hmmm... I came on here asking about a reputable breeder. I have made it clear, hopefully, that this will be a much-loved companion as well as a working partner. Having learned a great deal about the nature of BC rescue from other posts, I am leaning now toward rescue. My current BC mix is a rescue. I would hope that a reputable breeder, should I choose to go that route, would consider all the factors involved before deciding to refuse to sell to an individual who is committed to the well-being of her dogs, who loves the breed, and who has countless professional and personal references that will attest to the fact that she would offer any pup/dog a loving home. Sigh... I do absolutely support rescue and rescue dogs. I am not certain why it is fine for a bc in rescue to do agility and competition, but not a dog that comes directly from a breeder. Maybe I am misunderstanding what you are saying. Border collies are smart, but I doubt that they have read the BC manual that states they are only supposed to be fulfilled and happy when herding.

MaryP and Kat, I get what both of you are saying. First, I agree that BYB are evil, totally and completely repugnant! I am appalled by individuals who breed casually. I think there are distinct advantages to knowing lineage and genetic predispositions, and thus going through a reputable breeder. Even so, I cannot imagine ever returning a pup to a breeder b/c it develops health issues. I think whether you buy from a breeder or rescue, you make your best decision based on the information you have, and then take it as it comes, the good with the bad. My initial thoughts about the benefits of buying from a breeder still hold, but if I can find a solid dog through rescue, then I would prefer to offer a good home to a homeless pup/juvenile.

You got it! My pet name for her is my little hairy bagle

Wow, thanks to all of you for your responses. You have given me a wealth of information! As I mentioned, my current bc mix is a rescue. He has been the best companion and sports partner that I ever could have wanted, and I would not change a thing about him I have learned an enormous amount about BC rescue from all your posts. I agree with the several posters who mentioned that the handler is at least as important as the dog. All things being equal, I will get in touch with the rescues you all have mentioned, and get on a list so that when the time is right, they can begin to search for a young/juvenile dog for me. I did not intend to hit a hot button topic by mentioning intact performance dogs, I support spay/neuter, but was under the impression that to compete, dogs had to be intact. I was thankfully wrong on that count! My dogs, I also have a geriatric mutant beagle/basset/something mix, are my companions first and foremost; I expect that any future dogs will also be companions first and sports-partners second. The company of my dogs is what brings me joy, that the one can weave or tunnel or 360' is just gravy Personally, I appreciate that you do encourage rescue. Rescue organizations and the support foster homes make the world a more humane place for both human and border collie. Thank you all so much for sharing your perspectives, suggestions, opinions and passion with me. Regards, SW

Good info from all. I need to do more research and find out about intact vs speutered dogs at all levels of obedience/agility/rally competition. I wholeheartedly support spay/neuter, but don't want to limit our opportunities to compete. I know that there are no health 'guarantees' even w/ a good breeder, but I feel a dog from good lineage at least has genetics working for him. And again, wouldn't I need a papered/registered purebred dog to compete at all levels? Sorry, I don't mean to sound ignorant of regulations, but we have only done dog sports for fun, so I am just learning about competition standards. I do understand and respect the argument for working dogs vs. conformation dogs... I want a dog with drive and intelligence.

Another thought on pros/cons of rescue vs. breeder: I thought that competition dogs had to be intact? Would a rescue adopt out an intact dog?

Your point is well taken. I have considered rescue. Both of my dogs, my BC and a 10-yo beagle mix, are rescues. I have also fostered dogs for my local rescue (not BC's). In this case, my reasons for wanting a purebred from a reputable breeder are twofold. First, since I want to compete, I want a purebred from good lines that has had hip/eye tests. Second, because this pup will also be my companion, I would like to have a pup I can raise through the formative periods. I have worked with dogs that have come to me later in life, and I have dealt many of the issues that arise as a result of a lack of early bonding and/or training. This time, I would really like to work from the beginning and do things 'right'. That said, I am open to being persuaded that I can find the right dog through rescue. I have not worked with BC rescue before, so please educate me, and/or offer suggestions, advice, etc.

Greetings all, I am new to this board, so I hope I am posting this in the right forum. I am beginning to research BC breeders. I am looking, down the road a ways (hopefully), for a dog with whom I can compete in agility and obedience. I currently have my companion heart-dog Mac, a rescue bc mix who has been with me for 10 years. I love working with him, and would really like to train my next dog to compete. Any recommendations on a reputable working-dog breeder in the midwest? I am in Iowa, but would travel. Many thanks!