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Frequently Asked Questions About Border Collies

1.  Can  border collies make good pets? 

Yes, in the right environment. Border Collies were bred to work.  If their energy is not channeled they will become destructive.  "If you do not give them something to do, they will find something to do, and you will not like it."

2.  Can they be a good dog for children? 

Yes, in the right environment. However, they were bred to herd, and some Border Collies have a tendency to nip at the heels of children.  Border Collies are not for unruly children. If the child is taught to respect the border collie, a great relationship can usually be had.  Keep in mind that young children should always be supervised around all dogs.

3. Can they be a good dog for a novice dog owner?

They can be, but are best for experienced dog owners.

4.  Do border collies make good apartment dogs?

Highly unlikely. Border Collies need space and room to run. If you live in an apartment you want to consider researching other breeds.

5.  What environment is perfect for a Border Collie? 

Border Collies will thrive where their minds and bodies will be exercised. The dog owner must have time to spend with the dog.  Keep in mind the dog will have to be trained, and an untrained and unhappy border collie is a destructive dog. Border collies are usually not for the average pet owner, and careful consideration should be made before choosing one.

6.  What environment is not good for a Border Collie? 

If you want a dog just to throw in your back-yard, a Border Collie (and most of the other dog breeds) is not for you, the border collie would be so destructive and neurotic you wouldn't want the dog for long. Many Border Collies end up in dog shelters because some people do not realize that the border collie is an active dog that was bred to work, and that their intelligence can quickly get them into trouble.

Research any breed of dog you are interested in before bringing one home, and note that there are many dogs out there in animal shelters or breed rescues that need loving homes as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Border Collie Puppies 

1.  What will the puppies be registered with?

The puppies will be registered with the American Border Collie Association, generally as a non-breeding dog.  They will be registered to us until proof of spay/neuter is received before seven months of age.  If that proof is received prior to the breeder sending off the application, we will register the dog directly to the new owner.

2. Will the breeder consider registering  the puppies with AKC? 

No, nor will they be registered with any registry that supports the conformation showing of Border Collies. (Also, they will not be registered with the CKC or any other registry that supports the breeding of dogs without pedigrees, or the breeding of "designer dogs" (A.k.A. mixed breeds). View the American Border Collie Association or International Sheep Dog Society website for further reference on this matter. 

Please Note: If the puppy is purchased with the intentions of competing in agility, or another performance event,  the dog may participate in AKC sanctioned events by means of The American Kennel Club Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL/ILP).

3.  Why is a spay or neuter agreement required? 

Responsible breeding is one of our top priorities.  Therefore we do not want to see the puppies end up in the hands of puppy millers or any other irresponsible breeders. Also, spayed or neutered border collies tend to be healthier, have less behavioral problems, are less likely to roam, and are generally better family members. A spay or neuter agreement is generally required to buy our puppies.

4.  Will the breeder make exceptions regarding the spay/neuter agreement?

Generally no exceptions will be made, and those exceptions are extremely rare. However, Southern Border Collies reserves the right to sell our puppies with breeding rights to those of our choice, who are in agreement with the terms we set. 

5.  Why does the breeder  require us to fill out a puppy application?

The breeder requires you to fill out a puppy application, because we greatly care about our puppies and want to make sure that they go to excellent homes. We also want to make sure the potential owner and puppy are compatible. 

6. What do I have to do to be placed on the waiting list? 

You must fill out an application (include your phone number, and a good time to call, we will NOT sell any of our puppies without talking to the interested person!).  If your application is accepted, you will be added to the list.  Once the puppies are born, and you elect to select a puppy from the litter we will require a $100.00 non-refundable deposit to hold the puppy of your choice, which go towards the purchase price. We reserve the right of first choice if we decide to keep one, otherwise, your choice will depend upon your rank on the waiting list.

7.  What comes with the puppy? 

A health certificate, veterinarian record, health and satisfaction guarantee, and a puppy pack, which  includes a sample of science diet puppy food. (The puppy contract contains the health and satisfaction guarantee.)  (The breeder may have the puppy micro chipped, and/or have their dewclaws removed.) The pedigree will only be given once proof of having the puppy spayed or neutered is signed by the vet that performed the operation ,(vet contact information must be included), and is received by the breeder prior to the puppy turning seven months old. (The breeder may wave this time restriction "within reason" if there are any special conditions that apply). Also a puppy contract must be signed by the breeder and the new puppy owner  prior to having the puppy shipped or picked up by the new owners. You may view an example of our puppy contract on this website. 

8.  What are the puppies fed?

The breeder has a special diet she uses to wean her puppies, which is especially rich in DHA, a vitamin found in the mother dog's milk to enhance brain development.  The formula she uses is mixed in with Science Diet puppy food.  By eight weeks of age the puppy will eat Science Diet puppy food alone.

9. What care are the puppies given?

The puppies are handled from birth, are wormed every two weeks starting at the age of two weeks, are vaccinated against distemper, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospira, coronavirus, and bordetella, at the age of six weeks, eight weeks, and if they are still in the breeders care after eight weeks they will receive vaccinations at ten weeks,  and at twelve weeks.   The puppies are also given Advantix, Heartguard, and their rabies vaccination, when they are old enough, if still in the breeder's care. They enjoy only healthy treats and safe toys, and are examined by a vet prior to going to their new homes.

10. When can I pick up my puppy?

You may pick up your puppy when he/she is eight weeks of age. We do not approve of puppies being picked up before eight weeks of age!

11. How are the puppies raised? 

The puppies are raised as if they are going to be performance dogs for activities such as herding trials/work, therapy, search and rescue, flyball, agility, etc.  This means they are exposed to loud noises, crates, other people, toys, children, and are handled several times daily. 

12.  What bloodlines do the puppies have?

The puppies will have working bloodlines. Please view Our Border Collies for detailed information. 

13.  What is the CEA DNA status of your intact border collies?

Please view Our Border Collies for their CEA DNA results.

14.  Can you give me some information about the breeder?

The breeder is very knowledgeable about the aspects of  breeding, raising, and training dogs.  She has owned herding dogs all her life, and Border Collies are the only dogs she raises. She takes pride in raising only a couple of litters a year, if that.  She takes excellent care of the mothers, and cares about where she places her puppies. Her goal is to produce her own herding champion. 

15. What associations does the breeder support?

The breeder is a  supporter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM), and is a lifetime member of the American Border Collie Association (ABCA). 

16. Where are the puppies kept?

The puppies are kept in  many different areas:  in our home, in our barn,( we converted our horse stalls inside our barn into two very large dog kennels), or in our other converted horse stalls that are connected to a fairly large fenced in play area.  We also have a mobile exercise pen that we generally place them in while cleaning their area, and of course we also allow them to romp around freely when being watched.

17. Are references available? 

Yes, references are available upon request after filling out the application.

18. What veterinarian do you use?

We use Mobile Veterinary Services located on Highway 53. The vets we use are Dr. Favre, and Dr. Byrd. 

19.  Where is the breeder located?

In the countryside of Gulfport, Mississippi on 30 acres of land. 

20. What kind of temperaments do the parents have? 

The parents have great temperaments, and strong herding instincts.

21.  Do the parents get along well with children and other people?  

Yes, they get along well with other people and children. Also, the parents have never attempted to herd or bite children.  Each dog has its own unique temperament and mind, so that doesn't mean that their puppies will not try to herd children. (If the dog's energy is not channeled, herding children might be the result. Also note that border collies are not for unruly children.)

22. What happens to your retired dogs?

Our retired dogs are spayed or neutered, and enjoy being beloved pets. 

23. Can I come see the parents/ future parents or available puppies? 

Yes. Just make sure the breeder will be there, as she will not allow anyone to view her dogs in her absence. If you are coming to view puppies that are under eight weeks of age,  do not handle any dogs or other animals that have not been vaccinated, or are sick, as you will not be allowed near the puppies. We also prefer that any pets you have are kept at your home or in your automobile.  The reason for this is because puppies under the age of eight weeks have weaker immune systems, and strange dogs around our female border collie's newborn pups tend to upset the mothers. 

24. Will the breeder continue to answer questions after I have bought a dog from her? Yes! I am very happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding your border collie, no matter how long after you have had your border collie. I also love to hear updates about your border collie, and love to keep in contact with my puppy parents.

25.  How much are the  puppies?

The puppies are generally $400.00 with a spay or neuter agreement, which means the puppies will be spayed or neutered by their new owner prior to seven months of age. If we happen to have older puppies available, they generally will be spayed/neutered prior to placement in their new homes. Methods of payment include personal checks, or cash.  All checks must clear the bank prior to the puppy being shipped or picked up.  Receipts will be given or mailed after any payment have been made.

26. Is the breeder firm on the price of the puppies? 

Yes. This breeder devotes much of her time to the puppies and gives the puppies exceptional care, and as a result the breeder has many expenses, which includes, but is not limited to, the cost of advertising, tons of vet fees, vaccinations, puppy wormer, science diet puppy food, milk replacement, registration fees, bedding, plenty of safe toys, healthy puppy treats, and grooming and cleaning supplies.

27.  What about shipping? 

We do prefer to meet our potential puppy parents, however, if that is not an option, we can use Continental airlines to ship our puppies. All puppies are shipped at the new owner's expense. 

The expense of shipping the puppy includes: the flight, cost of obtaining a certificate of acclimation- including the vet fee, an airline approved crate, water bottle and feed dish to place inside the crate, and a fee to cover the expense of gas to and from the airport located in New Orleans, LA.

We generally ship our puppies in larger crates than what is required to meet domestic shipping regulations. The puppies will be shipped from the Louis Armstrong International Airport located in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Anyone needing their puppy to be shipped needs to give the breeder the name of the airport they would like the puppy to be shipped to, two contact phone numbers, and their address.

 Puppies that are shipped may not come with a puppy pack due to shipping regulations.  Payment must be paid in full (checks must clear the bank) and the contract signed at least one week prior to the date of shipping.

 Please Note: Puppies can be flown in cabin as extra luggage for usually around $100.00 plus the cost of the crate, and certificate of acclimation-this could be an option if the new owner would like to pick up their puppy personally.  

For more information about Continental, copy and paste the following into your internet browser:

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/default.aspx

28. Do you have more questions for us?

If you have more questions for us that are not answered on this page or on the links on our site map, please Contact Us. We will respond as soon as possible upon receiving a completed puppy application, and phone number.