Sorry, but can't agree about the 'high incidence of hip problems'. Lots of breeds are prone to hip problems and it is as much a fault of poor feeding, over feeding, and the wrong type of excercise as puppies before they are fullly grown. They are more prone to eye problems, CEA and PRA so I would ensure that the parents are certified clear of the problems and if possible the puppies have been tested for CEA as it is easier to detect in puppies under 13 weeks.

You need to decide wether or not you want a 'show' puppy or a working type for activities ie, agillity, flyball etc. If show get a KC BREED registered one, not just agility other wise look for an ISDS registered puppy as the parents will have definitely been tested clear of the eye problems.

You don't state where you live or how far you would be willing to travel. I will be having pups (not me but one of my bitches) but not until next spring. You could try epupz.co.uk, but some advice if you do, please check back with me personally as I know of a breeder on there that you need to stay clear of unfortunately! Court case pending and I am a witness but she is still breeding and selling until the hearing at least.

Good luck

ps. I have owned and bred BC's for over 30 years and never had one that nipped, escaped etc. It's all in the training whatever the breed!

Hi, I have 3 border collies a 13 year old a 1 year old and a 6 month old pup. I have never had any problems with nipping in this breed they are friendly and social. They do need a lot of exersise and obedience training is also a good idea, both my younger dogs are in training at the moment and realy enjoy it. I will hopefully be breeding from my new dogs when old enough but not for a good while yet. I hope that you find the right pup for you. Do not be afraid to say no to a pup when you visit one if it does not feel right. Buying a pup because you feel obliged to or because you are desperate for one is not a good idea, take your time and get the perfect match.

good luck with your search

Hi Border Collies should be hip scored (breed average is 13), DNA tested for CL,CEA and TNS also eyetested for PRA before they are bred from.As others have said with good socialisation and consistant training BC's make excellent,loyal companions but you must work their brain . Fantastic dogs wouldnt be without mine
Gill

I like you changind avatar!

__________________
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will pee on your computer." --Bruce Graham
There are no rules, rules are only for people who fit inside a box, if you want to think out of the box there is no hope... Life has no Box. (Tony Howells)

Since I have always owned German Shepherd Dogs, I am extremely mindful of hip scores and usually a good breeder will have the hip score of both parents. However, just because both parents have a good hip score does not mean that your puppy will. It can skip generations and come out further down the line.

I tried to give a general descriptions of this breed, and I think most owners of Collies would agree that they are high maintainance dogs, who desperate need to keep their mind active. They are so intelligent, and make fantastic working dogs. There is nothing better than to see owner and dog working together.

It grieves me to see owners who are out all day, complaining that their Border Collie is eating their house! As with any breed it is vital to do your homework, and order that you can live in harmony with your dog.

__________________

Hi Nina yes bad hips can jump generations and need not have been due to breeding as bad feeding and accidents can all play a part,but I'm sure you'll agree by having parents that are hipscored is at least trying to limit the posibilities. As some one who is involved in BC's I personally research further back into the potential pups pedigree looking at hipscores and other health test results in grandparents and great grandparents. The average person looking for a pet doesnt have these resources to hand so they should start at the easiest place for them the puppies parents.


I dont look on my collies as high maintainance but then I am fully aware of their need for exercise and stimulation and I fit my lifestyle around them. However my personal opinion is that that should be the case whichever breed you take on.
The only thing I would say is no one should fall into the trap of thinking so long as a BC has alot of exercise each day they will be happy. No all you will end up with is a very fit tireless hooligan who is looking for something to work his brian. Make them use there brain in a controlled manner for part of the day and they are then quite prepared to chill out with you in the evening.

I agree with the above post, as the owner of 3 collies, two working competition and one retired, they need to work their brain, trying to physically tire a Collie, unless it is working sheep all day is a impossible task.

Hi

I am the very prowd owner of an 11 month old border collie. She's the best buy I ever made, that said I grew up with collies as my dad had working BC's and we had a border beardie cross and full pedigree beardie. I love my dog, she has a fantastic gentle nature and is great with my kids. If you have had previous experience with collies I would say go for it but if not do your research carefully.

Good luck

Hi there are loads of BC's in rescue who need forever homes, I hope you consider taking a look at some of them. I would never buy a BC puppy from a breeder whilst I know BC's are pinging off the walls and being destroyed in rescue centres. Every dog I have owned has come from rescue and the animal behaviourists will work with you to find the right partner for you. Its great to and visit and play and take time getting it right. The canine behaviourists they don't want to see their rescued dogs come back and are in a great position to give offer expert help.
I would never judge anyone for getting a puppy, absolutely each to their own, but would strongly urge people to consider ALL the options before buying a pup when so many farm BCs are in rescue.

Good luck x