Title Image

First of all, I want to start out by saying, I believe everyone’s ideal border collie is different from the next.

So this is my ideal border collie, and for me what I strive for in breeding.

MY IDEAL BORDER COLLIE

To me border collies are like snowflakes, each is unique in their own way and may possess wonderful qualities that others may not. If you have the perfect type of ideal, stick to it. My ‘ideal’ border collie is not necessarily the ideal for everyone but this doesn’t make it a ‘better’ or ‘worse’ dog. Criticizing other dogs or lines is pointless and doesn’t lead anywhere or contribute to the benefit of the breed.

My ideal border collie is a powerful worker with the spirit, passion and determination to deal with whatever comes their way and is hardly distracted when given a mission to complete. On the flip side they are able to settle whenever it’s time to relax. Have a good off switch, self control, lots of  confidence, their head in the right place, yet are social and companionable. Same as any dog they may take note of their fears but never let it control them and have the ability to overcome it quickly. Based on origin, the original environment border collies lived and worked in, we can absolutely acknowledge border collie’s sensitivity that’s coming down some of the lines. However, I strive for mentally strong dogs that can handle a lot of pressure, disturbances, unpredictability  and whatever life may throw at them. These days it is not just people needing help around the farm/ranch who are getting border collies. Lots of people living in cities surrounded by skyscrapers, people, other animals and the hustle and bustle of city life are adding them to the family. So I think these people should not have to worry about their dogs and should be able to include them in day to day activities whatever this may be without having to worry whether or not their border collie gets along with strangers or will jump every time they hear a car pass or can enter a building without  their border collie fearing the way the floor feels beneath their feet etc. For me I try to minimize these neurotic and quirky behaviors as much as possible. Though cute sometimes, in the long run they are often quite hard for the dog and owner to live with. So courage and confidence to me is very important. In this case, confidence is key.

As much as I think mental traits are extremely important, I also take note of structure. A working dog needs a body capable of keeping up with their abilities. The border collie was originally bred to work hours upon hours in a field with sheep. Meaning that even if your border collie does not do the same, he should still maintain a structure that enables him to keep going for hours. For anything from herding to agility to whatever job you choose for your border collie, I think they could all benefit from good confirmation.

In the end, my ideal border collie is what this wonderful breed was originally bred as, a worker. Though at the the same time maintaining good temperament and character. My goal is not to sacrifice working ability, will to please and drive for good character but to maintain all  and breed a dog that will gladly do whatever job they are asked to do, spend  time with people and other dogs, and who can and will adapt to the life you are living with pleasure.

Saying this, I cannot guarantee that all my pups will be exactly like that. Though this is what I strive for, and all combinations are chosen based on their best qualities and with this in mind. In the end the outcome of puppies is always somewhat of a mystery. You can do all the research in the world but even with that, you can never be 100% sure of what you’ll have.

OWNERS OF DOGGONE JOLLY’S PUPPIES

First of all I’d like to say: A Border Collie puppy is not chosen for its markings. A Border Collie must be chosen for its temperament and suitability for the needs of its new family.

As future champion or everyday companion, the dog needs to suit the family already at 8 weeks to make sure they reach the ideal understanding.

As a breeder who has a chance to spend full 8 weeks with each litter, following them grow, change and develop, I’m taking the right to suggest or even choose which puppy is most suitable for a certain person/family.

For sure  there are type, colour, line preferences which is totally okay since it would be totally boring if we all had the exact same taste. But choosing a puppy based on looks only is not possible in my kennel.

I’m always interested to hear what life the puppy will be having with each owner. Basically I try to learn about all circumstances including what the puppy will be doing as adult.. I  didn’t  quite believe it before I raised my first litter of puppies, but characters DO split super well. Some characteristics are very easily seen in the first few days of life and remain until the puppies leave for their new homes. May it be the way they behave when put onto different surfaces, behavior when they’re being cuddled, simply moving around the litter box more than the others… These and many more signs can tell a lot about the puppy already in a very early stage of life.

I don’t sell puppies to people with only one purpose in mind. I believe dogs are first and foremost our companions and best friends. Competitions, trials, results are just a small fraction of our life. In reality it’s the character you really have to live with. Not the medals or good looks of a dog. I expect to meet all my puppy buyers, or anyone interested in my dogs, before I consider them as a potential pup owner.. My puppies are family, and you don’t just let family go easily. Nor do they ever really “go” when they are placed in homes. Don’t expect to just take the pup and never hear from me again. Like I said they’re family, and by taking one I consider you to be as well. . I expect owners to keep me updated about their puppy’s development and behavior changes. Just as they can count on me 24/7 if they need help or answers to any of  their questions.

HEALTH

No line is perfect, however I will always try to the best of my ability to get the best I possibly can. For me this means good health, stable and lovable character, but still maintaining the qualities the border collie was originally bred for. I strongly believe there’s no litters without risks. There is only hidden information or no information at all. All we can do now is to be honest and tell openly about all risks so people can make their own decisions.

Health checks are super important when it comes to breeding. I personally prefer to do more rather than less. My dogs will always be X rayed for HD, ED and SD, spondylosis and have ECVO eyes checked including gonioscopy before the expected litter. They will be tested for entire DNA panel.

 

All results will be published on my website as soon as they are available and official. New owners will receive copies of all tests to keep in their dogs health file.

 

I always ask the owners to X ray their dogs before the age od 18 months (SD, HD, ED & spine). If all this is done I will return money from the purchase price. This is what I have learned to do from Vicky’s breeder and all of this will help me keep track of the health of my own blood line, making decisions about future litters easier and whether or not to continue with my line.

I do not breed a bitch before 3 years as I want to give her time to grow mentally just as well. Furthermore, I would not make her have another litter before the previous one is at least partly health tested. I’d prefer to wait 2, 3 or even 4 years before deciding to breed the same bitch again. I often say I want to wait a year (to see the characters the puppies have developed) or; 18 months  (to see test results such as HD, ED, SD etc) or; 2 years (to be almost fully developed and start showing their working abilities together with a good training of course) or; 3 years or more, since illnesses such as epilepsy for example can possibly show up later on. I would do the same for any of my possible future stud dogs. Wait a couple of years and see.

My dogs are primarily my companions in life which means breeding comes second. Quality over quantity.