1. Is this the right breed?

Hopefully the prospective puppy buyer will have done lots of homework, reading about the breed, meeting some
animals and talking to their owners, and looking at web sites. Of course there needs to be adequate room for a dog
with a safe, well fenced backyard. Also there has to be room in the lives of the family to take the dog out each day
for its physical and mental health.

2. Why buy this kind of pup?

Border collies have many qualities and though most pups are bought to be the family pet, they also may be wanted
for the show ring, to do agility and/or obedience, and even to work sheep or cattle. The buyer needs to have
thought this through, remembering that Borders have lived close to their masters for generations, and that their greatest need is to be with others, either human or animal. Like all dogs, they are pack animals needing company. Whilst this closeness is usually the main reason for buying a pup, many people forget that companionship goes both ways - the dog needs company too.

3. A bitch or a dog?

There is no difference in the intelligence, cleanliness or trainability of either sex - each animal is itself and will
develop its own characteristics according to its genetic inheritance and its environment. On the whole, males are
bigger, with heavier bones and longer coats, and being male, are more dominant and territorial. Females are usually smaller, lighter and have shorter coats. Neutering any animal will reduce those characteristics related to sex, as dominance in the males, but will not alter the basic animal. ie - If the pup barks a lot, jumps on everyone, and chases cars, he will keep doing these things. Of course, if an animal is to be shown, he or she must not be neutered, and if there is a possibility of breeding, neutering can be put off indefinitely.

4. When to purchase a pup?

Bitches produce young at any time of the year, which makes it difficult for the dozens of buyers who wish to get a
new pup at Christmas time. Breeders try to produce more pups in the warmer months, but frequently bitches don't
co-operate, continuing to come into season when they are ready. Sometimes bookings need to be made months
ahead. It is also good to give thought to when the purchaser has extra time to give to a pup, as young ones
frequently need feeding during the day when most people are away at work. Sometimes help is needed from
relatives, neighbours or friends.

5. What does the prospective buyer look for when viewing pups?

As all young are more like their parents than any others it is sensible to note the bitch - how she relates to her
owner and to visitors, how big or small she is, and whether she is the sort of animal the buyer would like to own.
If the pups are quite young, the bitch may be protective and dislike visitors - this is not to say that she is not
usually a friendly animal under normal circumstances. The sire of the pups can usually be viewed too if he does not
live too far away. Frequently pups are viewed before 8 weeks, the age at which they leave for their new homes, and breeders may request a deposit to ensure the buyer receives a pup. Most breeders prefer to leave the final
indication of which pup will go to which buyer until as late as possible, enabling them to best decide which pup would suit the needs of each buyer. Remember that the pups markings are not anything like as important as such things as general health, suitability for the show ring, activity level, apparent intelligence and the place in the 'pecking' order
in the litter. Its difficult enough to try to assess these attributes when pups are 8 weeks, but by then they show
more than they did when younger. Most long time breeders will say that they are still learning!

6. What help is offered to the new owner?

The Border Collie Club provides each new owner with a form to join the club, a short article on 'Obedience Training in
First 6 Months', and a pamphlet on Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL). In addition the breeder will provide the pup's
Registration Certificate duly signed on the back, and information on joining the Victorian Canine Association. Breeders
also provide the new owner written information on diet and general care, when immunisation was given and is next
due, and on subjects such as worming, playthings and necessary exercise.

7. What colours do the come in?

The Australian Border Collie Breed Standard includes Black and white, blue and white, chocolate and white, red and
white, blue merle and the tri-colour black, tan and white. Approximately 90% of all Border Collies in Australia are
Black and White. Blue and Whites make up a further 5%, with the other colours making up the remaining 5%. The
ratio may change with the general pattern of breeding. The Appearance page shows examples of all the Border Collie colours.