Planning a Breeding Program

One of the most important aspects of breeding is your ultimate goal. I can not tell you what that goal should be, but I will give some suggestions as to how I developed my plan. I personally do not believe that Border Collies should be bred with only one purpose in mind, whether that be conformation, obedience, search and rescue, or any single sport or job. Rather, I feel that Border Collies should be bred with versatility and the breed’s essence in mind. Here are some of my suggestions for developing a good breeding plan.

1. Know your image of the perfect Border Collie. This should not be based on what your favorite dog looks like, rather it should be developed through research and exposure to many dogs. Read the breed standards of all the countries that recognize Border Collies, and breed history about why the breed was developed with the specific characteristics it possesses. Go to shows, herding trials, and other owners and breeders houses. Watch the dogs’ movement, and develop an eye for what is correct and what is not. Learn about dog structure in general, and start to pick apart every dog you see. Read as much as you can, and learn as much as you can from knowledgeable breeders and owners. Finally, condense all this knowledge you have acquired into a picture of what the perfect Border Collie looks like. This should be in mind with every breeding.

Note: This will be different for every breeder, which is why our breed is so diverse. You shouldn’t expect your image of the perfect Border Collie to be just like that of other breeders.

2.Research pedigrees extensively. Definitely know the pedigree of your bitch, but also just get to know Border Collie pedigrees in general. Familiarize yourself with kennel names, breeders, and what their goals were in their personal breeding programs. When you find a dog you like, look up their pedigree online, or ask the owner of the dog for its pedigree. If you can, look at pictures of the dogs in that pedigree, which will give you an idea of what characteristics are being passed down through generations. You may like a dog, but if you dislike every dog in their pedigree, you shouldn’t use it in your breeding program, because those characteristics will show up down the line.

3. Talk to other breeders. This goes way beyond just getting advice from other breeders you admire. Part of it is pedigree research. I try to get in touch with the breeders that owned a dog that is prominent in my dogs’ pedigrees and ask them about the temperament of that dog. Pictures aren’t really worth a thousand words when you are analyzing breeding decisions. I would much rather a thousands words from people who knew the dog, owned the dog, or bred the dog, than a picture (which can hide many faults).

4. Establish a set of standards. Decide what you will stand by, and what you truly believe in when it comes to this breed. There are many controversial issues in the breed today, and you, as a breeder (or potential breeder) must decide where you stand on these issues. It’s OK to be confused about certain issues, but try to resolve your feelings about them by obtaining as much information as possible. Not only is it important to have standards to present to your puppy buyers, but also to other breeders. You may be the “newbie” breeder of today, but in no time you will be the one giving advice. It is also important to decide how you will handle problems facing all breeders, such as doing back to back breedings, using a stud dog that has never been used, or puppy raising methods.

5. Stay involved in the breed. It is important to know what is going on in your breed, and what other breeders are discussing within the breed. This helps you stay on top of new health testing procedures, new AKC policies, and other things concerning the breed.

6. Research, research, research. There is nothing better for a breeder than researching all aspects of breeding. From pedigrees to puppy raising, there is a great wealth of information out there. It is up to you to sort through it, but if you don’t look you’ll be missing out.

Hopefully these tips will help you to become the best breeder you can. On this page, I included pictures of dogs that I have based my breeding program on. Feel free to email me if you would like more information on any of these great dogs that have contributed so much.

From top to bottom -

• Sh.Ch. Brooksbid Country Classic
• Sh.Ch. Whenway Royal Highlander
• Sh.Ch. Mizanne The Witch
• Sh.Ch. Melodor Flint at Dykebar
• Dkyebar Firegem at Lydeardlea