We just lost our dog and we are thinking about replacing him with either a border collie or a working farmcollie. I got interested in the farmcollies after hearing about them on this site. Can anyone compare border collies to farmcollies? How much do farmcollie pups cost? We are in So. Missouri and would like one after Jan. Will anyone nearby have pups? Thanks for your help.

-- Deb (andersland@webound.com), November 30, 2001

Answers

Deb. When growing up on our family farm we always had farm collies. They were smart, lovable, made good watch dogs, were gentle around livestock. All around great dogs. We now have a Border Collie (Grace). She is not offically trained as a working collie but she obeys very quickly and can help with herding the sheep and goats. We trained her ourselves and she obeys every time, quickly. Even though I loved the farm collies as I was growing up they can't compare to Grace. By the way she is registered and her Great Grandmother was the Border Collie in the movie "Babe". She has been the best $250.00 We have ever spent. Enjoy your farm life. Linda

-- Linda (awesomegodchristianministries@yahoo.com), December 01, 2001.

I have a red and white litter due in 10 days and I will have black and white BC pups in the spring, but I am a bit far for you. You can go to Yahoo or Excite classified and search for "Border" in your state and there are always several over where you live. We place our black and white pups for 150.

A friend of mine will be having pups in about 10 days, BC's, black and white, 150. She is near me. Most excellent parents. We will both have the pups on the website after they are born. I'm not sure at the moment if any of the red and white pups will be available, and they are a bit more anyway.

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), December 02, 2001.

Victory Pass Border Collie and Herding Dog Rescue, by Pine City, Minnesota (about an hour north of the Cities) may be able to help.

Kris Wolf, the trainer, takes in homeless (herding breed) dogs - BC's, GSD, etc. - and trains them to herd. They are then adopted by farmers, ranchers, etc. They are spayed/neutered, received any veterinary care, and learn basic manners, too. I believe she charges an adoption fee of around $200.

Here's her site - http://victorypass.tripod.com/vpbordercollies/

I've been to her facility and have seen her work the dogs. She does a nice job!

Jenny

-- Jenny (italgrey@cannon.net), December 02, 2001.

Yes, if at all possible, look into a rescue group for whatever one you decide on. Most rescue groups initially put the dogs into foster homes where they are evaluated( good with children, herding oriented, any bad habits, etc.) They also get initial medical care and are neutered, begun on obedience training, house breaking if necessary, etc. They usually charge a fee, which is understandable to cover the foster mom's expenses, advertising etc. But getting a dog this way can be very rewarding and you will have saved a dogs life. Also check with the local shelters and veterinarians and let them know what you are looking for.2 of our 3 Border Collies are rescues and they are all very special.The rescues seem to know you are giving them a second chance.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), December 10, 2001.

Hello Deb,

I have been involved in the restoring of the farmcollie movement for 7 years now. At HWCA we have access to registries and breeders lists for working farmcollies. Email me at the address above and I can send you info that you need for your area. I keep up to date on when puppies are due from each of the farmcollie breeders from Coast to Coast.

Also you can visit:

http://home.att.net/~caitlyn.johnson/wsb/index.html

http://www.foxcreekfarmcollies.org

Pups are fairly inexpensive and run approx. $150.00 for a farmcollie pup with very good working skill; of gentle temperment; and of great beauty.

To get on a waiting list for some pups to be born late Spring, early Summer (litters have been pretty large, approx 9 pups averg., there are 4 people on this waiting list, at the present time - Jan 17, 2002) visit this page for the email addy:

http://www.geocities.com/foxcreekfarm1_2000/Ellie1.html?1011126259800

These above pages will take you to links for learning more about the working farmcollie breed and who the groups are that are trying to recreate or restore the breed.

Hope this helps you.

You can also reach someone (Cait; Diane; or Berta) at HWCA@att.net

Cait Johnson

-- Caitlyn Johnson (caitlyn@foxcreekfarmcollies.org), January 16, 2002.