benshiva

Your message on the 2nd Dec I don't need your advice, in 5 years I've had 6 litters from three different bitches, I think I have a 'basic' idea on when to start weaning I guess you'll just need to think about how you word things or mind your own business, and I guess everyone has to be careful on which photos the select to post on a forum as their puppies might look to skinny or hungry. I bred my first litter 9 years ago and I continue to learn every day. A lot of what I learn comes from this forum, from very knowledgable people like Aziah I don't know what the private mail said but I wouldn't imagine that it would have been condecending in any way. I'm sure it would have been as stated "just advice".

It's a crossbreed. You're exactly right

I use Bodifier on my BC's. Love the product

How very sad that of all the Border Collie owners on this forum, only four took the time to answer the questions here This could prove very useful to those who are looking at owning a BC

Where does the time go!! Happy Birthday Daisy

Me and Miss Pink

Webster and me. He was so young in these photos

QUESTIONS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) I have owned Border Collies for 14 years and bred my first litter 9 years ago. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? The breed originated on the border of Scotland and England. The first recorded import into Australia was a dog by the name of Hindhope Jed in 1901. Australia is recognised as the "country of development" of the modern day Border Collie. The first breed standard was written in Tasmania. They were developed to herd sheep in the rugged hills of the border countries between England and Scotland. They needed a moderate agile dog to work the sheep amoung the hills. The were introduced into Australia as we had a growing sheep industry at the time and there is a common saying from that time that the country rode on a sheep's back! The border collie was admired for its stamina and agility and has proven a reliable working dog for our climate. 3. How common is it in Australia? The Border Collie has proven to be a very popular dog in Australia and would not be considered a rare breed by any stretch of the imagination! 4. What is the average lifespan? 13 years 5. What is the general temperament/personality? They are very intelligent, with an inherit desire to work. They respond very well to training as they like to have a job to do. They are keen, alert and generally eager to please. In a single litter, the personalities can vary from very busy to very laid back. They are a faithful breed and should be kindly disposed toward stock. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? A good 30 minute walk a day and a good run a few times a week should be enough for their physical well being. However, they like jobs to do so teaching them simple obedience commands,tricks etc will help to keep their mind active. They crave human attention and will not cope well if left in a back yard with no interaction with their family. In saying this there are some Border Collies who are happy to laze around all day. The amount of excercise/mental stimulation will vary from dog to dog. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? If a first time dog owner leads an active lifestyle and has the time and resources to include their dog in their daily activities, a Border Collie would be fine to own as a first dog. Attending an obedience class would be strongly recommended to any first time Border Collie owners, to help teach training techniques. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? You can guarantee that a Border Collie if left to its own devices will find something to occupy its time, not always to the owners liking! I personally wouldn't recommend a Border Collie to a home where it was left alone for lenghty periods of time. 9. How much grooming is required? A good brush once a week is enough to keep a Border's coat in good condition. However, twice weekly brushing is recommended when they are losing their coat. They lose coat seasonally. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Any untrained dog would be too boisterous for very small children or infirm people. A Border Collie is no exception. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Whilst the Border Collie is a relitavely healthy breed, there are some hereditary problems to be aware of. In saying this RESPONSIBLE breeders will DNA test their breeding stock to protect against producing some problems. We can now DNA test for CL, CEA and TNS. You can read more about these diseases and the testing available at www.bccnsw.com. Breeders should also be hip and elbow scoring their breeding stock to minimise the chance of HD and OCD. You can read more about these as well at the BCC of NSW website. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Some basic questions to ask would be: Has the puppy been immunised and regularly wormed and can we have the vaccination certificate? Will you be giving me with the puppy a copy of his current diet and a suggested feeding program? If we have any problems do you mind if we call for some advice? Is the pup registered with the Royal NSW Canine Council? Where is he used to sleeping and what training has he had? What is the temperament of the pup’s parents? Can we see them? What risk do the pups have of carrying CL (or having it) or any other problems? Have the parents been DNA tested for hereditary diseases ? The breeder should be able to give you a copy of the certificates. How much does it cost to look after a Border Collie properly? Don't be afraid to ask a breeder any question that comes to mind. A reputable breeder should be open to any questions you may want to ask. There is never a silly question when it comes to our dogs! The BCC of NSW has extensive information about the breed and as an extention of these questions, it would be worth a visit to their website.

Sway can we add the link for the site to our websites?

Couldnt' agree more

LOL they sure love their dam don't they

A brilliant idea Sway. Well done

Name: Nahrof Get The Party Started aka: Miss Pink Sex: Bitch DOB: 21st June 2008 Age: 12 weeks Colour: Black and White Breed: Border Common Hobbies: Playing with Trouble and having fun learning how to be a show dog Loves: Everyone and everything Hates: Being alone

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's just not fair when we lose them so young

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. I feel a little silly to be honest as Buffy didn't live with me for the last almost 5 years of her life. I did miss her every day and it sure has hurt. Thank you again for thinking of us.

Buffy I'm so sorry I didn't get to see you, and I'm so sorry this happened to you on your 8th birthday. I have no words, my heart is broken, but I'm so happy that you gave joy to your human owners, and that I got to love you for the two years you were with me. I gave you to your new humans because I knew it was the right thing to do for you. You blossomed under their care and I'll be forever grateful for that. You didn't know that my heart ached every day for you (nobody did), and will ache every day now because I never saw you again after you left. You were a beautiful girl and I'm so proud that I bred you. I love you dear girl. RIP.

lol!! Its a funny pic.. He came on the screen and she stopped what she was doing as was in a daze... I named her teddy orlando so she could ravage him and have her way with him!!! Botheration, Martha is beautiful! I love labs! If i had a bigger house/yard I would def get a Lab! She obviously has exquisite taste in her Hollywood actors. Orlando Bloom, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

OMG what a darling!!!

I know! Much as I believe Martha to be the best pup in the entire universe, Darcy is driving me crazy! I want to cuddle him! Aww thank botheration!!! We think he's something special :D Mind you, Martha is devine!!!

He's so cute!!

Name: Trouble sex: Female Date of birth: 7th April 2008 Age: almost 4 months Colour: black and white Breed: BC Hobbies: Playing with Walker, digging, barking, showing off, chewing toys, eating, barking, playing, barking Loves: All of the above Hates: Not being the centre of attention

RIP Charlie. His last 5 years would have been wonderful for him

RIP, beautiful Bronwyn

I'm so sorry for your loss

OMG Harminee that is just beautiful. Thank you so much