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Before proceeding with a puppy enquiry, we strongly recommend you click on and read through our About the Breed and Health menu sections to learn about Border Collies, including how to choose a puppy, how to choose a breeder, information about the right questions to ask and how to read health testing results, and most importantly, is a Border Collie going to be the right breed for your home and/or family?
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Litter Listings
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Expected November
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Expected December
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BEECEE
Black & White Males & Females Available Mid November BELCLAREN Black & White Blue & White Red & White Males & Females Available Early November |
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Black & White 1 Female Available Now INNISMAN Black & White Males & Females Available Mid November |
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Available Older Dogs
Please check back regularly for updates!
What is the difference between purebred and pedigree?
A purebred dog is the result of years of selective breeding of a single breed recognised both nationally and internationally as a legitimate pure breed. A pedigree is issued on a certificate and is an official ancestry record, showing the dog to be purebred. Pedigrees are also used as the dog's birth certificate and official registration of the dog with the national kennel council - in our case this is Dogs Australia. The pedigree certificate (often simply referred to as 'papers') will list the dog's registration number, microchip number, breeder details, owner details and three to five generations of the dog's lineage, including the registration numbers and credentials/titles of their ancestors showing that only the most worthy and best examples of the breed were combined over many years to produce this puppy!
For more information see: Choosing A Breeder
For more information see: Choosing A Breeder
i don't plan on showing or breeding, why should i care about papers?
An official pedigree is the ONLY way to prove that your dog is purebred. Purebred dogs are far more predictable in their temperament, behaviour, appearance, size and even colour than a crossbred dog. As mentioned above, they are the result of many years of selective breeding for very specific results. All breeds were developed for their own specific purpose, and when you buy a purebred puppy you will know what to expect in the adult dog. Knowing the characteristics and attributes of a purebred dog allows you to narrow down the choices which best fit into your lifestyle. You will know how big they will grow, what they will look like, how they are likely to behave, how much exercise they will need, their grooming requirements, the health issues to watch out for and how long they are likely to live. Many breeders of mixed breed dogs, particularly poodle mixes, like to say that they are taking the best qualities from two or more separate breeds and putting them together to create the perfect combination, however the results simply can not be predicted and there is an equal chance of mixing and producing the worst qualities and health problems from each breed instead, particularly between breeds historically bred for vastly different purposes.
All Dogs Australia (formerly known as ANKC - Australian National Kennel Council) breeders are required to register all litters that they breed via their state body, and a pedigree certificate (often referred to as 'papers') is issued for every puppy, a copy of which breeders MUST provide to their owners. In Australia, the only genuine and globally recognised pedigrees are those issued by Dogs Australia. There are other registries such as MDBA (Master Dog Breeders and Associates) and Australian Canine Registry who produce their own 'papers' even for mixed breeds, however they are not affiliated with Dogs Australia and can not be recognised as being legitimate records of ancestry or purebred status.
A puppy will be registered on either Main or Limited registration with Dogs Australia. Main registration will be issued on a blue certificate, and that dog has been deemed by the breeder of quality worthy to be shown or potentially bred from. Some breeders will stay on the registration as a co-owner, occasionally with an agreement entered into with the other owner(s) to place the dog in another home but potentially still include them in their future breeding plans. Most puppies are not heading to a show or breeding home and will be registered on the Limited register, which issues the pedigree on an orange certificate, and the dog is not for showing or breeding. This does not mean they are not of good quality, simply that they aren't intended to be bred from or shown and can of course still go on to compete in and gain titles in any other dog sport or live out their life as a much-loved pet. If you are interested in showing or breeding, the best person to speak to first is the breeder of your dog, as they are able to transfer from the Limited Register to Main if they deem it appropriate, or keep you in mind for another puppy in their future litters. Most breeders will be more than happy to mentor and assist their puppy owners when they can see a genuine wish to learn and continue their years of work and research to benefit the breed.
For more information see: Choosing A Breeder
All Dogs Australia (formerly known as ANKC - Australian National Kennel Council) breeders are required to register all litters that they breed via their state body, and a pedigree certificate (often referred to as 'papers') is issued for every puppy, a copy of which breeders MUST provide to their owners. In Australia, the only genuine and globally recognised pedigrees are those issued by Dogs Australia. There are other registries such as MDBA (Master Dog Breeders and Associates) and Australian Canine Registry who produce their own 'papers' even for mixed breeds, however they are not affiliated with Dogs Australia and can not be recognised as being legitimate records of ancestry or purebred status.
A puppy will be registered on either Main or Limited registration with Dogs Australia. Main registration will be issued on a blue certificate, and that dog has been deemed by the breeder of quality worthy to be shown or potentially bred from. Some breeders will stay on the registration as a co-owner, occasionally with an agreement entered into with the other owner(s) to place the dog in another home but potentially still include them in their future breeding plans. Most puppies are not heading to a show or breeding home and will be registered on the Limited register, which issues the pedigree on an orange certificate, and the dog is not for showing or breeding. This does not mean they are not of good quality, simply that they aren't intended to be bred from or shown and can of course still go on to compete in and gain titles in any other dog sport or live out their life as a much-loved pet. If you are interested in showing or breeding, the best person to speak to first is the breeder of your dog, as they are able to transfer from the Limited Register to Main if they deem it appropriate, or keep you in mind for another puppy in their future litters. Most breeders will be more than happy to mentor and assist their puppy owners when they can see a genuine wish to learn and continue their years of work and research to benefit the breed.
For more information see: Choosing A Breeder
how much does a pedigree border collie cost?
The good news is that despite what you might have heard about pedigree dogs, it won't require you to take out a second mortgage! Currently the average price for a pedigree Border Collie puppy is $2,500 to $3,500. A quick check on Gumtree and Marketplace in September 2025 shows multiple backyard bred Border Collie and Border Collie crossbreed litters listed within the same price range - we only expect that to increase as they cash in on the Christmas puppy demand.
When you choose a breeder who is a member of the Border Collie Club of SA, you are choosing someone who:
BCCSA Member Breeders are also more likely to have undertaken extra testing such as screening for OCD in shoulders, ACES eye screening and BAER hearing tests.
All of these testing costs, ultrasounds of litters, surgical interventions (such as artificial insemination using frozen (sometimes internationally or interstate imported) or fresh semen or caesarean section deliveries), raising litters and providing puppy packs to all new owners are factored into the cost, so not only are you getting a great quality puppy from proven pedigree lines, you are also receiving the benefits of years of planning, selection and love funnelled into the breeding program. Prices do not fluctuate throughout the year for our breeders, nor do they charge any extra for males or females or things like different colours/patterns.
For more information see: Choosing A Breeder
When you choose a breeder who is a member of the Border Collie Club of SA, you are choosing someone who:
- Is a registered breeder with Dogs Australia (formerly ANKC - Australian National Kennel Council);
- Abides by all Dogs Australia and their state body (such as Dogs SA) Code of Ethics;
- Has agreed to and signed the Border Collie Club of South Australia's Code of Ethics, including the following non-negotiable items:
- Hip and elbow scoring all breeding stock;
- DNA testing all breeding stock and ensuring one parent of each litter is clear for all fatal diseases and all other proven and currently testable conditions;
- Never allowing a female to whelp under the age of 12 months and more than twice within 18 months;
- Never allowing a female to whelp more than five litters in her lifetime;
- Making access to all testing results available to potential puppy buyers prior to sale of the puppy.
BCCSA Member Breeders are also more likely to have undertaken extra testing such as screening for OCD in shoulders, ACES eye screening and BAER hearing tests.
All of these testing costs, ultrasounds of litters, surgical interventions (such as artificial insemination using frozen (sometimes internationally or interstate imported) or fresh semen or caesarean section deliveries), raising litters and providing puppy packs to all new owners are factored into the cost, so not only are you getting a great quality puppy from proven pedigree lines, you are also receiving the benefits of years of planning, selection and love funnelled into the breeding program. Prices do not fluctuate throughout the year for our breeders, nor do they charge any extra for males or females or things like different colours/patterns.
For more information see: Choosing A Breeder
i am looking for a particular colour, how do i get it?
Border Collies come in a wide variety of coat colours and patterns, which are all a result of the specific genetics behind each individual puppy. Black and white is the most prevalent colour as the genes to produce it are generally the most dominant over the genes that produce the other variations, however it is important to note that all colours are permissible within the breed standard (in some breeds particular colours are not allowed which leads to them either never being intentionally bred, or being bred by people who then sell them for premium prices) and as such are not considered rare or more valuable. You should always be wary of anybody who tries to charge extra for a particular colour, as all puppies cost the same to produce and raise and therefore should cost the same to purchase. Ethical breeders from the Border Collie Club produce a range of coat colours in their litters throughout the year, with the difference setting them apart from breeders who almost exclusively breed coloured litters being that they are first and foremost breeding for the best possible puppies with coat colour being lower on the list of priorities for the breeding than structure, temperament and health. Breeders will be able to predict which colours are possible in their litters based on the DNA testing results of the parents or carefully planned specific coloured matings, however for the most part until the litter is born they can give no guarantee of the colours they will be producing or their availability - breeders will hold off on allocating puppies to owners until they are able to assess the litter and decide which puppy (or puppies) they may be keeping for themselves, and then which puppy is the best match for a particular home based on more than just what colour they are. This is really the sign of a good breeder, even though sometimes it can feel disappointing when you've had your heart set on a particular colour.
The base colours for all Border Collie coats are black, blue (diluted black), chocolate, lilac (diluted chocolate) and red (sometimes referred to as Australian red, golden, blonde, wheaten, champagne, honey or yellow). Then there are patterns which may or may not be expressed over the top of these base colours, such as merle, tricolour or sable. These patterns are not expressed on a red coat, as red is the result of a 'masking' gene that hides the true coat colour/pattern. There are important considerations to take into account when breeding various colours and patterns together, and ethical, reputable breeders will ensure that no risks are taken which could adversely affect the health of any puppy, particularly in the case of merle breedings.
For more information see: Coat Colour Genetics
The base colours for all Border Collie coats are black, blue (diluted black), chocolate, lilac (diluted chocolate) and red (sometimes referred to as Australian red, golden, blonde, wheaten, champagne, honey or yellow). Then there are patterns which may or may not be expressed over the top of these base colours, such as merle, tricolour or sable. These patterns are not expressed on a red coat, as red is the result of a 'masking' gene that hides the true coat colour/pattern. There are important considerations to take into account when breeding various colours and patterns together, and ethical, reputable breeders will ensure that no risks are taken which could adversely affect the health of any puppy, particularly in the case of merle breedings.
For more information see: Coat Colour Genetics
what health issues are common in border collies?
Border Collies are a generally healthy breed, however there are a number of conditions which they can be susceptible, both genetic (some of which can be fatal) and physical. An ethical breeder uses both DNA and physical testing to determine which dogs should and shouldn't be bred together, to have the greatest chance of producing healthy puppies. They will also make the test results for parent dogs available to their puppy buyers, either by providing them a copy or having them available to view upon request. We recommend a buyer steer clear of any breeder who is unable or unwilling to provide this information - even backyard or other unregistered breeders have access to reasonably priced, internationally accepted DNA testing and joint x-rays so there should never be any excuse for why testing is not undertaken or puppies are born suffering from testable, avoidable conditions. People creating crossbreed dogs should be undertaking breed specific DNA testing for all breeds involved in their mix, and hip and elbow scoring should be non-negotiable as joint issues become far more prevalent in dogs with vastly different structural composition such as toy/miniature/small breeds being crossed with medium/large/giant breeds and even working breeds being mixed with breeds bred for completely different purposes. Hip dysplasia has been reported to be currently being seen by veterinarians in greatly increased numbers in 'doodle' mixes for this reason.
Results of official physical tests undertaken in Australia on pedigree dogs are recorded on the Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID) and for Border Collies this includes results from the Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (CHED) scheme and Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES). Certificates are issued with a QR code which can be scanned and used to verify the authenticity of the certificate. We encourage all prospective owners to use this feature to ensure that the results you are viewing are legitimate. DNA Testing results are issued directly to the owner of the dog by the respective laboratory used, and many are now implementing the same checks.
For more information about Genetic Health see: Genetic Health and Understanding DNA Testing Terminology
For more information about Physical Health see: Hip, Elbow & Shoulder Scoring and Eye & Ear Screening
Results of official physical tests undertaken in Australia on pedigree dogs are recorded on the Officially Registered Canine Health Information Database (ORCHID) and for Border Collies this includes results from the Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (CHED) scheme and Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES). Certificates are issued with a QR code which can be scanned and used to verify the authenticity of the certificate. We encourage all prospective owners to use this feature to ensure that the results you are viewing are legitimate. DNA Testing results are issued directly to the owner of the dog by the respective laboratory used, and many are now implementing the same checks.
For more information about Genetic Health see: Genetic Health and Understanding DNA Testing Terminology
For more information about Physical Health see: Hip, Elbow & Shoulder Scoring and Eye & Ear Screening
should i get a male or a female?
There is no difference in the intelligence and trainability of either sex. Each dog will develop its own individual characteristics based on a combination of genetic inheritance, the environment in which they were raised, and the environment they are in with you.
Generally speaking, the males are slightly bigger, slightly heavier and have longer coats. Females are smaller, lighter, and have shorter coats. This is also dependent on their genetic history and what they have been bred for over a number of generations, but is generally predictable from the parents and grandparents.
Females come into season every six months for around three weeks unless spayed. Hormones often play a role in behaviour, particularly during these fluctuations, during puberty and between other dogs within the household.
Males are generally regarded as being overall more cuddly but can be more dominant, whilst females can be more independent (they need to be independent in nature to raise and protect their litters), however both males and females are extremely loyal, attentive and affectionate.
For more information see: Choosing A Dog
Generally speaking, the males are slightly bigger, slightly heavier and have longer coats. Females are smaller, lighter, and have shorter coats. This is also dependent on their genetic history and what they have been bred for over a number of generations, but is generally predictable from the parents and grandparents.
Females come into season every six months for around three weeks unless spayed. Hormones often play a role in behaviour, particularly during these fluctuations, during puberty and between other dogs within the household.
Males are generally regarded as being overall more cuddly but can be more dominant, whilst females can be more independent (they need to be independent in nature to raise and protect their litters), however both males and females are extremely loyal, attentive and affectionate.
For more information see: Choosing A Dog
how much exercise will a border collie neeD?
We recommend you do your research carefully as to the 'drive' levels that breeders are producing for their purpose - some lines are more placid (low-drive) whilst and others are extremely ready to go (high drive) particularly those bred more for working or agility competition. All breeders endeavour to follow the breed standard however, which is that all dogs produced are still fit for the purpose of the breed, so the majority of Border Collies will always retain some of that herding instinct they were designed to exhibit, even those in the show ring!
One of the most common things a Border Collie owner in suburbia hears is 'that dog should be on a farm!'. Whilst these dogs were of course developed and bred for endurance, athleticism and intelligence to make them the perfect sheepdogs, the exercise requirements for a Border Collie aren't as demanding as you may think. Physical exercise is important for a healthy dog, however a high energy breed does not automatically require high energy exercise. Some dogs react to adrenaline in such a way that they can become 'exercise junkies' and very soon tiring them out becomes impossible which results in a very fit, very overstimulated dog. Repetitive, adrenaline-boosting games such as ball chasing can quickly turn into a fixation, or a dog whose regular routine has been interrupted due to injury, time constraints or other circumstances may engage in replacement destructive, stimulating activities like fence running, barking or digging. There is no work on a farm requiring 24/7 dog engagement, and a farmer does not need a dog that can not calm down. Border Collies are bred to work when they are required and then settle down until it's time to go again. In fact, their main objective is to just spend time with you, whether that is doing a job or sleeping on your feet - they are a companion first and foremost whose aim is to be whatever you need them to be. Teaching your dog to be calm and relaxed is imperative, as is providing adequate mental stimulation in conjunction with physical exercise. 10 minutes of obedience or tricks training or a 30 minute slow walk sniffing everything in sight can be just as exhausting for a dog as a 10km run.
Puppies have much lower exercise requirements than adults and require careful management to ensure safe and correct growth into adulthood as their growth plates continue to form. Stairs, jumping up or down on furniture, fast turns or stops such as when chasing balls or even simply walking too far or for too long can all have negative impacts on a puppy's joints and growth. The general guidelines for exercise for a puppy are 5 minutes per month of age.
For more information see: Exercise Requirements
One of the most common things a Border Collie owner in suburbia hears is 'that dog should be on a farm!'. Whilst these dogs were of course developed and bred for endurance, athleticism and intelligence to make them the perfect sheepdogs, the exercise requirements for a Border Collie aren't as demanding as you may think. Physical exercise is important for a healthy dog, however a high energy breed does not automatically require high energy exercise. Some dogs react to adrenaline in such a way that they can become 'exercise junkies' and very soon tiring them out becomes impossible which results in a very fit, very overstimulated dog. Repetitive, adrenaline-boosting games such as ball chasing can quickly turn into a fixation, or a dog whose regular routine has been interrupted due to injury, time constraints or other circumstances may engage in replacement destructive, stimulating activities like fence running, barking or digging. There is no work on a farm requiring 24/7 dog engagement, and a farmer does not need a dog that can not calm down. Border Collies are bred to work when they are required and then settle down until it's time to go again. In fact, their main objective is to just spend time with you, whether that is doing a job or sleeping on your feet - they are a companion first and foremost whose aim is to be whatever you need them to be. Teaching your dog to be calm and relaxed is imperative, as is providing adequate mental stimulation in conjunction with physical exercise. 10 minutes of obedience or tricks training or a 30 minute slow walk sniffing everything in sight can be just as exhausting for a dog as a 10km run.
Puppies have much lower exercise requirements than adults and require careful management to ensure safe and correct growth into adulthood as their growth plates continue to form. Stairs, jumping up or down on furniture, fast turns or stops such as when chasing balls or even simply walking too far or for too long can all have negative impacts on a puppy's joints and growth. The general guidelines for exercise for a puppy are 5 minutes per month of age.
For more information see: Exercise Requirements
how often does a border collie require grooming?
Border Collie coats may be smooth (short) or rough (moderately long) and in both forms provide great weather protection and insulation against the elements due to their structure as a 'double' coat, with a medium-textured topcoat and short, soft, dense undercoat. The topcoat is UV and water resistant, protecting the skin from the sun's rays and preventing the undercoat from becoming waterlogged. The undercoat insulates against both heat and cold, shedding seasonally. In cooler months it is thicker, retaining heat and protecting the dog from getting too cold. In warmer months, the undercoat sheds and allows body heat to escape while cool air circulates next to the skin. When properly maintained, the double coat is your dog's best defence against the elements.
Both rough and smooth coats shed the same amount, however the rough coat is longer and therefore more noticeable when you start to find it on your furniture, clothes, food, children, neighbours.. you get the picture.
A quick brush weekly will keep on top of light shedding although this can be less frequent. Brushing may be required daily during seasonal sheds, at the start of summer and winter. Undesexed females also shed hormonally, so you can expect them to drop coat following a heat or litter. We do not ever recommend shaving a Border Collie, as it removes their perfectly designed double coat protective qualities, allowing water and UV rays to penetrate to the skin through the now non-existent top coat whilst growing undercoat back in too densely which then becomes impacted and retains too much heat.
You will need to be mindful of grass seeds particularly throughout late spring and early summer, as they are easily picked up by a Border Collie coat and are one of the top veterinary presentations as they work their way in between toes, into ears, eyes and can cause major issues when the wounds become infected.
For more information see: Border Collie Grooming
Both rough and smooth coats shed the same amount, however the rough coat is longer and therefore more noticeable when you start to find it on your furniture, clothes, food, children, neighbours.. you get the picture.
A quick brush weekly will keep on top of light shedding although this can be less frequent. Brushing may be required daily during seasonal sheds, at the start of summer and winter. Undesexed females also shed hormonally, so you can expect them to drop coat following a heat or litter. We do not ever recommend shaving a Border Collie, as it removes their perfectly designed double coat protective qualities, allowing water and UV rays to penetrate to the skin through the now non-existent top coat whilst growing undercoat back in too densely which then becomes impacted and retains too much heat.
You will need to be mindful of grass seeds particularly throughout late spring and early summer, as they are easily picked up by a Border Collie coat and are one of the top veterinary presentations as they work their way in between toes, into ears, eyes and can cause major issues when the wounds become infected.
For more information see: Border Collie Grooming
what socialisation, training or sports should i do with my dog?
Socialisation begins from the time the puppies are with their mother, siblings and breeder, and will continue throughout at least the first year of their life. The most critical period is often considered to be between 3 to 12 weeks, so the first half of this is before you get your puppy and is led by your breeder who will put their time into ensuring your puppy builds confidence with different sounds, surfaces, objects and handling, begins to learn basic behaviours and interacts with different people and dogs within the household. In years past the idea of socialisation has meant that people feel they need to get their puppy out into the world meeting other dogs as quickly as possible, however the main goal is for them to be exposed to the various sights, sounds and smells that they can expect to encounter over their lifetime, in a safe, positive and controlled way. There is no requirement for them to be able to run free in a dog park (in fact many breeders, trainers and owners strongly recommend you never set foot inside one), but you do want a resilient dog who is able to cope with the various household and environmental stimuli that they will be coexisting alongside. You may choose to attend vet or pet store-run puppy sessions (be aware that these do have a risk of unpleasant or scary experiences with other puppies/breeds), or you may simply help your puppy experience various environments whilst ensuring that they are having positive experiences and building confidence. By the time they have received their final vaccination and it is safe for them to venture out into public, the critical period is usually over and so it is important that before that time they have already begun having positive experiences with things like the television, vacuum cleaner, car rides, floor and ground surfaces, children, various adults, other pets, crate training, toilet training and leash walking.
Obedience training at a minimum is a recommendation whether you intend to go on into other sports or not. It builds a strong relationship between you and your dog, teaches them basic commands which could be life-saving in some situations (particularly recall or stay) and they love to learn. It also provides opportunities for them to practice their skills in a different environment where there is far more external stimuli with other dogs around however it is still controlled as all dogs are on-leash and there are plenty of positive rewards on hand. You may then of course choose to continue your training through the various levels and perhaps move into trialling or try various other dog sports once you have built your foundation in obedience. Border Collies are the overachievers of the dog world - they are incredibly intelligent, athletic and motivated, so you will often find them training and competing in agility, obedience, scent work, herding, tracking, tricks, flyball, dances with dogs and a multitude of other sports. You are able to compete in any sport so long as you are a member of your state body (Dogs SA for South Australian residents) and your dog is registered either on the pedigree register (either Main or Limited), the sporting register (for Working Dog Associations or other kindred bodies recognised by Dogs Australia) or the associate register (you can apply to register any other dog who is not on the pedigree register or sporting register).
The Border Collie Club has a directory of trainers, behaviourists, sporting and/or training clubs and other services within South Australia recommended by our members which is available within our members group or by contacting the club.
For more information see: Dog Sports Overview
Obedience training at a minimum is a recommendation whether you intend to go on into other sports or not. It builds a strong relationship between you and your dog, teaches them basic commands which could be life-saving in some situations (particularly recall or stay) and they love to learn. It also provides opportunities for them to practice their skills in a different environment where there is far more external stimuli with other dogs around however it is still controlled as all dogs are on-leash and there are plenty of positive rewards on hand. You may then of course choose to continue your training through the various levels and perhaps move into trialling or try various other dog sports once you have built your foundation in obedience. Border Collies are the overachievers of the dog world - they are incredibly intelligent, athletic and motivated, so you will often find them training and competing in agility, obedience, scent work, herding, tracking, tricks, flyball, dances with dogs and a multitude of other sports. You are able to compete in any sport so long as you are a member of your state body (Dogs SA for South Australian residents) and your dog is registered either on the pedigree register (either Main or Limited), the sporting register (for Working Dog Associations or other kindred bodies recognised by Dogs Australia) or the associate register (you can apply to register any other dog who is not on the pedigree register or sporting register).
The Border Collie Club has a directory of trainers, behaviourists, sporting and/or training clubs and other services within South Australia recommended by our members which is available within our members group or by contacting the club.
For more information see: Dog Sports Overview
can i get two puppies at the same time?
It is possible to raise two puppies at the same time, however it is rarely advisable. The reasoning behind this is a variety of behavioural issues dubbed 'litter mate syndrome', which can arise in puppies from the same litter or even unrelated puppies who are similar in age. It is a blanket term covering a range of psychological issues or behavioural problems that can occur due to the intense bond formed between puppies impacting on their ability to interact normally with humans and other dogs. They bond more closely with each other than with their owner(s) and can become overly dependent on each other for comfort and security, which brings challenges in their behaviour, exhibiting signs such as separation anxiety, difficulty socialising outside of their own relationship, resource guarding and even aggression and fighting between themselves particularly as they reach adolescence, or the inability to settle down when together.
Much of the time when a breeder is hesitant to place two puppies together or one puppy in a household that already has another puppy of similar age, they are told that the owner has previously raised two siblings or two dogs of the same age with no issues. This is of course possible and many breeders themselves will keep two or more puppies from a litter, however as ethical breeders they are doing their absolute best to find a home where their puppies will be happy, successful and healthy. Ways to avoid litter mate syndrome include dedicating a large amount of time to individually training and socialising each dog to help encourage independence and reduce reliance on each other, closely monitor the interactions between the dogs in order to intervene if problems arise and contact a behavioural trainer as soon as possible to help if required. It is achievable, but can be very time consuming.
Much of the time when a breeder is hesitant to place two puppies together or one puppy in a household that already has another puppy of similar age, they are told that the owner has previously raised two siblings or two dogs of the same age with no issues. This is of course possible and many breeders themselves will keep two or more puppies from a litter, however as ethical breeders they are doing their absolute best to find a home where their puppies will be happy, successful and healthy. Ways to avoid litter mate syndrome include dedicating a large amount of time to individually training and socialising each dog to help encourage independence and reduce reliance on each other, closely monitor the interactions between the dogs in order to intervene if problems arise and contact a behavioural trainer as soon as possible to help if required. It is achievable, but can be very time consuming.
What should I feed my border collie?
Your breeder will send home an information pack listing the food your puppy has been eating, and probably even some food to take home for them until you are able to stock up. As for how you choose to feed your dog over their lifetime, there are various schools of thought on canine nutrition, all with their own pros and cons. Balanced raw, premium dry kibble or a combination of the two are the most common feeding choices made by owners, and we encourage you to do your own lengthy research into your options alongside the recommendations from your breeder and veterinarian. Raw feeding (often referred to as BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) aims to mimic a dog's natural diet however requires careful planning to ensure balance as too much or too little of particular nutritional components can have detrimental health effects. Kibble (dry food) is historically the simplest route as it is so readily available through suppliers such as pet stores, however, often contains preservatives for a longer shelf life and other potentially unnecessary filler ingredients such as corn and soy.
If choosing kibble, it is recommended to choose a premium brand with high quality animal protein as the main ingredient to ensure your dog receives all the required nutrients. As a club we don't make recommendations for particular commercial brands as the market and formulae can change regularly and swiftly however your breeder and veterinarian will be able to make suggestions and recommendations particularly with regard to allergies, food sensitivities or specific health concerns. Access to a balanced raw diet is becoming increasingly available commercially through pet stores and dedicated pet food suppliers. There are a number of canine nutritionists within South Australia who are a wealth of information such as Functional Canine or Holistic Dog, and you can learn how to prepare your own raw meals for your dog or take advantage of the local businesses who excel at creating balanced raw meals such as Raw Fed Riley and Balanced Bark.
Bones are historically given to dogs for their dental health and the enjoyment of chewing, however it is important that these bones are not cooked (due to risk of splintering and subsequent internal damage) and are not large weight-bearing bones such as marrow bones as these are extremely strong (built to hold cows up) and as such often result in broken or damaged teeth. The marrow is also extremely rich and high in fat which increases the risk of weight gain and/or pancreatitis. A better alternative is to give your dog soft, meaty bones where they can use all of their teeth for chewing, ripping and crunching. Bones such as turkey necks, chicken frames, salmon heads, lamb spines, kangaroo tail segments and the like provide great gnawing and tearing opportunities which are hugely beneficial for removing plaque from teeth whilst also being a nutritious portion of a balanced overall diet.
It is important no matter what you feed to ensure your dog remains within their ideal body condition range. We avoid specifying a particular weight, as the weight of a Border Collie varies across different lines, different exercise levels and different dogs in general, so checking your dog's body condition is much more effective at judging whether they are potentially overweight or underweight. You should be able to feel your dogs ribs when running your hands lightly along their sides, and notice a definite tuck upwards towards the loins and in at the waist when looking at them from above. This is important not only for their current health and the potential issues obesity can cause such as heart disease, but also maintaining healthy joints to avoid painful conditions like arthritis as they age.
For more information see: Border Collie Weight
If choosing kibble, it is recommended to choose a premium brand with high quality animal protein as the main ingredient to ensure your dog receives all the required nutrients. As a club we don't make recommendations for particular commercial brands as the market and formulae can change regularly and swiftly however your breeder and veterinarian will be able to make suggestions and recommendations particularly with regard to allergies, food sensitivities or specific health concerns. Access to a balanced raw diet is becoming increasingly available commercially through pet stores and dedicated pet food suppliers. There are a number of canine nutritionists within South Australia who are a wealth of information such as Functional Canine or Holistic Dog, and you can learn how to prepare your own raw meals for your dog or take advantage of the local businesses who excel at creating balanced raw meals such as Raw Fed Riley and Balanced Bark.
Bones are historically given to dogs for their dental health and the enjoyment of chewing, however it is important that these bones are not cooked (due to risk of splintering and subsequent internal damage) and are not large weight-bearing bones such as marrow bones as these are extremely strong (built to hold cows up) and as such often result in broken or damaged teeth. The marrow is also extremely rich and high in fat which increases the risk of weight gain and/or pancreatitis. A better alternative is to give your dog soft, meaty bones where they can use all of their teeth for chewing, ripping and crunching. Bones such as turkey necks, chicken frames, salmon heads, lamb spines, kangaroo tail segments and the like provide great gnawing and tearing opportunities which are hugely beneficial for removing plaque from teeth whilst also being a nutritious portion of a balanced overall diet.
It is important no matter what you feed to ensure your dog remains within their ideal body condition range. We avoid specifying a particular weight, as the weight of a Border Collie varies across different lines, different exercise levels and different dogs in general, so checking your dog's body condition is much more effective at judging whether they are potentially overweight or underweight. You should be able to feel your dogs ribs when running your hands lightly along their sides, and notice a definite tuck upwards towards the loins and in at the waist when looking at them from above. This is important not only for their current health and the potential issues obesity can cause such as heart disease, but also maintaining healthy joints to avoid painful conditions like arthritis as they age.
For more information see: Border Collie Weight
Breeder Directory
The following Dogs Australia registered breeders are financial members of the Border Collie Club of South Australia and have therefore agreed to abide by our code of ethics however BCCSA makes no representation or warranty, express or implied on whether any breeder meets this expectation. We recommend that you perform your own independent research when making an enquiry with any particular breeder before making a commitment to the purchase of a puppy. Please be aware that whilst all of these breeders are members of our club, not all are based in South Australia.
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BARROWBURN
BEECEE * Website Application Form BELCLAREN * Dogzonline BONDOG BORDACROFT * BORDERFIRE Dogzonline |
WAVENEY
Facebook | Phone Dogzonline WILDERBLU Website WILLBEGOOD WONAKA Email WYNNLAKE Website Email | Phone * Puppies available now - please see listings above. If you are a member and would like to be added to the directory please contact the club to fill out the required paperwork. |
Puppy Fundamentals
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Bookings are available now for both 2025 Sessions!
Tickets can be booked using the button below. |
Puppy Class Partners
We are extremely grateful for the support of our official Puppy Class Partners, contributing to the gift bags attendees receive adding incredible value to the bags with information, tips, treats and special discount vouchers. Check them out!
