Jinx the Border Collie

Our sweet boy Jinx.

Getting to be a big boy....

To show, or not to show

W. and Miss Maggie pie at her first puppy match. A second out of about 10 puppies. Not bad for doing a 'rearing pony' imitation while going 'round.

I am not a dog show purist. I am not of the mindset that conformation shows are the benchmark by which we should judge breeding dogs. I am of the whole dog philosophy. Call me crazy, but I think it remains important (even in this day and age) for dogs to have something of the original purpose and ability for which they were created. We have to remember that all breeds of dogs are man-made creations. For if they do not have some of that first intention, then really there remains no reason for the endless array of breeds.

That being said, we do enjoy occasional dog shows. It is something we do and enjoy within that context, and with the intent of having a fun dog outing. Just in the amount of time I have been involved, I have viewed far too many inconsistencies and variances to place a significant amount of stock in it. (How is that for a pun? LOL)

B. with the sweet Jenny girl.

A whole new world

After nearly 40 years of having one breed of dog (shelties), I have entered a whole new world. Exciting and scary stuff!
 At the beginning of this year I brought home my first two Border Collies. We still have and love our shelties, but I knew I needed a change. I thought I would chronicle our adventures with them, from puppy hood on. Already, it has been very interesting! Here is our baby girl, Maggie...

 























Wasn't she adorable as a little munchkin? She came right in and stole my heart.

Thanks to a couple of wonderful Border Collie breeders, we have gotten a rock solid foundation.



Here is our Maggie girl during her easy going first sheep exposure- informal herding instinct test. It went great. She showed plenty of eye and no fear, even at this young age. Soon we will start her formal herding training.
Being a sheltie person, the whole scenario felt foreign to me.. becoming accustomed to a breed with eye versus a loose eyed breed. It is different, but I am loving it already.

I will post updates as we begin training and she progresses.


Next up- our beautiful boy!