"Border Collies"

Regarded as the most intelligent breed of dog by many, the familiar black and white dog working sheep has been seen by many people and shown in many movies. The Border Collie will also work cattle, goats, geese, ducks and many other types of livestock.

A medium sized dog, usually black and white, they can also be red and white, and tri coloured (black and white with tan points). They have a moderate length, soft, water repellant coat that may be wavy or straight, and can have prick ears, drop ears, or one of each. The typical markings include a white collar, blaze, white feet, and a white tail tip. They can have a full white collar, or a partial one. Historically, markings have not been an important point to consider when breeding - breeding has been done for the working ability.

A Border Collie lives to work and the instinct to herd is natural to them. They are easily trained with a quiet voice and respond best to quiet commands and signals. The Border Collie's tail drops when the dog is ready to work, and their hypnotic eyes control livestock of all shapes and sizes.

The breed is not fully recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, but the dogs can be registered with the Canadian Border Collie registry or, if born in the USA, with one of the Border Collie registries in the USA. They cannot currently compete in CKC licensed events, but could for a few years, and may be able to compete again shortly. Any Border Collie sold in Canada as a registered dog must be registered with the Canadian Border Collie Association or the breeder is in conflict with the Canadian National Live Stock Pedigree Act. As a registered dog, each dog must be tattooed for identification, prior to leaving the breeder.

We suggest that all pups go to obedience training classes when possible. Our first Border Collie litter was CKC registered and several pups competed in obedience trials, winning their Obedience Trial Championships as well as high scores. Dogs from Wimberway have also competed in flyball, herding, sledding, and agility with success.

Our Border Collies work with our cattle and goats, and herd the geese and barn cats as well. "Bingo", and "Lucy" have been used to herd strange cattle off the road, and "Bingo" regularly visited as a Therapy dog at a local Seniors home. Many of the residents there have had farm homes, and really enjoy seeing a dog like one they used to have at home.

We usually have one or two litters a year and try to place the dogs with people who have had a Border Collie before, or where they will be worked. The Border Collie is happy to be part of a family, but it's main aim in life is to herd - and anything, including cars, will be herded if they get bored and left to their own devices. They are very oriented to working, but also to human companionship. A Border Collie should not be tied up outside, fed once a day. and be left out of the family activites.

All our Border Collies have eye clearances from an ACVO Diplomate, and have OVC certified hips.

Julie, a Buddy x Lucy pup, not only works livestock but is an expert tree climber.

"Blaze", two year old male, competes in his first AAC agility trial, and earns qualifying scores in Starter Jumpers and Starter Gamblers. He competed in the 2007 Ontario AAC Regionals and placed in them. Owned, trained, and handled by Tracey Ezekial-Smith, he is by Buddy x Lucy, and is continuing to be trialled. A litter mate to "Blaze" is competing in agility trials in NE Ontario. "Tess", owned in North Bay, has earned several qualifying ribbons in AAC agility trials, and another "Blaze" (Buddy x Jill), owned near North Bay, has just completed basic obedience training and has started agility training.

In Memoriam

Bingo gave us many years of pleasure. She was an excellent working dog with the goats and cattle: gentle with the goats but firm with the cattle. She was a favourite visiting Therapy Dog at the local Seniors Home.

"Lucy" was a short coated, black and white bitch, very fast on her feet, and spent all her time herding. It didn't matter if it was ducklings, geese, hens, goats, or cattle. She had several litters by 'Buddy', and produced good looking, very trainable pups, including several that are competing in AAC agility trials. Ivan's constant companion when he worked the cattle, she loved riding in the truck, tractor, or on the ATV. She will be missed. We never knew her birthdate nor her pedigree, being her third or fourth owners. She left us June 30/07.

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