Just lost 2 of our 3 collies to stroke. One was 12 going on 13. The other was 10 going on 11. We are trying to find one or two to fill out our collie needs...but no luck so far. Our focus is very narrow as to what we are looking for: a purebred sable/white male or female with full white mane and a white blaze on the face. Solid white with sable face is ok. They won't be used for breeding. The sticking point, in the only reply we've received, appears to be lack of a fenced in yard. We're not too fond of that for several reasons...chief among them is the fact that there black bears all over the place here. They can (and do) climb over chain link fences. I don't want my collies to become lunch. Safety has not been an issue for our collies, as none of them have been hurt in the 30 or so years we've had them. The nearest city is 30 miles away. Our home is about 200 yards from the nearest road and we are always present when they are outside. They go out for exercise (twice a day) in our 1 acre yard (We have 15 acres total.) They chase each other until they are ready to rest, so exercise is no problem. Thereafter, they return to their indoor air conditioned dwelling for their daily grooming. They are afforded the best of veterinary care. Anyone know where I can find a rough sable/white as described above?
Try contacting your National Breed Club for advice. I suspect you may be in Canada? Http://collieclubofcanada.ca There is an online site you might like to look at.
The specific color and markings requirement may be turning them off too. Remember a reputable breeder only breeds when they have a waiting list. As they do not know what colors and/or markings they will get in a litter, they are hesitant to accept buyers who are so specific. Most buyers will state "we'll wait as long as we have to, to get that color/markings", but that means one of two things: 1. They may not get that puppy for several years and then the buyer gets frustrated and starts demanding their deposit back and bad mouthes the breeder; and/or 2. Their priority is showing/working stock. Puppies who show potential for show/working will be sold at a premium to buyers who will show/work the dog. If the only puppy with your specific color markings is show/work quality, they face a dilemna. Do they sell the puppy to you who will not show/work it because you are high on the waiting list OR do they sell the puppy to a buyer who will show/work it even though they are lower on the waiting list? If they do the former, they lose the potential championship line for future breeding. If they do the latter, they risk having you badmouth them. So, it is easier to avoid buyers with such specific requirements altogether.
