Laura Vishoot

"Selecting for work alone" is huge. It encompasses the natural abilities, temperament, physical stamina and soundness. Most also pay attention to genetic diseases when making breeding choices. I can't think of any other criteria to even consider when breeding working border collies. What would they even be?

I'd be interested in seeing the extended pedigrees of the dogs listed on the registry's site to learn what breeds of dogs are going into creating this breed, just for curiosity's sake. The pictures appear to be of anything from an aussie with a tail, to an English shepherd, a border collie cross, or a rough collie cross. Anyway, I have nothing against the endeavor, though I do question whether it has anything to do with "Scottish roots" or anything besides breeding an assortment of different breeds and mixes together to create a particular "look" that those involved are attracted to. The "proven farm dog" part is dubious, unless it just means that you can prove the dog lived on a farm.

People believe that if the dog is registered with the ABCA it's "from working lines" and if they cross it with their "breed dog" (what they call dog show / conformation dogs) they are putting the "working" back in. And then they'll "have it all." Seriously.

Most people I know who breed border collies will happily place a puppy in the RIGHT non working home. There are some "working homes" that would never get a puppy from these folks. It all hinges on the best situation for the puppy. If there's a list, it's likely full of "working" people because they know in advance of the planned breeding, they'll get priority, but the purpose is not necessarily to refuse non-working homes. Never heard of any of them requiring a pediatric spay / neuter. I'm not saying that doesn't happen, but I've never heard of it. Most know that's not good for dogs. I would not be a fan of a "reputable breeders list." I guess that would mean that whoever is not on it is disreputable. If somebody is aware enough to be looking for such a list, I trust that they're aware enough to do their own homework and research. Since we have the Internet, and here we all are on it, everybody can network and share information, as well as communicate directly with anyone breeding and their clients. As Donald says, a great many of our dogs don't come from people who identify themselves as "breeders," but from individuals who have a really good dog that they think would cross well with this other really good dog.

Maybe I spoke too soon, not everyone has voted yet.

Nobody needs to write to the directors anymore on this subject. Resolution is already in progress.

Does anyone have the full results for the Canadian finals? Thanks, Laura