Thanks to you all. Am hugely disappointed because the breeder that I wanted to buy from didn't contact me back. On the other hand, buying my new home is going slowly, and the pups are already 8 weeks so... the time frame would have been awkward.

I want a particular breed, border collie (purebred or cross). Not obsessively, I do look at other dogs in rescue. I like large dogs and have trained one aggressive large dog who I adored BUT I am being realistic about the fact that I'm getting older and might suddenly become not strong enough to hold a huge dog who had set his mind on something. Medium size but lively seems perfect I look at small dogs, but I'm relocating to rocky hillsides and cliffs with very strong winds. I know that border collies (often) can be (very) demanding personalities to live with, but they are strong built and thrive in mountainous environments. They find a variety of rough environments interesting, they are tough and savvy enough not to get themselves into trouble (with the big exception of herding instincts).

I am going to have my hands full training a pup with herding instincts to recall in the countryside, let alone a strong adult dog. I totally get what you say about no fence high enough Eskielover!!! I have been reading through all the literature available about training 8-16 week collies. Apparently this is the time when training should be a priority = accustoming them to different experiences, and starting to let them know what is and isn't permitted, even if have to carry them around before they are fully vaccinated.

Thank you so much Eskie-lover for talking about the bond. That makes me feel so much better. Yes, I want a bonded dog as well and... if it's a border collie... a well-behaved one. Border collies share my trait of disliking boredom - so we will both need to do some fun dog-social training, some agility and practice lettiing each other relax quietly!!!

I've done quite a lot of reading about older border collies and the illnesses they are liable to as well. Am preparing myself for all the responsibilities!!! A collie probably needs to have it's hair groomed as often as I brush my own.

Reaching out to all you dog owners: I'm having moments of difficulty imagining that this big change in my life will happen successfully. There are people to persuade, hard physical work still to get done, and my own inner darkness to constantly enlighten. I do not have control of other people's slow timescales, so patience is a virtue!!!

Thank you so much for all the responses!!! Saidso


I look at rescues constantly, but it's a fact that collies in rescue these days mostly are there because they have severe behavioural problems - or they are 13 years old and blind. I've decided that I can't take on a dog that is homebound or unsocial to other dogs and people. The point of my new life is to make new friends (doggy and human). Also I don't yet have a car and rescue dogs with behavioural problems require frequent befriending visits to remote locations which I can't manage.