We do not have litters more than once every one to two years. We
research carefully to find a stud that complements the bitch's
structure and temperament. We look closely at the dogs "behind"
the stud by pedigree. Our highest priority is to produce dogs that
are physically as well as behaviorally sound.
A major component to producing healthy dogs with sound structure,
are doing health clearances prior to breeding. Currently this
includes, Brucellosis, OFA Hips, CERF, DNA testing for CEA, CL,
TNS. All buyers will be offered copies of these clearances.
We are very active in training /competing for titles on our Border
Collies. We choose to breed to dogs that have obtained
Championships and/ or Titles as we feel that along with
temperament, it demonstrates suitability for breeding; that we are
preserving those physical and mental characteristics that enhance
the Border Collie's versatility.
We are actively involved in the Border Collie Society of America
breed club. We serve on the Health Committee and in 2007
developed/ administered our first Breed Health Survey. This
committee recently developed a more detailed survey that will run
for 12 months, through October, 2012 and it is open to all BC's in
any country.
Casey was the Emergency Coordinater for the National Specialties
from 2007-2010. In 2009 we served on the Education Committee
which brought outstanding speakers to the National Specialty in
Wisconsin as part of our "Border Collie University" concept. That
same year, the BCSA awarded Casey the AKC Outstanding
Sportsmanship Award which was a treasured moment in the history
of North Wind!!
We continue to participate with research teams around the country
who are studying health issues relevant to Border Collies. We send
in blood samples for control groups and complete surveys for these
teams.
We served on the Board of Directors for a new rescue organization
in northern Michigan, and provided foster care for 6 Border Collies
in need of forever homes during the time of our service.
Several of our dogs have volunteered in the community in the past
by visiting the local nursing home, at Hospice House of Traverse
City and the local school to help children read. Abby's brother Cap
will be a volunteer with the Agility Angels program in Toledo,
working with autistic children.
Our litters are whelped and raised in our home with a written
socialization plan. They are sold with a contract and health
guarantee. They will have had their first shots and worming . We
will register the puppies with the AKC for the buyer. We do require
that a pup be returned to us if due to unforeseen circumstances the
buyer is unable to keep their pup.
Potential buyers must complete an application process, which
include references from your training center, your veterinarian and
personal; photos of your FENCED BACK YARD and of course,
"brag" photos of your other dogs! We do reserve the right to
decline an applicant if we feel they are unable or unprepared to
meet the needs of a high energy dog . Preference is often given to
applicants that participate in conformation, performance or herding
events. We do not select homes on a first come basis.
We want to be the buyer's support person should they have
questions on matters of health, training or any concerns that may
arise. This commitment is for the life of your dog. We really enjoy
receiving updates and pictures and with permission, we will post
them on our website.
We offer references upon request
Yes, you may visit our home to meet our dogs by appointment. We
offer high quality kibble to all visitors :)
| In choosing a breeder, you should have many questions. Hopefully the following statements about North Wind will be helpful to you.......... |
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