The Dogs

The aim is to keep about 6 working dogs on the farm at any one time. That doesn’t include retired dogs (who have earned their rest) and young pups.

The dogs on the farm are all from UK/Ireland stock, registered with either the ISDS (International Sheep Dog Society) or the ABCA (American Border Collie Association).

** Working border collies should be considered a different breed from standard AKC registered border collies. **

In the UK, where the breed originated, working dogs are called ‘sheep dogs‘. They are registered by the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS). The pet variety is referred to as a ‘border collie’ and is registered by the Kennel Club.

Working collies are bred for temperament, intelligence, and herding ability. As such, the markings and physical characteristics of working collies are more variable than those of AKC registered collies typically bred for confirmation to breed standard.

Working collies without the requisite temperament and herding aptitude are removed from the breeding stock and sold to pet owners.

On farms, working dogs that endanger stock or humans are summarily destroyed. Only once have I had to do that with a ‘rescue’ from dubious AKC lines that left me permanently injured. A bad dog can do substantial damage to humans and kill stock.

The working collies bred on the Thundering Paws Farm have beautiful temperaments, inherited from well-chosen parents. The puppies are evaluated on stock. Those that show aptitude for stock are steered toward working homes. Puppies with little or no herding aptitude are sold to pet/companion homes, without registration or with a non-breeding agreement.

A brief profile follows for each of the permanent working dogs. Also a couple of my legends: Kody and Seren [the best dog I may ever have]. A profile of Becca as well, now with Chip, but always in my heart.