“Men have forgotten this truth,” said the fox. “But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.” (and bred)
Dogs and Puppies Available
In the process of building the next generation of working dogs, new dogs arrive at the farm and there are litters of new pups with carefully chosen sires and dams. Some pups and young adults will fit better than others and will be offered to new homes.
I am selective about homes/situations for puppies …esp. for older puppies and young dogs. The fit and timing have to be right. That requires a visit to the farm to meet the pup(s)/dog(s) and to make sure the fit is right all around.
My strong preference is for working farms or companion homes. I avoid selling pups / dogs to sheep dog competitors.
Puppy prices typically range from $2500 – $3500. Puppies remain with their littermates here for a minimum of 12 weeks, normally I hold them to 16 weeks, or even longer as their personalities and talents reveal themselves.
In some special circumstances, puppies and dogs can be transported by air on non-stop flights out of a buyer’s pickup area to be met by the buyer. Pups and dogs will be delivered to Boston Logan Airport.
Third party ground couriers are not a delivery option for the pups and dogs.
Pups / Dogs currently available:
- Puppy: Clare (Nel x Rob Ellis’ Bran) born 17-Jul-2024
- Puppy: Anne (Gail x Max) born 22-Mar-2025 *HOLD*
- Puppy: James (Gail x Max) born 22-Mar-2025.
- Puppy: Belle (Gail x Max) born 22-Mar-2025 *HOLD*
- Gail (Ireland): by Dewi Jenkins’ Roy, born 3-Jul-2022
- Jazz (Wales): by Caefelin Clem, born 12-Oct-2021 *HOLD*
Please contact me if you have interest in one of these.
Born but not yet ready:
- Meg x Max, 5 pups, 3M/2F, born 1-June
- Jazz x Pete, 4 pups, 2M/2F, born 19-June
- Sue x Ormond Mirk, 5 pups, 4M/1F, born 4-July
Jazz x Pete Pups
Meg x Max Pups
Sue x Ormond Mirk Pups
Sue and Ormond Mirk puppies are line bred from Dewi Jenkins’ lines: Mirk, son of Dewi’s International Supreme Champion, Jock and Sue, daughter of the most demanded sheepdog stud in the world, Dewi’s Clwyd Bob. A pair of Sweeps from James McCloskey and Ricky Hutchinson in the mix make this is an exciting match!
On Independence Day, Sue gave birth to 5 healthy pups, 4M/1F.
What age to purchase a pup?
Most dog breeders allow puppies to go to their homes at 8 weeks.
Prospective owners of Thundering Paws pup do not choose a working collie pup or take the pup home before 12 weeks, minimum. Generally, they wait until the pups are 16 weeks …sometimes older.
Why keep pups longer than 8 weeks?
- Extra time with littermates makes pups more independent (and dog-like) which is a desirable trait in working collies
- Pups are constantly changing and at different rates. More than 8 weeks is needed to see who the pup really is. A pup’s personality comes out in the relationships with littermates and adults
- Breeding for myself, it is important to retain the pups with traits most desirable for me. Those take time to reveal themselves.
The downside of keeping pups longer is that some pack dynamics and hierarchies set in. A pup might become more dominant or submissive that it might be if removed from the litter/pack earlier.
Advantages of older pups:
- Pup is a known quantity
- Temperament (any fears, aggression, other quirks)
- Health issues
- Herding affinity
These are important for not just choosing the right pups for me but matching them to the right new homes
- Hard work of molding a puppy is done
- 3-9 month period can be very challenging and time-consuming
- Even 9 month old pups are still playful and moldable. They are ready for their new life and so much less work.
I don’t purchase pups myself until they are 9 months or more. I have to “see what they are made of”. Taking 12-16 week old pups is too risky for me. Puppies are changing all the time and what I thought I saw at 8, 12, 16 weeks may or may not last and new behaviors come up.
If you not do not see collie here that fits, please check…
