Choosing the right Border Collie breeder is one of the most important steps we take on our journey to dog ownership. Border Collies are among the world’s most intelligent and driven breeds, but they also have a unique history split between working and show lines. This is the first post in a blog series that discusses things every prospective owner should know about finding a reputable breeder, including must-have attributes and red flags, with special attention to what the American Border Collie Association (ABCA) and American Kennel Club (AKC) recommend and why they differ in their positions.
ABCA Best Practices: What Makes a Top Working Border Collie Breeder
The ABCA is dedicated to protecting the Border Collie as a true working stock dog. Their recommendations for breeders include:
• Breeding dogs for their working ability and sound temperament, not simply their looks or popularity as pets.
• Health testing for both parents looking for inherited hip and eye issues with organizations and testing from such organizations as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Antech PennHIP certification and DNA screening for health issues like the autosomal recessive genetic trait Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). Best Practice includes the breeder sharing these records with buyers.
• Raising puppies in a healthy, enriching environment that is clean, safe, and uses appropriate socialization for their age and maturity.
• Registering all eligible litters and dogs with the ABCA, and providing transparent, three-generation pedigrees emphasizing working ancestry.
• Limiting how often females are bred; no more than 4–5 litters in a lifetime, and only if mom is in good health.
• Giving buyers written records, health information, and ongoing support for the life of the dog.
• Providing clear guidance and recommending immediate veterinary exams for puppies in their new homes.
ABCA Red Flag Breeder Warning Signs
Watch for these warning signs that a breeder may not be following ABCA standards:
• No health clearances or records for parents and puppies; the breeder can’t, or won’t, show proof of testing.
• Producing many litters each year indicating a focus on quantity over quality.
• Emphasizing coloration and rarity over temperament, health, and working ability.
• Selling puppies through mass advertising (such as Craig’s List) or in the local newspaper, without screening buyers or offering long-term support.
• Unwillingness to answer buyers questions, share references, or discuss the breeding program and health history in depth.
AKC Best Practices and Red Flags: For Conformation and Show-Focused Buyers
For those interested in conformation and show lines (appearance-based), the AKC provides its own set of best practices:
• Health screening and clearances for genetic conditions, with documentation for any buyer.
• Clean, healthy, well-socialized environments, and openness about facilities. Buyers should be welcome to visit.
• Registration paperwork with AKC for eligible pups, plus guidance for new owners with a commitment to support and rehoming if ever needed.
• Breeding with the goal of improving the breed by the official AKC conformation standard.
• Thoughtful, limited breeding and thorough record keeping by the breeder.
AKC red flags to watch for:
• No health checks or transparency; breeders dodge health or lineage questions.
• Unwillingness to allow visits or show parents/environment.
• Breeding solely for rare or fad colors. Producing high volumes of puppies for profit.
Why ABCA and AKC Don’t Work Together: Philosophy and Policy
This is a sensitive subject in the dog world, so it’s crucial to be clear and fair. The two registries approach Border Collie breeding with different philosophies:
• ABCA exists to protect the breed’s true working style and lineage. To ensure this, they do not recognize any registry focused on conformation showing and bar “Conformation Champions” from ABCA registration:
“The ABCA is a working stockdog registry and believes that breeding for conformation standards rather than working ability is detrimental to the health and working ability of the Border Collie. The ABCA does not recognize any registry that promotes conformation showing of Border Collies. Consequently: Dogs or bitches which have been named a ‘Conformation Champion’ by a conformation registry are not eligible for ABCA registration, even if they otherwise meet the requirements for registration.”
In short: If you want a Border Collie for farm work, herding, or sport, seek ABCA-registered breeders who uphold these principles.
• AKC provides a respected registry, especially if your goal is showing in the conformation ring and you value appearance that meets the breed standard. AKC breeders will focus on structure, looks, and temperament as defined for the show ring, along with health and record keeping. This is where the “pet dog” category is loosely found, although many AKC registered Border Collies are found in sport dog categories such as dock diving, scent work, herding trials (external to the ABCA) and dog sports.
How to Use This Information
• Decide what you want: a highly trainable, old style working dog (ABCA) or a dog that meets the AKC and Border Collie Society of America (BCSA) standards and can compete in AKC events(AKC).
• Use the must-have checklists and reject breeders with red flags regardless of registry.
• Always insist on transparency, health screening, and a breeder’s involvement for the lifetime of your dog.
Both registries have ethical, responsible breeders. The key is to match your goals to the right breeder. Do your homework, ask questions, and your Border Collie will be off to the best possible start; whether in the pasture, on the agility course, or sharing the sofa.
Access our “ABCA vs. AKC Best Practices and Red Flags Checklist” here: