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So, you have your heart set on getting a Border Collie puppy? Nothing wrong with that decision as long as you understand exactly what a Border Collie is all about, where to locate a responsible breeder and know you're in for a lifetime commitment.

I advise you to attend some herding, agility and obedience events in your area to watch this awesome breed at work. Take notice of how the handlers treat their dogs, how are they quartered until ready for competition, what tone of voice and body language does the person use to direct the dog?? Follow some of the losers back to their vehicles and see if the dog is treated with respect or abused.  All these observations are extremely important as you narrow the field down for selecting your Border Collie puppy's breeder. Matter of fact, there MORE important than what lines you will choose. I found this out myself. Kelley is from some of the best dogs in my area and she has CEA! 

Next, watch the dogs. How do they respond when given a command? Are they enthusiastic, stubborn or retreat away from the handler? Does the dog look happy and longingly into his handler's face? I've noticed this both at herding trials and obedience events. The dog will watch for their handler's approval and acknowledge it by staring into their face. How often is the dog stroked or praised for a job well done? Positive answers in your own mind will help lead you to the right breeder. A dog and handler team which appear aloof towards one another will tell you volumes about their relationship and breeding program. DON'T buy a dog from anyone you're uncomfortable observing or talking too. 

After you've observed enough while attending your favored Border Collie performance event, then start writing down questions you want to ask the breeder; specifically and/or further observations you'll want to make. Such as ask to see:

1. any official certificates the dog has won
2. both parents work in their chosen specialty
3. the entire kennel area, be shown how the breeder cleans the runs and what disinfectants he uses.
4. what type of food he feeds and how much
5. Notice while walking through the area where the dogs are kept if they have clean drinking water
6. Are the dog houses filled with some sort of bedding which looks clean and dry if housed outdoors?
7. What condition are the dog's houses in?
8. If there is a litter available be sure you see where the pups are being kept.
9. DON'T be satisfied with the breeder bringing out a pup for you to see.
10. Why does he or she NOT want you to see all of the pups?
11. Ask to see the pup's pedigree and any relatives on the premises or photos.
12. BE certain to see any health certificates before settling on a particular pup.
13. Have the parents and grandparents been cleared of Hip Dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly, free of Epilepsy, and sport friendly temperaments? QUESTION THE BREEDER, DON'T BE INTIMIDATED!
14. Consider before hand whether you want a male or female and discuss your decision with the breeder. In my opinion, the males are just easier to get along with than the females. The latter are temperamental and tend to be more snappy towards other dogs than the males. 
15. If you decide on an ABCA or AKC registered pup be sure the parent's registrations are in order as well. ASK TO SEE THEM.
16. Talk with the breeder about which performance events you desire for this pup to eventually compete under. That will help the breeder to pick out the best pup suited for that activity. Sometimes, the obedience lines are too high strung for herding and the show lines have no idea what sheep are, although there are exceptions to every rule. 
17. Perhaps you prefer not to get a pup, then let the breeder know that your preference is with an older dog, who may already be trained. Expect to pay more because of the work already put into the dog by the trainer. 
18. If the breeder lives out of state, do your UTMOST to get references and talk with anyone else who has purchased a pup from this person. 

I was stung on my last Sheltie puppy, because I didn't seek more than one recommendation. I should have hunted for someone else who had previously purchased from this breeder before allowing emotion to sway my decision. My prospective show prospect is now cowhocked, hearing impaired and inherited a weak immune system and he's suposedly from a responsible breeder. PLEASE research the breeder carefully. ASK, ASK, ASK! 

That is not by any means an exhaustive list of quesitons, observations or thoughts for you to consider BEFORE purchasing a puppy. This is a decision you are making that will affect the life of the pup you are considering as well as your own time and effort. I can't stress enough how important it is to find the right breeder and the right Border Collie puppy. 

There are so many rescue horror stories where someone purchased a Border Collie on a whim, because they saw the dog's working at a trial, watched a stupid movie about a herding pig and thought that's the breed for them. It isn't!! Border Collies are NOT for everyone and most certainly if you don't have any extra time in your schedule for a four legged toddler who never grows up. LOL!!