Just a few Frequently Asked Questions about our puppies and how we do things 🙂
1) Is a Border Collie right for my family? — Border Collies are intelligent, active dogs that thrive when they are included in everyday family life. They do best with people who are willing to provide regular exercise, training, mental stimulation and plenty of interaction. A family does not need to live on a ranch or participate in dog sports, but a Border Collie is generally not a good choice for a home looking for a low-involvement dog. Our primary goal is to place our puppies as devoted companions with active families who understand and enjoy the breed.
2) How do you help families choose a puppy? — We spend time observing the puppies as they grow and share what we begin noticing about their personalities, activity levels and interactions. These are early impressions rather than guarantees of adult temperament or ability. Telling us about your household, normal routine and what you hope to enjoy with your dog helps us have a more useful conversation about which available puppy may appeal to you.
3) How are puppies reserved? — Available puppies are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis once we have communicated with the buyer and received the required $500 deposit. An inquiry alone does not place a puppy on hold. We are happy to share our early observations and help answer questions, but the deposit is what officially reserves a puppy.
4) When will my puppy be ready to pick up? — We typically schedule in-person pickup around seven weeks of age. We do our best to send updated pictures or videos whenever possible so you can watch your puppy grow before pickup, although updates are not guaranteed. Because several puppies from the same litter may be leaving around the same time, we will coordinate an individual pickup day, time and location with each family.
When traveling to Alabama is not practical, transportation options may be available on a case-by-case basis. Puppies traveling through a transportation provider may need to remain with us a little longer depending on age requirements and the arrangements being made. Please contact us early, and we will be happy to discuss what may be possible for your family.
5) Can I come visit my puppy? — Our puppies’ health is our foremost concern. Especially while they are young and their immune systems are fragile. As such, we do not allow visitors inside our kennels. I am happy to send you pictures of anything you would like to see. We are AKC kennel inspected and my vet visits regularly for vaccines. I will gladly give you contact information if you would like references.
6) What kind of food is my puppy eating? — We start our puppies on Purina Puppy Chow. I will be sending some with you when you pick up your puppy. It will be plenty to transition them over to the food of your choice. If you have questions on which brand you should feed, please consult your vet as they will know what is readily available in your area.
7) Will my puppy have any kind of permanent I.D.? — Yes. We microchip all of our puppies. You must register your chip number online somewhere in order for it to work. Where is up to you. There are lots of options with varying charges. AKC offers one as well. You can also ask your vet if they have a company they prefer. Most microchip companies ask for your vets’ contact information as well.
8) Has my puppy had any shots? — Yes. You will be given a vaccination record that will tell you what your puppy has been given and when. Keep in mind, they are NOT protected against parvo and other canine diseases until they receive the full series of shots; around 15-16 weeks of age. So, please take your puppy to your vet; they will get you on a schedule to finish out the series.
9) Is my puppy registered? — Yes. Applications for limited registration (non-breeding status) with AKC will be provided when you pick your puppy up. You will just fill out the forms and mail them in. If you are interested in breeding rights, feel free to reach out to discuss this further.
10) How/when is the final payment made? — Deposits are made using Venmo through our website or through the GoodDog app if contact was initiated there. For in-person pickup, the remaining balance is preferred in cash at pickup. If transportation arrangements are being made, final-payment instructions will be discussed in advance. Every puppy must be paid in full before leaving C Bar C Ranch.
11) Does my puppy come with a health warranty? — YES. It does. Please reference the “Puppy Contract” link.
12) How to prepare for your new family member? — My favorite online training resource is Baxter & Bella. They have lots of FREE resources to help you prepare for and train your new puppy. If you choose to join, use the code CBARCRANCH and you will get 25% off!! https://www.baxterandbella.com