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blue merle border collie?

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  • 22-04-2009 5:18pm
    #1
    reality
    Closed Accounts Posts: 90 ✭✭


    hi all, just wondering if anyone here knows of a breeder for blue merle border collies or of anyone who just happens to have some pups lol? need not be ikc registered, but preferably a purebred collie - doesn't matter if they're from a working or show strain! thank you!


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    #2
    EGAR
    Registered Users Posts: 2,874 ✭✭✭EGAR


    Hi there, the blue merle gene is a defective gene and dogs who carry it often suffer from serious health and behavioural issues.

    Blue merle collies crop up fairly often in rescue as owners are not willing to cope with vet bills or behavioural problems. If you really want one and are aware of the implications then rescues should be your first place to look


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    #3
    reality
    Closed Accounts Posts: 90 ✭✭reality


    i am aware of the possible implications of careless breeding with blue merles, both behavioural and medical :) but thanks for bringing it up as it is an issue alot of people aren't aware of. luckily most professional breeders now days are following guidelines and protocol to control hereditary problems, and dogs have been bred from a merle and a standard, meaning that they have a minute chance of suffering from genetic problems such as cea, deafness etc.
    i have already been in contact with my local shelters and asked that they contact me in the event of a merle coming in, however, i'd ideally like a dog under four months for ease of socialisation and training. my other dog is a rescue too and my decision to get a border collie is largely dependant on how well the breeds typical traits would suit her as a companion, though my wish for a blue merle is based on alot of research and an interest in coat colour linked genetics. :) thanks for the advice egar.


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    #4
    bigpinkelephant
    Closed Accounts Posts: 792 ✭✭✭bigpinkelephant


    Would a Shetland Sheepdog be any good to you?
    This breeder seems quite decent..

    http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/dogs/879219


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    #5
    reality
    Closed Accounts Posts: 90 ✭✭reality


    although they are gorgeous, i think a sheltie would be bowled over by my other dog - cleo is a very playful, high energy whippet/greyhound type cross and it might be a bit unfair on the sheltie as the poor sweet little thing would never get any rest!!


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