3f584c35   
   From: jo-wolf@webtv.net   
      
   This is one of those things that you need to discuss with your dog's   
   vet.  You may see her as in fine fettle.... but that doesn't mean that   
   she really is.  I'd rather compare her to a 40 or 45 year old woman   
   having a first baby.  It can be done.... but the risks may be higher   
   than you want to take; canine obstetrics are much more dangerous to the   
   bitch than to a human mother. Puppy mortality is also Much higher than   
   for humans, regardless of the mother's health and age.   
      
   Here are some things to consider....  Is she a superior working herding   
   dog?  Is she a show champion or has she earned at least placements in   
   show classes, and perhaps one or more Challenge Certificate?  Has she   
   had her eyes evaluated by a vet ophthalmologist (eye doc), and did she   
   get a normal rating?  Does she have titles in obedience, fly-ball,   
   and/or agility?  If she doesn't get a "Yes" on a minimum of four of   
   these questions, she may be a lovely dog for YOU, but it doesn't mean   
   that she will produce superior, typical-for-breed and healthy puppies.   
   She might not even be a good mum.  You may not be able to find good   
   homes for all.... or any.... of her puppies.  Do you even have any   
   experience with placing puppies in appropriate homes?  Don't plan on   
   "breaking even" financially...... you won't.  How much can you afford to   
   lose?   
      
   Oh..... and have you found a male that is also a superior quality dog to   
   mate to her?  Just another Border Collie is not enough....   
      
   And.... if you had to ask here, you have great gaping holes in your   
   knowledge about dogs, the breed, and about breeding, which places you at   
   a distinct disadvantage from the start.  Breeding has it's wonderful   
   moments.... and some of the biggest heartbreaks you can imagine.  But   
   now is the time, if you Really want to be a breeder, to start studying,   
   and to get to know people who work, train, trial, and show Border   
   Collies, for the purpose of learning as much as possible.... then get a   
   nice bitch of the Best quality you can find and go from there while she   
   is still a young adult, about 2 years of age..... not a "maiden bitch"   
   at 7 years.   
      
   Jo Wolf   
   Martinez, Georgia   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)