What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies have rough coats. This means that as adults, they will have long and thick fur.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include black white and tan, blue merle and white, sable and white, and sable merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs. Steps are taken to ensure that "double merle"/"double dilute" puppies are not produced.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in our home, with my husband and young children. They also cohabitate nicely with small animals.
Do you conduct OFA testing?
Collies are generally very healthy dogs. As such, the parent breed club and Collie Health Foundation do not suggest any form of OFA evaluation. If you intend to take part in high-impact or weight-bearing sports or tasks with your dog on a regular basis, however, these tests may be indicated. Please consult with your veterinarian about your dog's physical fitness beforehand.
Do you conduct CAER testing?
CAER testing is recommended for the collie breed due to the prevalence of CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) within the breed. According to the Collie Health Foundation, dogs cannot develop these ocular deformities unless they are genetically passed down. Since all of Highland Moor's breeding stock are clear for CEA and cannot pass it on to their puppies, CAER testing has been rendered redundant and is not performed.
Do you work with sport and/or show homes?
Yes! We are happy to work with you to match you with your next sport and/or conformation show prospect. All of our puppies are typically sold on a mandatory spay/neuter contract, however we are happy to discuss co-ownership if this affects your plans.
Do you place prospects for task-trained service dog work, therapy dog candidacy, or emotional support animal status?
Yes! Please reach out to tell us more about what you are looking for in an assistance animal so that we can match you with the puppy who best suits your needs. It is helpful to keep in mind that any dogs performing weight-bearing tasks that require pulling or bracing should be at least two years of age and cleared by a veterinarian before doing so, and should also have safe and comfortable working equipment.
Do I get to pick out my puppy?
One of the cornerstones of Highland Moor's breeding program is our extensive puppy application process. It is important to know what each family is looking for in a dog, what their lifestyle looks like, etc, so that we can select and match a puppy to you based on which one aligns with what you're looking for best. Because we spend ten weeks with each litter before they go home, we truly do have the best insight on each puppy's personality and quirks, and can make the most informed decisions. Please make all of your preferences known (gender, energy levels, coat color, etc) known so we can find your perfect match!
What if I need to return my puppy?
We are so sorry that things aren't working out, and would love to work with you to find a solution if possible. That being said, if you can no longer keep your collie puppy, we will take them back and re-home them responsibly on your behalf. Please do not surrender your dog or puppy to a shelter or rescue. No matter how old they are or how long it has been, any puppy we produce will always have a home here.
Why can't I get a puppy right away instead of waiting?
Highland Moor is a small-scale, ethical breeding kennel that operates off of a waiting list of devoted families looking forward to their puppies. If we do not have any available when you are browsing our site, please get in touch so you can be next on our list. We would advise caution with massive puppy-brokering operations, as many operate out of neglectful puppy mills.
What if I don't want a puppy, and would like an older dog instead?
Puppies aren't for everyone! We would be happy to talk with you about where to find the perfect adult collie to suit your needs and become the newest member of your family. Please feel free to reach out using the GoodDog Portal.
When can I take my puppy home?
Puppies are matched with their new families at roughly the 7-week mark, and can go home at 10 weeks of age. We wait until this age to ensure your puppy is not experiencing a big life change during a fear period, to finish out their de-worming schedules, and to give them the added benefit of additional socialization here.
How do I pay for my puppy?
All payments are made securely through the GoodDog Portal.
How do I get my puppy home?
We can coordinate a time for your puppy to go home together through the GoodPup portal. You may schedule a time to come pick up your puppy on-site, or we can collaborate on meeting at a halfway point. Highland Moor does not ship puppies by aircraft.
What should I feed my puppy?
Food is a very personal choice that is ultimately up to each individual family, however we do have specific recommendations under our "Collie Health & Nutrition" page. A complete diet formulated for large breed puppies OR all life stages is a good starting point.
How does your waiting list work?
Our waiting list is compiled on a first-come, first-served basis. You must place a deposit (non-refundable) before being placed on our waiting list. If you are not ready for your puppy yet when matches are being made, you can opt to continue waiting for the next litter and the next person in line will be served.
How do you socialize puppies before they leave?
Puppy socialization is one of the most valuable things in Highland Moor's program. The process begins early using a blend of Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation, followed by age-appropriate exposure and desensitization to grooming, car rides, various sounds and surfaces, children, other dogs, small animals, people of various age/gender/ethnic presentations, and basic handling of feet, ears, mouths, etc.
What will my puppy come home with?
Your puppy will be sent with treats, the food they have been used to eating so they can gently transition to a new diet if needed, a puppy starter kit which includes a guide book, a blanket with their mother and littermate's scent on it, and will come with AKC registration.
What healthcare will my puppy already have had?
Your puppy will have their first round of vaccines and de-worming complete, a microchip, and will be sent home with their medical records to be established with your veterinarian.
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You are also eligible for a lifetime 10% off of Figo pet insurance when you complete your puppy purchase through our GoodDog Portal.
How do I keep my puppy from getting sick?
Puppies have particularly vulnerable immune systems until their final set of vaccinations has had time to become effective (usually 2 weeks after injection). In order to keep your puppy healthy, please do not allow them to walk on the floor or be exposed to surfaces where other dogs tend to congregate (such as pet stores and dog parks). A puppy sling, wagon, or stroller is a great way to continue socializing them while staying safe from diseases. Avoid letting your puppy interact with sick dogs, encourage frequent hand-washing for family and friends, and clean your puppy's feet and body with pet-friendly cleansing wipes once a day.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes! All of our puppies are covered by a standard health guarantee. Owners who pledge and provide proof of adherence to recommended nutrition plans are eligible for extended health guarantees. For more information, please reference your puppy contract OR our "Collie Health & Nutrition" page.
What should I bring when I pick up my puppy?
This will depend upon your mode of travel. For those travelling by car, please bring fresh water and a clean bowl for your puppy to drink from. Puppies must ride in a crate or restrained by a safety device attached to a properly-fitted harness (ie, a dog seatbelt). We recommend bringing towels (that you aren't particularly attached to), toys, poop bags, a collar, and a leash in addition to these items. Puppy measurements for ensuring a proper fit are available upon request.
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For those travelling in an airplane cabin or train with their puppy, please have an appropriately sized enclosure for your puppy to safely stay in for the duration of your trip. The carrier should meet the requirements of your chosen travel company's guidelines.
