"Give to the world the best that you have, and the best will come back to you."
The Riverrun Breeding Goal … It is the intention at Riverrun to breed the very best quality possible of Collies, not quantity. We don't breed often. First and foremost, when we do a breeding at Riverrun, it is with the intention to improve upon what we already have. We are very excited as each new generation surpasses the one before.
Although we do sell show prospect puppies occasionally, most Riverrun puppies will serve as loving and outgoing companion dogs to their new families. We are striving for genetically healthy, balanced and beautiful dogs. Each breeding is carefully planned as we select the finest individuals of superior breed type to use in our next generation. With this practice of using only quality stud dogs from the very best of top bloodlines, we have been consistent with the overall "balance" of our collies which includes correct Collie type as defined by our collie standard, sound structure and outstanding movement, beauty and elegance. We have also been consistent with the wonderful temperaments and intelligence in Riverrun puppies which makes them do so well in all venues - conformation and performance.
Health and temperament are top priorities in the Riverrun breeding program. Because most people who acquire puppies from Riverrun are looking for family companions, it is important that both sire and dam exhibit the best of dispositions. Our collies and puppies are raised in the house with lots of interaction with children, other dogs, cats, and lots of socialization.
All Riverrun puppies are examined by a licensed veterinarian at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and are given their first distemper vaccine at 7 weeks of age. The puppies have their eyes examined and cleared by Dr. Marjorie Neaderland or Dr. Charles Stuhr at 7-8 weeks of age. Both Dr. Neaderland and Dr. Stuhr are American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology(ACVO) Certified Members.
Puppies will be released to their new owners no earlier than 8 weeks of age. We prefer that our pups be 10 weeks of age before going to their new homes. Riverrun puppies go home on a month trial period. Each new owner will receive a puppy portfolio containing the following: a record of immunization, a profile on the puppy recording his progress from birth, a feeding schedule, sample food, leash and collar, treats and toy, follow-up care instructions and health booklets, a copy of all contracts and guarantees, a pedigree, pictures, and other special interest information on the Collie. We require that all pet puppies be spayed/neutered by 8 months of age. AKC application for registration will be received when the decision is made by both parties that this is the right home for the new puppy and/or dog.
As breeders of our beautiful and wonderful collies at Riverrun, we take pride in the responsibility of making sure that they are placed in great homes with families that will love and care for them throughout their life. Those families that have a Riverrun collie find they are perfect family companions - sweet, loyal, loving, intelligent, self-assured, protective and proud - "Something to Live By".
Your Search for the Right Collie Breeder …
In your search for a prospective puppy, you will find that breeders differ in their prices, warranties, etc., we encourage you to discuss the terms of sale to your satisfaction. Responsible breeders should be screening for hereditary disorders and poor temperaments and eliminating these things from their breeding stock. In your search for a collie companion, my best advice is to speak with as many breeders as possible. In this way, you will come to recognize those individuals who are both educated and responsible, as well as intent upon finding the best possible home for their puppies.
Prior to looking at litters, it is best, when possible, to visit with the breeder and meet his/her dogs. Since many of us have several generations from a particular bloodline, meeting the mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, uncle, etc. of the expected puppy will give one a good indication of what one may expect in terms of temperament and appearance of a puppy produced from these bloodlines. Additionally, although many of us do not have the sire on the premises, most dedicated breeders will have photographs, certification numbers and history of the sire readily available.
Please check our "Puppies" page for status on up-coming litters at Riverrun.
Please click on the link for a few of our Favorite Puppy Photos of past Riverrun litters.
Should you have questions or require further assistance, please feel free to Contact Us.
We wish you the best in your search for the perfect companion puppy!