About Balinfern Collies... Our Philosophy as Breeders
We are a small, but successful Collie Rough kennel in the subtropical hills behind Byron Bay ( located at the most easterly part of the Pacific Ocean coast of Australia), in the far north east of New South Wales, Australia. Balinfern Collies is dedicated to the health and soundness of the collie as a working dog. We believe that our Collies are a part of our family, and that all dogs must only be cared for by committed owners who are able to understand that dogs are life long companions, not possessions or items of fashion. We show our collies infrequently due to other commitments, usually only 7 to 8 times a year, but as our show results indicate, our collies always hold their own in the show ring, and therefore we are very fortunate to have Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show and Best in Group winners amongst our collie family!
Eye Testing and Hip Scoring
We breed infrequently, and then only in an attempt to improve the breed in line with the Collie Standard, and only when we want to keep a pup from the litter. We are very selective in looking for good homes for all the other pups! All our own breeding stock are hip scored and we assess the eye scores of these breeding stock. Where we use stud dogs from another kennel we try wherever possible to ensure those dogs are also eye tested and hip scored. All Balinfern pups are eye tested by qualified Canine Ophthalmologists at 6 - 8 weeks of age. All purchasers of a Balinfern pup are given a copy of the eye test results.
Contract with Purchasers for Return of Pup
Balinfern Collies enter into a contract with purchasers of our pups that we will take back the pup or dog, whatever the age, if for any reason the purchaser is unable to continue to look after them. We believe this is a responsible practice for any breeder. We would not like to think that any of our pups might end up in homes where they are no longer able to be cared for, or are in a dog pound. We always try to keep in touch with the family of our collie pups to ensure that they are coping while their Balinfern puppy is 'house training' them! People who buy a pup from Balinfern are encouraged to keep in touch with us so that we can be of assistance when necessary right throughout the life of their Balinfern Collie.
Collie Rescue
Balinfern Collies are also able to provide advice and assistance in cases where a collie, not of their breeding, requires re-housing. This is commonly called Collie Rescue. Please contact us if you would like our assistance in finding a new home for a collie.
Canine Control and Club Membership
Balinfern Collies are members of the NSW and QLD Canine Control Councils, the NSW Collie Club, and the QLD Collie Rough and Smooth Club.