If you're currently searching for a border collie puppy, you'll already know how hard it is to find one that's genuinely, thoroughly health tested. I found this out the hard way myself. I've been looking for a puppy since March, and what started as a straightforward search turned into months of research, disappointment, and a real education in just how much variation there is in breeding practices, even within a single breed.
So I've put everything I've learned, both professionally as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and personally as someone who's spent months doing this search myself, into one free, downloadable guide.
Inside, you'll find a clear explanation of what health tests actually matter (and which conditions, like hip dysplasia and epilepsy, can't be picked up by a DNA test alone), how to properly research a pedigree rather than relying on the parents' results in isolation, what to watch for when you visit a litter, and the red flags that matter far more than how a puppy looks in a photo.
The idea running through the whole guide is simple: don't just research the puppy, research the family. The puppy in front of you is only eight weeks old. It's the relatives, going back through parents, grandparents, and previous litters, that tell you what your puppy is genuinely likely to become.
Whether you're just starting your search or already have a litter in mind, this booklet will guide you to resources that will help you make your decision.