Belle is my in-house Mommy. She mothers everything in sight, even if it doesn't want to be mothered. She'd never been around human babies before (Aidan was 3 when she was born), yet she'd go crazy when our new grand-nephew came over. She desperately wanted to bathe and cuddle him! She chews the other dog's ears until they're sopping wet, and pins the cats down to bathe them. She has a totally bomb-proof temperament, never showing an ounce of aggression or fear. She finally acted protective of her second litter of puppies, but not enough to concern me. She's just an all-round sweetie pie! Even at 8 (this will be her final litter), she runs around like a puppy. She's amazingly athletic, something she passes along to her puppies. She can jump a 24" fence from a standstill - sideways! She passes on to her puppies her bubbly, outgoing temperament, a strong desire to 'mother' (even among the males), great athletic capabilities, and a good herding instinct.

Ho Dog is a hoot! I've admired his pedigree since before he was born. He comes from working lines which still retain the 'elegance' to show in the conformation ring. I was first introduced to the lines through Katch 22's 'Sulley' (Click on Sulley's photo for more information). Ho (short for Tallee Ho) is just a doll. When I met him I wanted to bring him home with me to keep, but Dusty wouldn't let me ;~D. I don't blame her, if he were my dog I wouldn't part with him either! He's proven himself on stock (the alphabet soup after his name is herding titles from ASCA, AKC, and AHBA), and 'made the cut' at the ASCA Nationals in Bred by Exhibitor, which is no mean feat.

COLOR: This litter is all tris; reds and blacks. Some will have copper trim, some won't (as Ho doesn't).

SIZE: At birth these puppies appear consistently small. While Ho is at least 21", he has small siblings and small dogs behind him (his dam, Catera, is only 18"), so we should get several small dogs in the litter. Also, at least two of Belle's sons are only 19" tall, showing she's dominant for producing small size. As usual though, size can't be guaranteed.

TEMPERAMENT: Expect bubbly, outgoing dogs eager for a job to do. These dogs should be able to do it all, compete in the show ring, herding, agility, obedience, as well as make loving companions in the home (the most important job of all!) While there is always a spectrum of temperaments in a litter, from downright difficult, through middle-of-the-road, down to cuddle bum, this litter wasn't bred to be couch potatoes. I may get one or two, but I don't anticipate that to be the overall temperament of the litter. In Belle's lines, the pups are usually very busy until about 3 years of age, and then mellow out considerably.

AVAILABILITY: We have one red male available, whichever one ends up being more active .