Dare's Bio

After years of research, planning, and lots of dreaming, the first Kelliwic litter was born on January 27, 2005. Dare was born sixth in a litter of nine, and was given the moniker “Miss Hips” as her puppy name due to her white-marked hips. When planning the litter, I had thought I was mostly likely going to keep a boy, as I already had two females, but I was open to boy or girl, as long as it was the best pup to suit me. I changed my mind many times during the months that I had the pups, but finally it was Dare who stayed with me.

At the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I’d made the right decision in keeping her, but as time has gone on, I’ve become extremely pleased with how well Dare has met my goals for temperament and personality. So far, she is nicely focused on me, intent in our games, and yet remains biddable in high-excitement situations; she is almost as reliable as the older dogs. She gets better and better looking as she grows and fills out, and I can’t wait to see her as a mature dog.

Dare had her first introduction to sheep at 10 months old, and her response surpassed not just my expectations, but was beyond what I had dared to hope for, as dogs on both sides of her family tend mature late and start late on stock—and she is indeed immature. Dare had always been one of the most bold pups of the litter, and on the first day she had ever seen sheep, she went after them with no hesitation, chasing them ‘round the field and facing up to them without a second thought. It remains to be seen how she will react to sheep next spring when she sees them again and whether she will prove to be a good stockdog or a “useful dog,” but I am hopeful. If she responds well next time, Dare will be sent out to be started by a trainer who establish a good, solid foundation for an exciting future in stock work.

---

Back to the Border Collies at Kelliwic
Meet the other Border Collies at Kelliwic: Kaylie, Perky and Branwenn