I'm Melissa B., the breeder behind Destined Stars Border Collies located in Michigan. I breed performance/herding line Border Collies. I strive to breed dogs of stable health, temperament, structure, and athleticism. Our puppies are meant for very active lifestyles, as the Border Collie needs activity and a "job" to be happy and be mentally sound.
Q. & A. with Melissa
Why did you start breeding?
I got my first Border Collie, Brynn, in June of 2020. At first, I had no plans to breed her. But, as time went on, I met many Border Collie fanciers who would ask if I planned to breed her. By early 2021, I was open to the idea of breeding her. Ever since, I've learned A LOT about health testing, puppy care/socialization, gestation/lactation nutrition, structure, and my personal breeding goals.
What makes your program special?
My breeding program is very new. I have a few amazing breeders to support me and guide me. I will be breeding Border Collies for sport and herding purposes rather than conformation purposes. I am dedicated to learning as much as I can about breeding/puppy raising, and have learned SO MUCH already. I'm very ready to start my program, and very excited to do so!
What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies include smooth and rough coat varieties. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include blue merle, red merle, black, blue, lilac, red, sable, and sable merle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Melissa
Melissa has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $300 refundable deposit and between $600 - $1,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Price includes guarantee, AKC and/or ABCA registration, and puppy socialization. Vaccinations are given based on nomograoh results. Started on dewormer. Puppies eyes and hearing is also checked. All of our puppies are the same price (in the same litter) regardless of color or size. Price is only dependent on the sire and dam of the litter.”
Contract & health guarantee
Melissa may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Melissa offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa directly.
Destined Stars Border Collies meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Brynn, mom
Border Collie
About Brynn
Brynn is a high energy, high drive Border Collie. She loves to play, to learn, and to please. She is competitive in various sports.
DNA health tested through Optimal Selection and Paw Print Genetics, carrier of EAOD, clear on everything else
OFAs pending
Good health testing
Hyperuricosuria (HUU), Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), +11 more.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Destined Stars Border Collies reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Border Collies.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA), Brucellosis
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.