Epic Borders
- Bloomingdale, NJ
- Responds within a few days
Meet the breeder
I'm Cheryl M., the breeder behind Epic Borders located in Bloomingdale, NJ. Our litters are from health tested parents. Puppies are raised in our home following Puppy Culture, including ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) and ESI (Early Scent Introduction). Pups are introduced to various environments, social situations, sensory inputs and interactive toys and puzzles.
Q. & A. with Cheryl
Why did you start breeding?
Over time, I branched out beyond retrievers to toy dogs, and now, Border Collies. Along the way I have remained a student of canine structure, health and genetics, always striving to improve my knowledge. When the paths of a great breed mentor, a great foundation dog, and my ability to give it 110% crossed, that is when I was all in, proceeding on this path.What makes your program special?
The goal of my program is healthy, temperamentally, environmentally and physically sound partners for performance / working, sports and companionship.What are the different breed coat types in your program?
Our puppies have rough coats. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are black and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Pop -- Puppies are placed following their temperament and structural evaluations. Puppies are matched using the information you provide about your lifestyle, your living situation, family members, and other pets that may reside in your household and the temperament of puppy you seek. We seek to place each puppy in the home where it will best thrive. Puppies are not picked based on their physical attributes or their photos.
Went homeMale
Krackle -- Puppies are placed following their temperament and structural evaluations. Puppies are matched using the information you provide about your lifestyle, your living situation, family members, and other pets that may reside in your household and the temperament of puppy you seek. We seek to place each puppy in the home where it will best thrive. Puppies are not picked based on their physical attributes or their photos.
Went homeMale
Snap -- Puppies are placed following their temperament and structural evaluations. Puppies are matched using the information you provide about your lifestyle, your living situation, family members, and other pets that may reside in your household and the temperament of puppy you seek. We seek to place each puppy in the home where it will best thrive. Puppies are not picked based on their physical attributes or their photos.
Went homeMale
Getting a puppy from Cheryl
Cheryl 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 price includes contract / health warranty, microchip, initial core vaccinations, initial deworming, foundational potty, licker and manners training, early socialization and enrichment activities, implementation of Puppy Culture / ENS /ESI protocols. Request for deposit is sent with Puppy Agreement. Upon whelping, depositors receive access to Epic's social media group and our puppy cam. Puppy price does not differ based on color, sex or size."
Contract & health guarantee
Cheryl 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 Cheryl 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 Cheryl directly.
What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Toys
- Puppy starter kit
- AKC registration
- Basic obedience & manners
- Initial potty training
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Cheryl.
Breeder's location
Meet in Bloomingdale, NJ
3853 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Newark Liberty Airport
3861 miles away
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Flexible meeting point
Cheryl can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Cheryl
Cheryl has been a member of Good Dog for 10 months
Cheryl was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2025.
Cheryl’s links
Cheryl is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Epic Borders 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
Litter and program updates
Cheryl M.
Program update on 29 Jan •…Epic Borders, located in New Jersey As I think ahead to a potential next breeding of Ultra, I’m beginning the search now for the right homes, proven Dog Sport homes in particular. Seeking serious minded, strong fits for a driven, thoughtful Border Collie litter expected to go home around September 2026. Serious means being ready to commit to a puppy from this litter upon review of pedigree, health clearance, title info., etc. Serious homes are committed to evolving their puppy into a great dog through continued training, proper husbandry and developing their human / dog relationship. Securing suitable homes in advance matters deeply to me, for the puppies and for the people who take them home. When I know what sports or activities a puppy is destined for, I can intentionally shape early exposure, handling, and foundations to support that future. Future homes will also have the opportunity to follow the litter from the very beginning. They will see how the puppies are raised, socialized, and developed from the ground up. I can share resources early, connect you with compatible trainers, and help you prepare well before your puppy ever comes home. Just as importantly, having committed homes early allows me to devote my time and energy to raising the best possible puppies, rather than scrambling to vet placements at the last minute. That time belongs to the dogs. I plan to breed infrequently, thoughtfully, and with the puppies’ entire lives in mind. These dogs deserve homes that value structure, training, physical care, and ongoing development, not just good intentions. Epic Borders, located in New Jersey. Photos from litter of 3 boys places in new homes earlier this month.
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 31 Dec 2025 •Puppy buyers - I appreciate a buyer who comes to me with a plan. A plan for how they’re going to housebreak the puppy. A plan for how they are going to train the puppy. A plan with specifics. Like telling me the training school they plan to attend, or the instructor that they intend to take private lessons with, or how they plan to deal with a puppy that is crying and its crate… if you have no plan or specifics and yet want a border collie puppy, I will be more hesitant to place one with you. A border collie puppy IMO needs you to have a plan. And to have that plan ahead of time.
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 29 Dec 2025 •Snow puppies!
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 25 Dec 2025 •Merry Christmas!🎁🎄 One of these boys is in search of his forever home. Start 2026 with a new best friend!
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 16 Dec 2025 •…Puppy matching will occur when they are approximately eight weeks old — after the puppies have had their temperament and structural evaluations. Applications will be reviewed and puppies matched to the home where they each will best thrive. We prefer this to folks picking puppies based on photos. The puppies will be ready to their new homes the weekend after New Years. If you are open to having a puppy matched to your specific home, be sure to include detail on your lifestyle, your puppy temperament preferences, and what activities you plan to enjoy with him on your application. Each of these puppies is doing adorable things every day! Here is a video of Krackle - Happy Holidays!
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 13 Dec 2025 •Happy Holidays from the Krispies — Snap, Krackle and Pop! One of these boys is available with preference to a dog sport home. These boys are spectacular! Located in NJ and ready to be your new sport partner in training in 2026! I have them listed as reserved as there is no puppy picking. Pups will be matched to the forever home where each will best thrive.
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 27 Sept 2025 •Ultra-girly showing off her room and her belly (shaved for ultrasound Monday night). Does this make me look pregnant? ☺️
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 15 Sept 2025 •Parents Ultra and Moss are expecting with due date of 11/3. Trying to decide if litter theme should follow their sports background or holidays (a little cliche but always cute too).
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Litter update on 05 Sept 2025 •Moss (left) and Ultra (right) have been bred! Litter due date 11/3/25 with go home date around 1/1/26.
Moss and Ultra's litter
Cheryl M.
Program update on 04 Sept 2025 •A great infographic on BCs. Ultra has been bred and her due date is November 4, 2025! Taking applications now — seeking dog sport enthusiasts especially.
Parent health testing
Excellent level
Epic Borders 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.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Brucellosis, Shoulder Osteochondrosis
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.
DNA Disease Panel
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).
