Roaring River Border Collies

Ray J.

Breeder of Border Collies

  • Rickman, TN ·
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Ray J., the breeder behind Roaring River Border Collies located in Rickman, TN. When we got our first Border Collie, we were instantly in love. Since then, we’ve made it our mission to bring happy, healthy puppies into the lives of other families. Every puppy we raise is adored and a part of the family from birth. Our puppies will complete your home, your family, and your heart.

Q. & A. with Ray

  • Why did you start breeding?

    Bandit was just a wonderful puppy. He is intelligent, even-tempered and eager to please. We then decided to find Bandit a companion. A beautiful Blue Merle female we named Skyler. The Border Collie is an amazing unspoiled herding breed. All was going well then covid forced us to put livestock plans on hold. But after living with these wonderful dogs I was just wanted to help preserve the breed.

  • What makes your program special?

    We birth and raise our litters in home with constant supervision day and night. We work to stay current with organizations like Good dog and American Kennel Club who have breeder specific training available. We apply Early Neurological Stimulation and follow transitional and socialization methods from The Puppy Culture workbook by Jane Lindquist and Raising the Empowered Puppy by Jeanette Forrey.

  • 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 lilac merle, gold merle, blue merle, white and blue merle, and white ticked. 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.

Getting a puppy from Ray

Ray has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Ray partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“We take great care in placing each puppy with the right owner. As buyers are screened, evaluated and approved for their new home. ”

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,340 - $1,640 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“Price includes health warranties. All required age specific vaccinations, parasite prevention. Registered with The American Border Collies Association. Microchip with lifetime registration & QR tag. Non-refundable deposit are applied because once a deposit is given the pup is no longer available to other potential buyers. You have been matched with this pup and this is your commitment to them.”

Contract & health guarantee

Ray 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 Ray 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 Ray directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

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 with children
      • Socialized in new places
      • Scent introduction
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Toys
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Food & treats
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Ray.

Breeder's location

Meet in Rickman, TN

473 miles away

·

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Lovell Field

508 miles away

·

Meet in Johnson City, TN

327 miles away

·

More about Ray

  • Club memberships

    Ray is a member of American Border Collie Association.

  • Ray has been a member of Good Dog for over 4 years

    Ray was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Ray’s links

Ray is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Roaring River 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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Good level

Roaring River 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.

  • Full Embark Panel, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific)

    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).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Ray to bring home their puppies.

  • Brianne G.

    Verified owner · June 2026

      • +7

    I had been following Ray since the previous litter, and when he posted about a new litter, he responded right away. The care and love he has for all his dogs and puppies is something to vouch for. He answered all my questions in a timely manner, sent updates, and met us a little over halfway (for us from FL) for pickup. Our Lucy has been with us for a month now, and we are over the moon in love with her and she's been such a bleeding! She is so smart and loving! She has honestly picked up new commands in 15 mins. She is about 90% house trained with bells at the door already! She has been a great addition to the family!

    Erin H.

    Verified owner · June 2026

      • +5

    Working with Ray at Roaring River Border Collies was a wonderful experience. He was always quick to respond, answered all of our questions, and made the entire process easy from start to finish. We especially appreciated that he met us halfway for pickup. Most importantly, it's obvious how much Ray cares about his dogs. He raises beautiful Border Collies, and that care shows in the quality and temperament of his puppies. Our puppy, Whiskey, has been an incredible addition to our family. He is smart, affectionate, confident, and full of personality. We couldn't imagine life without him and are so grateful to Ray for helping us find the perfect companion.

    DR

    Daniel R.

    Verified owner · June 2026

    Ray was tremendous! Great communication, excellent experience! Our pup Zizu is unbelievable, already recall , almost house broken , the teething 😂, that will be a bit , but I believe , this positive , come from the beginning, Thx Ray and Roaring Rivers

  • LM

    Lisa M.

    Verified owner · June 2026

    As I began my search for a border collie puppy, Roaring River Border Collies stood out for multiple reasons. I was drawn to the photos of past litters, the diversity of breed coat colors, and the exceptional environment Ray provides for his dogs. Communication with Ray was awesome, he responds immediately and is so experienced and knowledgeable about probable coat types and colors. I felt confident about choosing a puppy from his next litter. Also, his willingness to unite owners with their puppy at a convenient location goes above and beyond. Good Dog made it all possible, by connecting me with Roaring River Border Collies and providing a safe platform for payment. Thank you, Good Dog, and Ray, for this amazing experience, my puppy is thriving because of the great beginnings at Roaring River Border Collies!

    Jamie S.

    Verified owner · June 2026

      • +6

    Sadie has been home with me for almost a month and she is already such a good dog! Training is way ahead of where I thought she would be and has picked up “leave it” so fast! I could tell from the regular video updates from Ray that her temperament was such a good fit for me. She has her puppy crazy times, but on the whole she’s a brilliant little one. I live near a fire station and we’ve had several big storms and she is so calm through it all thanks to the sound exposure Ray took her through in her early weeks. I look forward to every phase of puppy development and I’m very grateful to Ray for his wonderful group of dogs and the way he raised them.

    Dayna M.

    Verified owner · June 2026

      • +4

    Ray was so great to work with! I felt confident I was getting our pup from someone who truly cares about the well being of his dogs. He was so responsive and went above & beyond. We love our newest member of the family!

Photos

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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