I have been producing my outstanding line of Hob Nob border collies for over 30 years!  The goal of my program is to produce a versatile border collie that can excel in all dog sports which include agility, herding, obedience/rally, dock diving, barn hunts and flyball as well as be a wonderful companion! Emphasis is on producing a sound dog in mind and body.  Structure and temperament are a priority when considering any dogs that are used in my program. All my dogs are tested & cleared for hips (OFA), BAER hearing tested normal and eye clearances through Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER).  In addition, all Hob Nob dogs are DNA tested for CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) MDR1 (Multi Drug Resistant) IGS (Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome), TNS (Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome) EAOD (Early Adult Onset Deafness), SN (Sensory Neuropathy), DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) DH (Dental Hypomineralization) and Goniodysgenesis and gluacoma. I will continue to update any and all testing that becomes available for border collies.  While testing is very expensive, along with the daily care and dedication to excellence, price of my puppies reflects this.

In my 30+ years of breeding border collies, I have had a just a small handful of health concerns arise such as hip dysplasia, OCD and seizures.  While all my dogs are tested and cleared for hips with OFA, there is no testing for OCD and seizures.  I am open about any health issues that have come forth and I encourage anyone to contact me with any questions pertaining to my planned litters.

Since all of my wonderful Hob Nob dogs live in my house and take turns sleeping in my bed, their puppies are also raised in my house and monitored throughout the day.  Since I am a full time professional dog trainer and work out of my home, this allows me to interact with the puppies throughout the day...7 days a week!  As their eyes and ears open, they are exposed to many sights and sounds.  During the day, a sound effects CD is played for stimulation as well as getting the puppies accustomed and comfortable with sounds such as babies crying, dogs barking, machine guns blasting, thunder, clapping, kids screaming, etc.  This is the same sound effects CD that is used by the Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA.  Videos and pictures are uploaded frequently to my public Facebook page.

I expose my puppies to a variety of sights, smells and noises both inside and outside of the house.  Daily handling of Hob Nob puppies assures that each pup will develop into their full potential as a competitive sports dog or being the best pet they can be! From 3 days to about 16 days, my puppies experience going through the Early Neurological System (ENS) which can be viewed in the video Raising Puppies

While many of my Hob Nob border collies compete in dog sports, they also live their lives in companion pet homes.  In addition to the many Hob Nob border collies that compete in agility, obedience and flyball, several Hob Nob puppies grow up to compete in herding events such as USBCHA, AKC, ASCA & AHBA.   I do not take preference on anyone’s status in the dog world when considering where my puppies are placed. My priority is to assure that each of my wonderful Hob Nob puppies is a beloved family member first and foremost regardless of wether they compete or not!  I welcome anyone to inquire about my puppies whether you are a well known competitor or someone looking for a wonderful companion/pet!

Puppies are sold on non breeding contracts (with NO co-ownership) and will be registered LIMITED with the American Kennel Club (AKC)  Limited registration does not allow for dogs to compete in conformation.  Cost of health tests are on the rise as is everything in raising a healthy litter.  In addition, I continue to import dogs from the UK to add new bloodlines to my breeding program.  As a proud AKC Breeder of Merit and the first recipient of AKC Breeder Of The Year for Performance, I will register each puppy for the new owner (once the puppy is paid in full which includes AKC registration fee) and ensure that the AKC registration of their Hob Nob puppy goes smoothly.  AKC will send the registration certificate directly to the new owner.  A 30 day free pet insurance and complimentary vet visit is also included with participating veterinary clinics.

Holding Fee Policy + additional fees

Below is my policy on the holding fee. I do my best to assure that the personality of the puppy/dog matches the personality of the person/family they will be living with. This is why I have chosen to make my policy on the holding fee what it is.

All Holding Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.  My time is valuable when researching prospective puppy buyers.

When a holding fee is sent, that individual is placed on the ’Puppy Wait List’ NOT on a specific puppy (or even a specific litter unless otherwise requested).   A $300 holding fee is required and goes towards the puppy price. By placing a holding fee on a litter, I do all I can to accommodate sex and coloring requirements, but lifestyle and living conditions are my primary considerations. Additional fees are when the bitch needs an emergency cesarean section to deliver puppies.  This can happen when a puppy gets stuck for some reason and veterinary intervention is necessary.  Emergency veterinarians are very expensive (often costing several thousand dollars) and difficult to get into even during an emergency.  This is due to a shortage of veterinarians and staff.  Because of the high cost for emergency C-sections, I have to add an additional $100 to $200 to the price of the puppy.

I do not allow people to choose a specific puppy at birth solely based on coloring or markings (which is all that can be seen at birth). Personality and temperament are far more important qualities to take into consideration when choosing a companion or performance partner. I make every effort to accommodate the choices of the perspective homes, but I will NOT place a puppy in a home if I do not believe it is the right personality for a particular home.

As the litter matures, if there is not a puppy that I believe will suit a family's personality needs, the holding fee is ‘rolled’ over into an upcoming litter. This can happen if a family is looking for a specific sex or there is a color requirement.

Individuals looking to purchase a Hob Nob puppy on full registration for breeding are dealt with on an individual basis. I am very selective on where my pups go.

If you wish to discuss my policies further, please feel free to contact me.  I am always willing to work with a perspective puppy/dog owner and do my best to accommodate.  However, keep in mind that my primary concerns are for the safety and well-being of the puppies I breed.  Please be sure to state all your concerns prior to sending your holding fee.

The holding fee is not considered a sales contract and may be returned at any time if the breeder feels it is necessary to remove a person from the puppy list for any reason. If an individaul feels they want to be removed from the puppy wait list, their holding fee is forfeited or it may be rolled over to a future litter

So, don’t be shy or hesitant!  If you are serious about being placed on my puppy list and joining my incomparable Hob Nob family, then fill out and submit my Puppy Application!

By adding a Hob Nob border collie to your family you will experience why they are...

Janice DeMello was awarded American Kennel Club Performance Agility Breeder of the Year award for 2013!  Ms. DeMello is the first breeder to receive this prestigious honor!

In order to be placed on my puppy list, an individual must fill out and submit my Puppy Application. Once I review the application, I will then need at least 3 character references.  These references should be from current or past trainer, veterinarian, breeder of current/past dogs, fellow exhibitors, neighbors, etc.  It is up to the prospective buyer to contact these individuals asking them to send a character reference on their behalf directly to me via email and should include their telephone number.  Once I get acceptable references and approval is given, I will ask for a non refundable holding fee in the amount of $300 to secure a place on my puppy list. Once the holding fee is received, I will then provide a link to a 2nd application which will include describing in detail the qualities the buyer is looking for in a Hob Nob border collie.  It is with this bio that guides the breeder in the selection process when choosing the perfect puppy to best match their new potential owner.  The prospective new owner is encouraged to give input on several puppies that they are interested in.  Once evaluations are completed, then I take those choices into consideration when looking to match the prospective buyer with the best puppy for them.  I caution everyone on the puppy list not to get attached to any particular puppy as the puppies change constantly.  No one is in the position to choose a particular puppy by their status of when they sent in their deposit. Puppy evaluations are ongoing from 3 weeks of age and conclude around 6 weeks of age.  Once evaluations are complete I will notify each individual of my tentative choice(s) for them. While the holding fee may be paid by personal check, final payment for the balance of the puppy (plus any additional expenses) must be paid by sending a bank check via express mail, Venmo or Zelle.   Final payment is due once the new puppy owner has confirmed my puppy choice for them. If the buyer and seller both agree that there is not a suitable puppy to match the requirements described in the bio, then the holding fee will roll over to a future litter.  Breeder always gets first priority of pick puppy from any and all litters.  As a reputable breeder who stands by her Hob Nob line,  Hob Nob border collies and their owners have continued support throughout the puppy’s life.

Puppies are wormed at 3, 4, 6 & 7 weeks of age in addition to receiving their first vaccination which includes canine distemper-adenovirus type 2-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus before leaving for their new homes.  Each puppy is fully vet checked with the vet examination included with the other puppy documents.

Contrary to most breeders, I do not remove the front dewclaws on my puppies.  My reasons why are best explained in this article With a Flick of the Wrist by Chris Zink, DVM, PhD sports veterinarian.  

For those that would fly out to pick up their Hob Nob puppy, the closest airport is SeaTac in Seattle, WA.  Other terms and arrangements are to be discussed by email.

For anyone that would like to visit the farm and meet my dogs, please drop me an email