ABOUT US
We have been devoted to Collies for over 30 years and breeding on a small scale for over 25.  We usually produce one or two litters a year with a focus on producing beautiful and healthy dogs with loving and gentle temperaments.  Our foundation stock is from the exceptional Gambit Collies combined with the well respected Chimera Collie line, and although we do actively show our dogs, many of our puppies go into wonderful family homes where they pursue obedience, agility, herding or simply provide love, humor and companionship.  All breeding dogs are certified for both hips and elbows and have been eye checked by a canine ophthalmologist.  In addition, we perform DNA testing on all our dogs for Collie drug sensitivity.  All puppies are eye tested, health tested, vaccinated, and health guaranteed.  From a conformation perspective, we focus on sound movement, beautiful outlines and head detail with lean length of head.  Puppies at Fairbanks are temperament tested and raised with cats, horses, adult dogs, and spend time with children to ensure they are well socialized.  We specialize in helping families select the right dog for their needs based on personality and aptitude.

COLLIE CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY

The Collie is a gentle devoted companion.  The breed learns quickly and is eager to please, but a soft touch is absolutely necessary.  Harsh methods are never necessary with this breed and employing a heavy hand could easily destroy the dog’s spirit.  The Collie is an ideal family dog in that he is able to share devotion with every member of the family and has an innate ability to adjust his mood to that of the family member he is with.  The Collie absolutely must be part of the family and does not thrive in a home where he is kept outside away from his people.  Most Collies have a special affinity for children and are gentle with other household pets.  Collies will sound an alarm to alert the family of the approach of a stranger, but will be delighted to greet that same stranger if given the assurance that all is well.  Individual personalities within the breed can range from independent and aloof to super affectionate; with activity levels from exuberant to a bit lazy.  It is important to understand which personality will fit an adopting family best to insure a good match.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Collie is a medium sized dog, ranging from 22" to 24" (females) and 24" to 26" (males) at maturity.  Most Collies will weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.  Collies come in five colors: Sable and White (the most commonly associated with "Lassie"), Tri Color (black body, white collar and legs with tan markings on the face), Blue Merle (silver blue/grey with some small black patches, white collar and legs, tan markings on face), Sable Merle (look almost identical to the Sable and White, generally a light golden color) and White (white bodies with colored heads and patches).  The Rough Collie coat requires brushing once a week and most dogs will shed their undercoat annually (unspayed females shed twice a year).  We find the best maintenance program for our family of dogs is bi weekly bathing.  Collie hair is easy to remove from furniture and carpets, as opposed to the sharp, short coat of a smooth coated breed which may shed year round.