Kent wrote:

>> Thanks very much for the info and the paper. I think I'll avoid the breeder in question. They may produce good collies but I think it's a bit irresponsible to breed two merles when you know there is pretty good chance that roughly 1/4 of the puppies could be blind or deaf. <<

I am not a breeder, just a dedicated collie fancier who benefits from the wisdom of dedicated breeders.  But I do know there are plenty of reasons a breeder may want to do a blue to blue breeding and I wouldn't avoid a breeder for that reason alone.  Ask why the breeder is doing this particular breeding, what they hope to get from it, and what they plan to do with any DD's that result from the breeding.  Then you are in a position to make an informed decision about whether or not to get a puppy from that breeder.

I would point out that Wyndlair Avalanche (http://www.colliesonline.com/ad_archive_2011/wyndlair_010811.html) is producing some exquisite puppies.  I have had conversations with one of his co-breeders and, yes, he is blind but he gets around fine and romps with the other dogs and is enjoying life.

Meg