About The Border Collie Society Of America

The Mission of the Border Collie Society of America (BCSA) is to preserve and enhance the integrity of the Border Collie through promoting responsible breeding and ownership. Further the BCSA seeks to preserve the working attributes and intelligence of the breed, prevent exploitation or abuse, and encompass a spirit of encouragement and learning for all members in their chosen Border Collie activities.

The BCSA provides ongoing support to encompass three elements of club participation:

1. Core: Herding, Health, Conformation, Companion and Performance sports, National Specialty, Judges Selection, Junior Participation and Rescue.

2. Recognition: Versatility Awards, Stock dog of Distinction, Futurity/Maturity and Breeder accomplishments.

3. Public Relations: Membership, General Breed Education, Social Media, Website and Publications.

The BCSA envisions a united National Club that spans the interests and activities of all Members. We welcome members from all walks of life and strive to have a membership as diverse as the activities in which our beautiful Border Collies excel.

The BCSA began in the Fall of 1990 as a very loose group of friends in Louisville, Kentucky. This group foresaw the fact that the Border Collie would eventually be AKC-recognized and wanted to be involved. In March of 1993, the club ran its first advertisement in Front and Finish magazine, and incorporated in April of 1993. At the time of incorporation, the BCSA had only 10 members. By the end of 1993, the BCSA had 50 members.

The BCSA grew to become a club which supported the activities of all Border Collie owners. It developed educational programs and began to organize local Border Collie events across the country. During 1994 and 1995, the BCSA grew dramatically, reaching numbers in the hundreds. Today the club has more than 300 members.

AKC announced the decision to fully recognize the Border Collie in December 1994. But because there was more than one club interested in gaining AKC Parent Club status, AKC did not name the Parent Club immediately, but waited to review the activities and rosters of the clubs and choose the one that seemed to be the strongest. In the end, BCSA was that choice, and was named Parent Club in August of 1996.

The membership of the BCSA represents the broad interests of Border Collie owners in the United States and includes obedience, herding, agility, tracking, flyball, and conformation enthusiasts. Many of our members are also AKC-approved judges, AKC representatives and active members of AKC-affiliated clubs. The majority of our members are involved in more than one dog-related activity and frequently represent the active nucleus of dog exhibitors that are the backbone of local dog clubs.

The BCSA’s philosophy is to protect the Border Collie as a versatile dog with a strong work ethic. This protection must begin with an understanding, appreciation, and promotion of the principle definitive trait of the breed, which is its uncanny herding instinct. In doing so, the BCSA will not lose sight of the importance of structural soundness and health. Focus will always be on the education about and elimination of hereditary genetic defects that have been propagated due to poor breeding practices. BCSA education will not end there, but will also include buyer, owner, and breeder guidance. A strong Code of Ethics will be enforced.

Maintain the Border Collie’s outstanding herding instinct and ability.

BCSA GOALS

1. Support the rights of Border Collie owners to pursue any activity they wish.

2. Develop a rigorous BCSA herding program. The Club shall issue awards and titles to deserving dogs.

3. Promote Border Collie Rescue.

4. Educate potential Border Collie purchasers regarding the activity level and intelligence of the breed.

5. Educate Border Collie breeders on their responsibilities to the breed and concerning genetic problems.

6. Organize a national Border Collie specialty.

BCSA donations are not tax exempt.