I'm the breeder behind 2J 2K Border Collies | Maremma Sheepdogs located in Conway, MO. Maremma Sheepdog Club of America (MSCA) Code of Ethics Breeder, AKC Bred With Heart Breeder. Our breeding program focuses on gorgeous, intelligent, well-balanced (temperament, conformation, and health) puppies for the active family home. We give you the tools you need to continue training your pup!
About Kara
We are a family of four living on 20 gently rolling acres located near Springfield, Missouri. We Love Border Collies because of their loyalty, sweet & loving nature, willingness to please, intelligence, graceful style, & humorous antics! We applaud the versatility of the Border Collie- from competing in events, herding, playing fetch, frisbee, as well as their ability to chill & hang out.
What makes Kara’s program special
Temperament Evaluations. After your puppy is born, we send daily emails to help you prepare for your new furbaby. Topics covered include crate & potty training, appropriate exercise, choosing a vet, puppy-proofing your home, & much more! In-home puppy nursery- designed for the utmost care & comfort of our Mama's & puppies! Many puppy families have added a 2nd 2J 2K Border Collie to their home.
Kara is a member of 8 clubs
Treasurer, Maremma Sheepdog Club of America, Board of Directors , Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder, Maremma Sheepdog Club of America, American Border Collie Code of Ethics Breeder, United Kennel Club Code Of Ethics Breeder, American Kennel Club, American Border Collie Association, Springfield Missouri Dog Training Club
Kara’s certifications & recognitions
MSCA Code of Ethics Breeder, Treasurer, Maremma Sheepdog Club of America, UKC Code Of Ethics Breeder, Certifed BAB Puppy Evaluator, CHIC Certified, American Kennel Club Canine College, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T., Puppy Culture Breeder
Candy
Female • Ready Jan. 15
Maremma Sheepdog
River
Male • Ready Mar. 24
Border Collie
Flora
Female • Ready Mar. 24
Border Collie
Ocean
Female • Ready Mar. 24
Border Collie
Rowan
Male • Went Home Mar. 24
Border Collie
Fauna
Female • Went Home Mar. 24
Border Collie
Jasper
Male • Went Home Mar. 24
Border Collie
Mr. Grinch
Male • Went Home Jan. 15
Maremma Sheepdog
Swift
Female • Went Home July 10, 2023
Border Collie
Sir Gregory
Male • Went Home July 10, 2023
Border Collie
Newborn Maremma Sheepdogs from Juneau and Tundra
Born Nov. 2024. Ready Jan. 15
Newborn Border Collies from Jake and Savannah
Born Jan. 2025. Ready Mar. 24
Newborn Maremma Sheepdogs from Juneau and Tundra
Born Nov. 2024
Ready Jan. 15
Newborn Border Collies from Jake and Savannah
Born Jan. 2025
Ready Mar. 24
Kara M.
Raising Confident, Well-Adjusted Puppies Through Early Enrichment 🐾✨ Our puppies aren’t just growing—they’re learning! Each day, we introduce them to new sights, sounds, and textures through a carefully designed curriculum that helps them develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs. From Wobble Wag Giggle Balls that make fun noises to soft snuffle mats that encourageproblem-solving, & provide interesting textures (treats will be added later!), we expose our puppies to a variety of sensory experiences. They walk on different surfaces, interact with new objects, and engage in activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Why This Matters 🐶 Confidence Building – Puppies who experience controlled challenges early on learn to adapt and recover from novelty, making them more resilient in new situations. 🐾 Reduced Fear Responses – By introducing different textures, sounds, and movement at a young age, our puppies are less likely to develop fears or anxieties as they grow. 🧠 Mental Stimulation – Engaging their senses helps develop cognitive skills, making for smarter, more trainable, and well-behaved dogs. 👨👩👧👦 Smooth Transitions to New Homes – Puppies raised with enrichment adapt more easily to household noises, new environments, and family routines. How We Stand Out We don’t just raise puppies—we shape them into dogs that will thrive in their new homes. Every experience is intentional, ensuring that each puppy receives the best foundation possible. Whether they go on to be working dogs, adventure buddies, or cherished family companions, they’re equipped with the confidence and adaptability to excel.
Kara M.
The precious pups enjoyed a relaxing spa day! 🥰 They were all so calm and wonderfully well-behaved. Starting early with positive bathing experiences helps set them up for a lifetime of success and confidence.
Juneau and Tundra's litter
Kara has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Please contact the breeder to get more information about pricing.
“Non-refundable but transferable to another litter. The deposit is $500 unless we are delivering your puppy. If we deliver your puppy, the deposit is the delivery fee.”
Kara 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 Kara 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 Kara directly.
We work from home, & our puppies are hand raised in a loving and enriching in-home puppy nursery in our home. Our puppies are raised with an advanced Puppy Curriculum that meets each developmental benchmark, utilizing Early Neurological Stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, Puppy Culture, & Avidog principles. We raise well-adjusted & confident puppies; & they're started on potty & crate training. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Socialized with other animals, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Scent introduction, Socialized in new places, Socialized with children, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, Touch, pets, and kisses are encouraged during human socialization., Scent Introduction, Body handling protocol, including sitting still for grooming, "Puppy Call" Recall , Recall training, Puppy temperament evaluation , Puppy pads , Start litter box training , early scent introduction, Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) , Doggy door training , Behavioral shaping , Pee pad, Leash Walking, Bella and Baxter training, Early Neurological Stimulation, Touch Desensitization, Household Desensitization, Potty Training, "No" Biting or Chewing, Crate Training, Clicker Training, Sit Command, Potty training, crate training, Name recognition , Basic manners, Puppy Culture , Puppy Manners, Human Interactions , Car Training , Potty pads,, Socialized with Children, Socialized with Cats, Socialized with Adult Dogs, Socialized with Other Animals, Sound Stimulation, Grooming Desensitization, Toys, e.g. Ball, Chew, e.g. Bone, Stores, Strangers, Noises , Structures, e.g. Climbing, Scents, Various Surfaces , Fireworks , Noise desensitized , Socialized with Elderly, Litter Box Trained, Noise desensitization, surface and tactile stimulation, neural stimulation, ENS, We begin potty training along with crate training & believe the two go hand in hand., We litter train our puppies by 4 weeks which makes crate training very easy., Early socialization, We start crate training, Introduction to crate training, Beginning potty training , Manding, Come, Introduction to leash walking, Some Crate Training, beginning crate training, Litter Training, Puppy Culture , Texture stimulation, Daily interactions with new and novel items and situations to instill confidence , Car Rides, Outdoors (when Weather permits), Early stages of crate training, start of puppy recall with treats, Exploring items and obstacles such as an umbrella, crutches, a walker. , neighbors who come by , Raised in home with dogs, kids, cats ect, Bathing, grooming and nail trimming., Tactical Stimulation, Activity center, Human contact from birth, and on daily basis, Select friends and family, household pets, television, radio, appliances, scenarios in home for confidence building. , positive experiences in all situations, crate training, Children and other pets, exposure to agility tunnel, wobble board and other novel items, Socializing the dog with everything is the key to a stable dog, and Clicker training.
Age-appropriate vaccinations, regular dewormings, full DNA genetic testing-Paw Print Genetics &/or Optimal Selection, Embark, Canine Health Check. OFA/PennHIP, Elbows, Heart, Patellas BCG Animal Genetics. Health Guarantee Health Certificate Microchip Nail Trimming Grooming/Bathing One-Month Health Insurance by Trupanion Age-appropriate training, evaluations, socialization, & puppy curriculum.
We send our puppies home with Registration, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Initial potty training, Puppy starter kit, Toys, Food & treats, Vet records, Basic obedience & manners, Microchip, Blanket with Mom's Scent, Blanket with Littermates Scent, Welcome Home bag, Sound and texture enrichment, Early Neurological Stimulation, MSCA Registration , Temperament Testing, Our puppies are all sent home with welcome home bags and information. , Microchipped , Toy with Mom's Scent, Soft Carrier Bag, Microchip, Breed Club Registration, Certificate of Health, Food Starter Bag, AKC Registration, Puppy Collar, Puppy Leash, Puppy Starter Kit, Toy with Littermates' Scent, Vaccinations, and Blanket with Littermates' and Mom's scents.
Kara offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Work with a trusted flight nanny or transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Why Kara started breeding
We started breeding when we lived on a little hobby farm in the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Our first Border Collie was Swift, who is playful, adorable, and brilliant. We've met breeders, trainers, and owners in the Border Collie world and have developed relationships centered around our mutual love and respect for the versatile Border Collie!
Kara is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder
Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.
Kara has been a member of Good Dog for almost 4 years
Kara was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Kara’s program includes 11 colors
Kara’s Border Collie puppies include white and gold, white and red, lilac, white and red merle, white and blue merle, white and blue, blue, gold, red merle, and blue merle. Kara’s Maremma Sheepdog puppies are white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Kara’s program has one coat type
Kara’s Border Collie puppies have rough coats. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.
2J 2K Border Collies | Maremma Sheepdogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Border Collie
Maremma Sheepdog
Border Collie
About Jake
Jake is a male Border Collie. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Kara decided to make him part of their program. Kara has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Border Collie
About Savannah
Savannah is a female Border Collie. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kara decided to make her part of their program. Kara has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Maremma Sheepdog
About Juneau
Juneau is a male Maremma Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Kara decided to make him part of their program. Kara has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Border Collie
About Shocker
Everyone Loves This Boy, owned and shown by my breeder friend Gail Hollon. In addition to his accomplishments in the show ring, Shocker is also a beloved therapy and service dog. 2021 BSCA (Border Collie Club of America) Top 20 People Choice Winner NOHS Reserve Best In Show Multiple NOHS Group Winnings Herding Group Placing
Maremma Sheepdog
About Tundra
Tundra is a female Maremma Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kara decided to make her part of their program. Kara has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Border Collie
Maremma Sheepdog
Excellent level
2J 2K Border Collies | Maremma Sheepdogs 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.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Full Embark Panel, Optimal Selection Genetic Disease Analysis (180+ Diseases), Wisdom Panel, PawPrint Genetic Panel (Breed Specific), DNA Disease Panel
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).
Hear what other owners say about working with Kara to bring home their puppies.
Nic F.
Mar. 2025
Kara was extremely responsive during the process. Bringing home a new puppy can feel really overwhelming but Kara helped me by providing lots of resources! The process for picking up Rosie was...
Mary P.
Apr. 2024
We couldn’t be happier with our boy Finnegan. 2J2K Border Collies/Maremma Sheepdogs made it a great experience. They have kept in contact and have been very helpful.
Dale H.
Feb. 2024
2J2K could not have been any more responsive to our questions. Plus they were patient and helpful on the selection of our boy. Gave us useful tips on transporting him home too. A wonderful...
Ana A.
July 2023
The puppy is wonderful and polite, since he arrived he always did his needs in the right place. I couldn't be happier. Your work is excellent.
Kathy F.
Oct. 2022
Too notch on all aspects of adding a new member to our family. Frankie blended right away in our home and office and very people friendly. Good sign of early newborn training!
Ty W.
May 2022
Kara and Jason are first class people. They were quick to reply to my numerous questions and gave honest answers. They made the process of gaining our Maggie May as easy as possible. I recommend them!