I'm the breeder behind North Fork Border Collies located in Kalispell, MT. Our goal is to produce a healthy, well-balanced and versatile border collie with the ability to excel in a variety of homes. Their intelligence and athleticism matches our own lifestyle. We love that they are easy to train, eager to please, and such a good fit for our adventurous family.
About Malissa
Our dogs are a big part of our family. They go wherever we go. From the trails in the middle of the Swan to our paddle boards out on Foys Lake. These dogs get packed into our 4Runner on summer camping trips to Hungry Horse Reservoir or simply taken on walks downtown to our local coffee shops. No matter where we are headed, we bring our dogs right alongside us.
What makes Malissa’s program special
We strive for healthy dogs with a medium to high drive, solid temperament, low arousal, good off-switch, and aesthetic structure. Our goal is to produce border collies that are well-balanced, and versatile with the ability to excel in any sporting, working or active companion home. We believe that health, temperament and performance are key variables to consider when breeding border collies.
Malissa is a member of 2 clubs
Flathead Kennel Club, Border Collie Society of America
Myth
Female • Went Home Apr. 21, 2024
Border Collie
Fable
Male • Went Home Apr. 21, 2024
Border Collie
Novel
Male • Went Home Apr. 21, 2024
Border Collie
Rhyme
Male • Went Home Apr. 21, 2024
Border Collie
Poet
Male • Went Home Apr. 21, 2024
Border Collie
Ode
Male • Went Home Apr. 21, 2024
Border Collie
Expected Border Collies from Taff and Ekko
Due Jan. 2025. Ready Mar. 10
Expected Border Collies from Taff and Ekko
Due Jan. 2025
Ready Mar. 10
Malissa 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.
Puppy prices range from $1,500 - $2,500 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“ABCA and/or AKC registered with non-breeding status. Vet checked, dewormed, and UTD on vaccinations. Short-term and long-term health guarantee. Crate training, potty training, and basics all started. ”
Malissa 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 Malissa 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 Malissa directly.
Our puppies are raised inside our home where they are handled and socialized daily. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Various sounds, Car rides, Surface & tactile stimulation, Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Socialized with children, Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) , Puppy Culture , Socialized with Children, Noise Desensitized, Crate Training , Outdoors (when Weather permits), and Socialized with Adult Dogs.
The dam and sire of each litter have been genetically tested, vet checked, and Pennhip or OFA hips and elbows at a minimum to guarantee a healthy litter. Puppies will also be vet checked, dewormed and up to date on vaccinations prior to leaving to their new homes.
We send our puppies home with Initial potty training, Toys, Food & treats, Vet records, and Registration.
Malissa 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.
“You can either pick up your puppy in person, flight nanny, or transportation company.”
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 Malissa started breeding
My first border collie is my heart dog. She is the reason I fell in love with the breed. My little shotgun rider, down for anything, eager to please, life changing dog. To say she has been my best friend for over 13 years is an understatement. Her impact on my life is why I decided to start North Fork Border Collies. Let me help you find your new best friend too!
Malissa is a Preferred Good Dog Breeder
Preferred Breeders are recognized for their quick replies and exceptional buyer support.
Malissa has been a member of Good Dog for over 1 year
Malissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2023.
Malissa’s program includes eight colors
Malissa’s Border Collie puppies include white and blue merle, white and red merle, white and red, tri-color, red merle, red, blue merle, and black. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Malissa’s program has one coat type
Malissa’s Border Collie puppies have rough coats. Coat types may vary depending on the parent dogs.
North Fork Border Collies meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Border Collie
Border Collie
About Taff
Taff is a male Border Collie over 8 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Malissa decided to make him part of their program. Malissa 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.
Excellent health testing
DNA Disease Panel, Shoulder Osteochondrosis, +3 more
Border Collie
About Luna
Luna is a female Border Collie about 2 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Malissa decided to make her part of their program. Malissa 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.
Good health testing
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA), +2 more
Border Collie
About Rip
Rip is dual registered with ABCA and AKC as a rough coat red tri border collie. He has been genetically tested with Optimal Selection and Embark and is a TNS carrier. He is OFA Hips Good, Elbows Normal, Basic Cardiac Normal and CAER Normal. Rip has been exposed to and lightly started on stock. He works as a chore dog on a 160 acre ranch in Eastern Montana with his co-owner. We have hopes to trial him in novice soon.
Excellent health testing
Full Embark Panel, OFA Auscultation, Cardiologist, +4 more
Border Collie
About Ekko
Ekko is ABCA and AKC registered as a rough coat blue merle border collie. She has been genetically tested with Optimal Selection and is CEA carrier. She is OFA Hips Good, OFA Elbows Normal, OFA Cardiac Normal, BAER Normal and CAER Normal. Ekko has been exposed to stock and shows natural instinct. Also, she enjoys competing in a variety of dog sports. She loves trick training and has received her TKN & TKI titles. Ekko has her CGC title, BCAT & DCAT titles in FastCAT, RATI & RATN titles in Barn Hunting, and her DN & DJ titles in dock diving. She enjoys NASDA Scent Trials and NADAC agility.
Excellent health testing
Shoulder Osteochondrosis, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +5 more
Border Collie
Excellent level
North Fork Border Collies 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 (Preliminary), 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.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
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.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Full Embark Panel, Optimal Selection Genetic Disease Analysis (180+ Diseases)
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 Malissa to bring home their puppies.
Sarah B.
Apr. 2024
Malissa of North Fork Border Collies was responsive, kind, and wonderful to work with. Adopting a puppy is a big life event, and though I've had dogs my entire life, I've never purchased a pure breed...
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.