Scenic Collies began with a deep love for the Border Collie breed and a commitment to raising dogs who are not only intelligent and capable, but deeply connected to their families.
Our dogs are first and foremost part of our home — involved in daily life, raised with intention, and valued for who they are long before they ever become parents.
Health, temperament, and genuine connection sit at the heart of every breeding decision we make.
Our Story
Scenic Collies began with a lifelong love of dogs and the special role they play in a family.
My husband Rohan and I were married in December 2011, and about six months later we welcomed our first fur baby, Cherry, a beautiful Siberian Husky. Cherry was full of personality — sassy, cheeky, and endlessly entertaining. She quickly became part of our family and brought so much joy into our lives. Late last year we had to say goodbye to her when her health declined. We waited until she had a really good day, spent the afternoon outside together on the grass with her and our other dogs, and then let her go peacefully. She will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Over the years we have shared our lives with several wonderful dogs, including Dora, our Border Collie x Kelpie (Dora the Explorer). Dora and Cherry truly lived up to that nickname — if a gate was accidentally left open, they were always ready for a little adventure.
Our journey with Border Collies began in 2021 when we welcomed Rosie into our family. Even as a young puppy she showed the incredible intelligence and loyalty that the breed is known for. One moment that really stayed with us happened when Rosie was only about four months old. Dora and Cherry had managed to escape through a small gap in the yard. Instead of joining them, Rosie ran straight to the door and barked to alert us that the older girls had gotten out.
Not long after, when we welcomed Teddy as a puppy, something similar happened again. The older dogs had found another way out, and Teddy came straight to the door to let us know while Rosie stayed at the spot where they had escaped. Moments like that made us fall completely in love with the breed.
Border Collies are known for their intelligence, but what we love most about them is their deep connection to their people. Our dogs are incredibly family-focused. They love being involved in everyday life and spending time with us. While they enjoy play and activity, what they truly want most is to be with their family.
All of our dogs — Cherry, Dora, and now Rosie, Teddy, and the girls — have also been wonderful with our children. They follow them around, watch over them, and somehow seem to understand exactly what the family needs in any moment — whether that’s a cuddle, a companion, or a quiet guardian.
One moment that truly showed us the protective nature of our dogs happened when my children were younger. My son went outside and thought he had found a hose in the yard, but realised it was actually an Eastern Brown snake. He ran inside to tell me, and I rushed out to bring my daughter back inside. We had no idea where the snake had gone until I turned to call the dogs in. Dora and Cherry had positioned themselves between the snake and the house and were confronting it. As soon as I called them, they came straight inside and we called a snake catcher. That moment reminded us just how incredible dogs can be when it comes to protecting their families.
My own love of dogs began long before Scenic Collies. Growing up, my dog Scamper — a Kelpie x Staffy — was my constant companion. He came everywhere with us, from camping trips to beach holidays. I spent countless hours outside reading with him by my side, teaching him tricks, and learning how to communicate with him in ways that went beyond simple commands.
Without realising it at the time, I was already learning many of the foundations of dog behaviour and training — things like building trust around food, gently handling paws and mouths, and teaching clear communication. Those early experiences shaped the way I understand and work with dogs today.
Dogs have always been deeply important to our family, and that love extends to how we raise our puppies. Our dogs trust us completely, and that trust carries through to their puppies. Even during whelping, our girls prefer to have me with them rather than be alone, which is something I feel incredibly honoured by.
Our daughter Elena has been part of the journey as well. Since the age of 8 she has helped during our litters, learning how to gently assist newborn puppies, help them feed, and make sure they are safe and thriving. It truly becomes a family effort to welcome these little lives into the world.
For me personally, dogs have also been a source of strength and comfort. Living with several degenerative health conditions has made me appreciate even more the incredible companionship animals provide. They bring joy, purpose, and calm during difficult moments, and they remind us every day of the simple happiness that comes from unconditional love.
Scenic Collies exists because of that love. Our goal is to raise healthy, confident, family-focused Border Collies that will become deeply cherished members of their new homes — just like our own dogs are to us.
