Fernando Andrade | FMA Kennel Border Collies

Interview with Fernando Andrade, Breeder of FMA Kennel Border Collies

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Fernando Andrade

1. My name is Fernando Andrade, and I am from Brazil. I have been a breeder since 2005, when I also started veterinary college. Now I have 20 years in Border Collies. Initially, my dogs were working herding dogs, not for show. My kennel name is FMA.

2. In my opinion, the study of bloodlines is very important to understanding how that dog will be in the future. Sometimes a good puppy will not develop into a good dog, but a puppy with a good bloodline, and good selection, can be more predictable.

Typically, I really like dogs with good movement, so all of my selections are dogs with good shoulders and correct tails on the move.

3. Yes, sure! People seek me out in my country, normally for a pet home.

4. I really believe the most important thing for a breeder is studying and understanding what is happening around the breeders’ world.

I’ll try to give one example. Some years ago, I traveled to Europe to bring a dog back and there was talk about glaucoma in Border Collies; at the time, nobody in Brazil knew about it. So, I let the breeders know about it, and I started to test my dogs.

It’s very important to study and understand everything about the dogs you are breeding.

It’s also very important that experienced breeders give support to young breeders! My dear friend, Karen Marquardt, is a very experienced breeder who has taught me so much!

5. I think the good breeder is viewed as responsible and ethical, with respect for all.

6. I really believe in dogs that can compete in Conformation and participate in Performance sports, so my focus with my dogs is on showing, as well as working with my goats.

7. In my country, the sport is growing and there are more people involved every day. This is important for both the dogs and their owners.