Stillwaters Heritage Farm Testimonials

Tillie

Tillie has been the smartest dog we’ve ever had! She fits in perfectly on the farm and is amazing with the animals and our daughter. She’s the best companion. She works every day with the chickens and sheep we farm.

Lasso

Spring 2025 Puyallup, WA

I am a professional, certified dog trainer, and had been thinking about the next dog I would get for years. I had bounced around with the idea of different breeds and breeders, but have had the OTSC on my list for a long time. When it was finally time to add another dog to the family, I came across Stillwaters Heritage Farm and just knew they were the right fit. After talking with Angela, I felt even more sure I'd found the right dog. She was open and honest, and happily answered my questions. She was also so eager to learn more about my training style.

Now that we have had our puppy for around two months, I can happily say that I would recommend this breed, and Angela, to just about anyone. I believe the environment that Angela has created to foster and nurture her puppies leads to a very well rounded dog.

Our puppy, Lasso, is essentially bomb proof. Nothing seems to phase him, from fireworks, barking dogs, falling baby gates, he has seen it all and doesn't blink an eye. He has gone to puppy socialization classes and is confident, eager without being overly pushy, and will happily focus on me and our training, even in a highly distracting environment. Lasso is lovely in the home. He will happily follow us around, doesn't bother the kids too much, and he is not overly mouthy even while teething (though this last bit does come down to our management of him). 

One thing that stands out about him compared to most puppies I work with is how easily he accepts being crated/penned and separated from us. We can easily put him in his puppy pen while we eat dinner or run errands, knowing he is not worried, will not destroy anything, or have an accident. No separation anxiety here! He also sleeps through the night! Training (with positive reinforcement/clicker training methods) has been exceptionally fun and easy. He has learned down, stand, touch, pivot (a heeling behavior), station, place, recall, with more to come! I am beyond proud of him!  

Another thing that stands out about Lasso from other puppies is his energy level. Angela told me that the OTSC 'has energy on tap', meaning they are ready to work when you need them to, but equally able to be calm. This is exactly what I have found to be true with Lasso. He is calm by nature, but will easily tap into 'high energy mode' when asked to work, or train with me. He is both food and toy motivated, so will eagerly jump into action when asked.

I am beyond pleased with Lasso. He has fit right into our family and has met every one of my expectations and goals. Again, I would recommend this breed, and Angela, to anyone. Picture: Lasso with his best pal Watson

Hank

Spring 2025, Jasper, IN

When our big beautiful mahogany rough collie Russell passed with cancer recently...we were devastated. I remembered reading about Scotch Bred Collies, and soon found Angela Linzey's website "Stillwaters Heritage Farm". There was a recent litter and I met my little man Hank.

All the puppies were adorable,  but I kept coming back to him, and when he looked me in the eye and licked the end of my nose...he made himself a place in my soul. He is such a joy. Smart, a quick learner, and so friendly with people and our other 2 dogs Bentley our Bernese Mountain dog, and Morgan our tricolor rough female.

After 1 week with us he traveled with me on a flyfishing adventure in Maine for 11 days. Learned to swim after jumping out of the canoe (waited patiently on the bank and stayed in the canoe thereafter) and was patient as we fished for 3 days. Loves to run and hike, but stays close and follows commands very well. So very glad he came into our lives!

Howdy

Fall 2024, Dyer, IN

While we have always had dogs that were "part-collie", we are more than thrilled with the true collie we found at Stillwaters Heritage Farms. The puppy we brought home just loves to greet new people and animals in a respectful way, and that's how he got his name, Howdy. He is such a happy boy, especially when he gets any chance to play in water. He just loves running and splashing in the creek. We are so blessed to have found a place that still breeds that real collie spirit.

Innes

Fall 2024, New Jersey

Innes is just gorgeous, inside and out. He has so much intelligence and joy and is all around a wonderful dog to work and live with. And those eyes are something special.

Molly

Spring 2022, Bloomington, Indiana

We adopted 1 1/2-year-old Molly, and she has been a delight in our house.  This is our fourth collie and the first Scotch Collie.  We have never had a dog so quickly adjust and bond to us.  She jumps up on the couch to be near to us and snuggles as close as she can.  She quickly learned to sit and fetch.  Our neighbors love her and a few times cars have stopped when we are out on a walk so that they can get out and greet her.

Murphy

Fall 2023, Port Alsworth, Alaska

Murphy had his first bear encounter.  We had a black bear on our property and he stayed close to the house and aggressively barked and paced until it ran off.  He didn't approach and gave good space.  I think it went well for his first time seeing one.

An update: Our normally playful, gentle boy turned into a very confident protector. We came within about 50’ of a brown bear. Murphy got right between us and drove the bear away. He did exactly what I’ve seen trained bear dogs do. He definitely had a bit of an adrenaline letdown afterwards, but he earned his salmon dinner!

Arnie

Winter 2022, Anchorage, Alaska

Arnie is hands down, the BEST dog we could have ever hoped for. He is so smart, gentle, playful, and just loves all of us! Second camping trip, everyone was raving about how well behaved he is at 6 months old! He doesn’t need a leash, wanders close and comes back as soon as we call him. And he loves to be on ALL the boats. Whether it’s ours or friends. Thank you for Arnie. We LOVE him!!!

Hudson

Winter 2022, Virginia

So are all of your collies people pleasers?  I've had livestock guardian breeds, never a herding breed.  This dog LIVES to be affirmed by people!

Hapi

Winter 2022, Oklahoma, Service Dog

Every single one of our trainers wanted to take Hapi home with them, because they loved her so much.  My staff and I would highly recommend these wonderful dogs. -Seth, Owner/Trainer of Tip-Top K9, Oklahoma

Reggie

Winter 2023, Pennsylvania, New Recruit for Search Team Member

Hi, Angela - just wanted to let you know that Reggie (Cambric) continues to be amazing!  He is doing very well at search training and already doing turns and different surfaces at barely 5 months old!  He has visited both seniors and school kids and is so happy with everyone!  He's also doing great in puppy classes.

I can't rave about him enough.  My husband says that every dog should be a Scotch Collie!

Glacier

Fall 2024, Michigan

Going to visit Stillwater's Heritage Farm is like going to visit family.  It was my first time meeting Angela and her family. Pulling up their driveway with Angela waving us hello was such a warm welcome into a peaceful piece of paradise in the country. Getting out of my van Gunnar wandered up to me wagging his tail, happy to receive some pets and love. Leaning against me to remind me he was there and to keep petting him. Time flew by while we were there. We could have spent hours talking with Angela. I have the utmost confidence in choosing my next puppy from Stillwater Heritage Farm. Now I just have to decide which of the adorable puppies is meant to become a part of our family.

Dobby

Fall 2024, Ohio

Oh my goodness! I am not exaggerating when I say that he (Dobby) is the best dog that we have ever owned.  He is just a pure joy.  Training is going very well, and he is really doing a great job at being a part time working farm dog.  He also loves the kids with his every fiber.  We love him so much!!!

Mr. Darcy

Winter 2023, Michigan

Old-Time Scotch Collie, Mr. Darcy, is fabulous, but what endears him to us most is how patient and protective he is of our son.  Our little adventurer is learning to climb stairs, but Darcy doesn't always think that's a good idea, so he'll lay on the stair ahead of our toddler to keep him from climbing too far.  He has become the favorite jungle gym and napping pillow for our son, and the two of them are the best of friends - you can always find them together.