Hello!

I'm Mikayla, the owner and breeder behind Fianna Collies, a small preservation kennel in North Carolina dedicated to breeding beautiful, healthy, and versatile Collies that excel as beloved family companions, performance partners, and successful show dogs.

My love of dogs began long before I ever owned a Collie. I grew up surrounded by a variety of animals, but dogs always held a special place in my heart. Some of my earliest memories are waking up early on Saturday mornings to watch the AKC National Championship dog show on Animal Planet (now the Royal Canin National Championship), dreaming about one day stepping into the show ring myself.

That dream became even more tangible thanks to my aunt, who bred field-bred Labrador Retrievers. I was her enthusiastic helper through every stage of raising a litter—from newborn puppies to the day they went home. Those experiences planted the seeds for what would eventually become Fianna Collies.

Why Collies?

My love for Collies began in childhood. Like many children, I was captivated by the majestic Collie in 101 Dalmatians who helped Pongo search for his puppies. Around the same time, another of my aunts owned a Collie whose beauty, elegance, and gentle nature left a lasting impression on me.

In 2020, that lifelong admiration became reality when I welcomed Fionn, my first Rough Collie.

Fionn opened the door to an entirely new world. Together we've explored a wide variety of AKC sports, including obedience, Fast CAT, CAT, and Barn Hunt, while also training in agility and herding. More than anything, Fionn taught me just how versatile and willing a Collie can be. He's truly my "anything" dog—the one who sparked my passion for preserving this incredible breed.

In 2022, I added Rory to my family. Rory introduced me to the world of conformation showing and taught me that grooming a Rough Collie is an art all its own! She's also become my partner in performance sports, and working alongside her has only deepened my appreciation for the intelligence, athleticism, and heart that define this breed. Rory is, without question, my heart walking around outside of my chest.

Today, every dog in my program reminds me why I fell in love with Collies in the first place. Their beauty may catch your eye, but it's their unwavering loyalty, joyful spirit, trainability, and gentle temperament that truly steal your heart.

What's in a Name?

The name Fianna Collies honors the dog who started it all.

When I brought Fionn home, I wanted a name that reflected both his heritage and his appearance. I chose the Gaelic name Fionn, meaning fair or white—a perfect fit for my handsome boy.

In Irish mythology, Fionn Mac Cumhaill was a legendary warrior and leader of an elite band of heroes known as the Fianna. Their loyalty, courage, and devotion have made them enduring symbols in Celtic folklore.

To honor the dog who changed the course of my life and inspired my journey into preservation breeding, I chose to name my kennel Fianna Collies. Every puppy born here carries forward the legacy that began with one extraordinary Collie named Fionn.

At Fianna Collies, my goal is to preserve everything that makes this breed so special. I strive to produce Collies with excellent health, sound structure, stable temperaments, and the versatility to thrive as cherished family companions, successful performance dogs, and beautiful representatives of the breed. Every litter is thoughtfully planned, every puppy is raised with intention, and every family becomes part of the Fianna Collies community.