You've gotten some good explanations on the surgery already.. it's a very touchy subject for dog owners (kind of like the de-clawing issue for cats), and most of us are against it.

Oh, and there is no such breed called a "Miniature Collie". You're probably thinking of a Sheltie. Shelties are very prone to barking and it angers me that people don't take the time to research the breed they choose before just going out and getting one.