Baramewe

Border Collies are a generally healthy breed although a number of hereditary diseases occur in the breed. Fortunately, for many diseases, DNA tests are available and reputable breeders always test their breeding stock to ensure that no puppies are affected by any of these diseases. Where only a physical test is available, for example Hip Dysplasia (HD), breeders screen their dogs to reduce the likelihood of these conditions occurring in their puppies.

When purchasing a puppy, please ensure that breeders provide evidence of the DNA test results and physical test results (for example Hip/Elbow/Eye results) for the sire and dam.

DNA Tests available for hereditary diseases affecting border collies are:

● Collie Eye Anomaly/ Choroidal Hypoplasia (CEA/CH)

● Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS)

● Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5)

● Raine Syndrome /Canine Dental Hypomineralisation (RS or DH)

● Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS) [aka Intestinal Cobalamin (Vit B12) Malabsortion (ICM)]

● Sensory Neuropathy (SN)

● Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

● Multi Drug Resistance (MDR1)

● Goniodysgenesis predisposition (Goniodysgenesis/Glaucoma)

● Early Adult Onset Deafness (EAOD)

Physical Tests available for hereditary diseases or disorders affecting border collies:

● Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (HD and ED) – X-rays and Scoring by ANKC approved panel (CHEDS)

● Eye Diseases - Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - examinations/screening by Canine Opthalmologist (ANKC ACES)

Diseases for which no test is available include Discoid Lupus (Collie Nose), Epilepsy and Border Collie Collapse (BCC). Buyers should ask the breeder whether there is a history of these diseases in the parents. Parents affected by these conditions should not be bred from to reduce the risk of producing an affected puppy. Before purchasing a Border Collie puppy, please take the time to visit the website of the National Border Collie Council where you will find lots of helpful information regarding Border Collies including full details of the various health testing that is undertaken by responsible breeders. Please visit: https://www.nationalbordercolliecouncilau.org/breed-health.html