Genetic Diseases in Border Collies

I test all my collies for genetic diseases specific to the breed. DNA testing is affordable and easy and helps to ensure healthy puppies.

PawPrint Genetics has a nice summary of the most common diseases in Border Collies.

The International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) requires that all parents of puppies be tested for Collie Eye Anomaly before registration.

Orivet Border Collie Full Breed profile results are available for all my adults and the pups I keep on the farm.

Most screened genetic diseases are recessive, requiring that both sire and dam be carriers. Since these diseases are easy to breed around, by selecting at least one non-carrier, I am able to breed talented dogs with great temperaments who may be carriers of certain diseases and let puppy owners know that the puppy has a 50% chance of being a carrier as well. The diseases do not manifest itself in carriers.