Genetic Diseases

Border Collies are a generally healthy breed. Whilst a number of hereditary diseases occur in the breed, 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. These genetic tests allow breeders to make informed decisions about which matings are safe and which are to be avoided. As per the NBCC Code of Ethics, at least one parent should be DNA normal/clear for each disease with an available genetic test. Carrier dogs, or dogs Affected/At Risk with/for non-fatal diseases (eg CEA and EAOD) should not be precluded from breeding programs, provided the chosen mate is clear of that condition.

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 - CEA, Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - examinations/screening by Canine Opthalmologist (ANKC ACES)
Diseases for which no test is available:
● Discoid Lupus (Collie Nose)
● Epilepsy
● 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.

NBCC Genetic Disease Information Pages