Health Testing
The health of our shelties
Health problems, in general, are not common in Shelties; however, testing of breeding stock is a recommended practice to keep the incidence of certain problems as low as possible. It must be remembered that dogs are animals, not machines, and on average, every dog has 4 to 5 defective genes. Congenital and/or hereditary problems will occur no matter how conscientious a breeder is. Nonetheless, I strive to breed Shelties that are a combination of beautiful breed type and great health. I have dedicated my life to researching pedigrees and knowing the health and longevity of the shelties in my breeding program. My shelties are health tested at age appropriate times according to the recommendations set forth by the national breed club, The American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA) and The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) (a canine health database program jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)).
Recommended Health Tests
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Hip dysplasia evaluation (OFA)
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Eye clearance – Eye examination by a board certified American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) veterinarian with the results registered with OFA.
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von Willebrand's Disease Type III DNA test
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Multiple drug sensitivity (MDR1) DNA test
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Collie eye anomaly (CEA) DNA test
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Elbow dysplasia evaluation (OFA)
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Dermatomyositis - The 3-gene DNA test as developed by Clemson Genetics Lab
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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) (DNA test with result registered with the OFA).
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (There are DNA tests for at least 2 forms of PRA in Shelties - CNGA1 and BBS2).
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Dentition database - dental exam by licensed veterinarian to certify full dentition
