We Collie breeders take genetic testing very seriously, seeing what devastation mutations in overbred dog populations can cause. Our parent club, the Collie Club of America (CCA), formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization called the Collie Health Foundation in 1986. It aims to address the breed’s most significant health problems with research, testing, and education. CHF has granted over one million dollars to research that benefits all breeds of dogs, but our primary attention goes to serious diseases that have cropped up in Collies in the past: Bloat, Grey Collie, Epilepsy, eye diseases (most notably PRA), Dermatomyositis, and Degenerative Myelopathy. Collie breeders can understand their transmission and breed away from these conditions through the reports produced by our research grantees, combined with thorough genetic testing. We have done so with much success.
What kinds of genetic testing do you do?
I send DNA samples of all our breeding dogs, and retained puppies, to UCDavis for a customized panel designed in cooperation with our Collie Health Foundation. The testing addresses mutations of concern to the Collie breed, including PRA, CEA, Grey Collie, DMS, DM, and MDR-1. The report from the parents is available to anyone interested in a Whitehall puppy. The information helps me choose knowledgeably for my breeding program. If a prospective puppy buyer wants this testing done on their choice puppy, we are happy to comply. However, if I know genetic reporting on the parents, I can clear the puppies “by pedigree” from the few dangerous known genetic mutations Collies can have.
A Note About Eyes
One misunderstood condition Collies carry is Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), also called Choroidal Hypoplasia. It is indicated by small pits in the inner surface of the back of the eyeball. Most Collies have a minor version of this genetic anomaly. It does not affect their vision and does not get worse over time. As an ethical Collie breeder, I commit to testing each puppy at eight weeks of age when a veterinary ophthalmologist best detects this condition. I furnish the results of this test to the puppy’s buyer. If anything is detected compromising normal vision, the buyer is informed before committing to buy the dog. In our particular bloodline, I have only encountered an issue once (a dystichia, or misplaced eyelash.) The puppy grew out of it and is normal.
Normal Eyes
Some breeders in the US, and many in Europe, emphasize breeding “normal-eyed” Collies. I applaud that, but I don’t select against mild CEA in my breeding program, and here’s why. CEA is a condition carried by 70-80% of Collies. It does not affect their longevity, vision, or quality of life. Disqualifying otherwise healthy breeding stock who carry the CEA gene would result in a whole lot of inbred Collies. To keep our gene pool diverse and healthy, I, and many other Collie breeders, focus on breeding away from deleterious mutations that impact a Collie’s quality of life.
MDR1 (Multidrug Sensitivity)
Herding breeds share a mutation that lowers the ability to clear certain drugs from their system. Among them are ivermectin, some of the anesthetics for surgery, and some cancer treatment drugs. We do test for the mutation in all breeding stock. We also treat every Collie as though it is affected, because many are. So, I avoid all the drugs deemed a threat to herding dogs. It is easy to do because there are safe substitutes available. I provide every puppy buyer with a list of these potentially harmful drugs. Most veterinarians are up to speed on this, but I remind them on any permission-to-treat forms I sign, just in case!
Overall Collie Health…
Is excellent. The expected collie lifespan is 12-14 years, which is average for dogs their size unaffected by chronic disease. Good nutrition, proactive veterinary care, and exercise are the recipe for a devoted companion that lives a long, healthy life.
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