Collie Dog BreedingFind the Perfect Match

CEA affects 70-95% of Collies genetically, though only 5-10% have vision impairment. It's a recessive disorder causing underdevelopment of the choroid (blood vessel layer behind retina). Severity ranges from mild choroidal hypoplasia to retinal detachment and blindness. DNA testing is MANDATORY - identifies Normal, Carrier, or Affected status. Never breed Affected to Affected (100% affected puppies). Carrier to Normal produces 50% carriers with normal vision. Eye exams at 6-8 weeks can identify affected puppies before iris pigmentation masks changes. Most CEA-affected dogs have normal vision, but severe cases cause blindness. The high carrier rate makes elimination difficult without losing genetic diversity.

MDR1 mutation affects 70% of Collies (35% homozygous mutant, 35% heterozygous). It causes potentially fatal reactions to common medications including ivermectin (heartworm prevention), loperamide (Imodium), acepromazine (sedative), and certain chemotherapy drugs. Homozygous mutants can die from standard doses. DNA testing is ESSENTIAL - costs $70. Never breed mutant/mutant to mutant/mutant. Provide all buyers with the Washington State University MDR1 drug list. Emergency surgeries become complicated as many anesthetics are affected. Even heterozygous dogs need dose adjustments. This mutation is why Collies have the saying 'white feet, don't treat' referring to ivermectin sensitivity.

DMS is an autoimmune disease affecting skin and muscles, occurring in 20% of Collies. It causes facial lesions, hair loss, muscle atrophy, and difficulty swallowing. Onset is typically 3-6 months old. Severity ranges from mild skin lesions to life-threatening muscle involvement. The PAN2, MAP3K7CL, and DLA genes are involved. DNA testing available but complex - requires understanding of risk haplotypes. Never breed affected dogs or high-risk to high-risk combinations. Triggers include vaccines, stress, and UV exposure. Treatment involves immunosuppressants ($200-400/month) with variable success. Severe cases require euthanasia. Scarring is permanent even if controlled.

PRA causes progressive blindness, with Collies affected by the rcd2 form. Different from CEA, PRA typically starts at 3-5 years with night blindness, progressing to total blindness by 6-8 years. DNA testing identifies Normal, Carrier, or Affected status. Never breed Affected dogs or Carrier to Carrier. Annual CERF/OFA eye exams essential as clinical signs appear late. No treatment exists. Affected dogs adapt well to blindness if environment remains consistent. The late onset means dogs may be bred before clinical signs appear, making DNA testing critical. Both CEA and PRA testing needed as dogs can have both conditions.

Collies have notoriously sensitive stomachs with high rates of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), colitis, and food allergies affecting 30-40% of the breed. Stress colitis is extremely common due to their sensitive temperament. Many require prescription diets ($80-120/month) or limited ingredient foods. Chronic diarrhea leads to weight loss and poor coat. The MDR1 mutation limits medication options for treatment. Breeding dogs with chronic GI issues perpetuates the problem. Screen for food allergies before breeding. Maintain detailed health records of GI issues in breeding lines. Educate buyers about slow food transitions and stress management.

Collie Nose affects 30% of Collies, causing loss of nose pigmentation, crusting, bleeding, and potential cancer development. UV exposure triggers this autoimmune condition. White-factored and blue merle Collies are most susceptible. Prevention requires daily sunscreen application, limiting sun exposure, and tattooing pink areas. Severe cases need immunosuppressive therapy. Squamous cell carcinoma risk increases 10-fold in affected dogs. Never breed severely affected dogs. Select for strong black nose pigmentation. The condition is painful and progressive without management. Treatment costs $50-200/month between sunscreen, medications, and veterinary monitoring.

Idiopathic epilepsy affects 2-4% of Collies, with onset typically between 1-5 years. It's hereditary with complex inheritance. NEVER breed dogs with epilepsy or those who've produced epileptic offspring. Check three generations of pedigree for seizure history. Seizures can be triggered by stress, which Collies are prone to. Treatment requires lifelong anticonvulsants ($50-200/month) with regular blood monitoring. The MDR1 mutation limits medication options - phenobarbital is safe but others aren't. Status epilepticus (continuous seizures) is life-threatening. Quality of life depends on seizure control. Many require euthanasia due to poor control or medication side effects.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat) affects 5-8% of Collies due to their deep chest conformation. It's life-threatening within hours, requiring emergency surgery ($3,000-8,000) with 30% mortality even with treatment. Risk factors include: eating once daily, rapid eating, exercise near meals, stress (common in sensitive Collies), and family history. Prevention includes gastropexy during spay/neuter ($500-800), feeding 2-3 small meals, using slow-feeders, and avoiding exercise 1 hour before/after meals. First-degree relatives of bloat victims have 60% higher risk. Educate all buyers about bloat symptoms: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and drooling.

Grey Collie Syndrome is a fatal genetic disease affecting silver/grey puppies. It's autosomal recessive, causing cyclic drops in white blood cells every 10-12 days. Affected puppies are smaller, have silver-grey coat regardless of parents' colors, and suffer recurring infections. Most die by 6 months; rare survivors don't exceed 2-3 years despite intensive care costing thousands monthly. DNA testing available - NEVER breed carriers together (25% affected puppies). The condition helped identify the dilute gene but at tragic cost. All grey/silver Collies should be DNA tested. Carrier to Normal breeding is safe but produces 50% carriers.

Hip dysplasia affects 15% of Collies, relatively low but still significant. OFA or PennHIP testing required - only breed Good or Excellent. Elbow dysplasia affects 8%, requiring OFA testing. Never breed dogs with hip or elbow dysplasia. Surgery costs $3,000-7,000 per joint. Early signs include bunny hopping, difficulty rising, and lameness. The breed's moderate size and activity level mean joint problems significantly impact quality of life. Environmental factors (nutrition, exercise) affect expression. Keep puppies lean, avoid excessive exercise until 18 months. Both conditions are polygenic with moderate heritability. Screen multiple generations when possible.