Breed Health
Australian Cattle Dog Health Issues
A tough, generally healthy breed, though a couple of hereditary conditions appear more often than average and are worth screening for.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Progressive Hereditary Deafness
Linked to the breed’s merle-influenced coat pattern, some puppies are born deaf in one or both ears; BAER hearing testing on puppies identifies this early.
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation that can limit mobility over time; screening breeding parents lowers the odds in puppies.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
A gradual, inherited deterioration of the retina that can lead to blindness; a DNA test can identify carriers before breeding.
Preventive Care
Requesting BAER hearing test results and hip clearances from a breeder is the most effective step before adoption. Keeping the breed’s naturally high energy well exercised also supports joint and overall health long-term. Annual eye exams are worth adding to routine vet visits as the dog ages.
Did You Know?
Puppies born deaf are usually identified through BAER testing at a young age, allowing owners to adapt training methods — such as hand signals — from the start.
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