Breed Health
Australian Shepherd Health Issues
Generally a healthy, athletic breed, though a few hereditary conditions — some tied to its merle coat gene — are worth watching for.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation common in active herding breeds; hip screening of breeding parents lowers the odds in puppies.
Merle-Related Eye & Ear Defects
Breeding two merle-patterned dogs together (a "double merle" pairing) significantly raises the risk of blindness and deafness in puppies; reputable breeders avoid this pairing entirely.
MDR1 Drug Sensitivity
A genetic mutation found in a meaningful share of the breed causes sensitivity to certain common medications; a simple DNA test identifies carriers before any drug is prescribed.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
A gradual, inherited deterioration of the retina; DNA testing can identify carriers before breeding.
Preventive Care
Confirming a puppy did not come from a double-merle pairing is one of the most important checks a prospective owner can make. Requesting the breed’s MDR1 DNA test result helps avoid dangerous medication reactions later on. Hip screening and regular exercise round out a solid preventive routine.
Did You Know?
The MDR1 mutation affecting drug sensitivity is shared across several herding breeds descended from similar stock, including Collies and some Shepherd mixes.
Australian Shepherd Gifts
Copyright © 2005–2026 Dog Pound. All rights reserved.