Breed Health
Border Collie Health Issues
A generally hardy working breed, though a few hereditary conditions are worth screening for before breeding or adoption.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Collie Eye Anomaly
An inherited eye condition affecting the retina, present from birth in affected dogs; a DNA test can identify carriers before breeding.
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation that can limit mobility in an otherwise highly active breed; hip screening of breeding stock lowers the odds.
MDR1 Drug Sensitivity
A genetic mutation shared with related herding breeds causes sensitivity to certain medications; a simple DNA test identifies carriers.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy appears somewhat more often in this breed than average; seizures are typically managed with daily medication once diagnosed.
Preventive Care
Requesting eye and hip clearances, along with an MDR1 test result, from a breeder covers the most significant hereditary risks. Given the breed’s extremely high drive, ensuring adequate daily mental and physical stimulation also supports overall wellbeing, since under-exercised Border Collies often develop anxiety-related behaviors that can be mistaken for illness.
Did You Know?
Because Border Collies are so work-driven, an under-stimulated dog can develop obsessive behaviors like compulsive light- or shadow-chasing — a behavioral, not medical, condition worth ruling out with a vet.
Border Collie Gifts
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