Aussiedoodle Health Testing Guide: What Both Parent Breeds Need

An Aussiedoodle is only as healthy as its parents. This guide covers the complete health testing protocol for both Australian Shepherd and Poodle parents in an Aussiedoodle breeding programme.

Because the Aussiedoodle draws from two distinct breeds, health testing must address the genetic risks of both. The specific tests required depend on which breed the stud represents. Here is the full protocol.

Australian Shepherd Side Testing

MDR1 / ABCB1 Gene Mutation — Top Priority

The MDR1 mutation is the most important single test for any dog with Australian Shepherd genetics. Affected dogs have a compromised blood-brain barrier and can experience severe, potentially fatal reactions to many common drugs.

Test result interpretation:

• Clear (Normal/Normal): No copies of mutation. Safe with all medications.
• Carrier (Mutant/Normal or +/-): One copy. May have mild sensitivity — caution with high-dose MDR1 drugs.
• Affected (Mutant/Mutant or -/-): Two copies. Serious sensitivity risk — avoid ivermectin, loperamide, certain anaesthetics, and others without veterinary guidance.

A breeding Aussie stud should be Clear or Carrier. Carrier × Carrier breedings risk producing Affected offspring — avoid this combination.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

DNA test — Clear preferred. Carrier acceptable with Clear dam.

Hip Evaluation (OFA)

OFA Fair or better. Good or Excellent preferred.

Eye Certification (CAER) + CEA DNA Test

Annual CAER physical exam, plus DNA testing for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). CEA is common in herding breeds. Clear or Carrier status documented.

Hereditary Cataracts (HSF4)

DNA test available — Clear preferred.

Merle Status

Must be confirmed before any breeding involving a visually merle dog. Cryptic merle status can only be confirmed via DNA test.

Poodle Side Testing

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA) — Top Priority

prcd-PRA is the most significant inherited eye disease in Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles. It causes progressive blindness. Clear is required for a breeding Poodle stud — Carrier status is acceptable only if bred to a Clear dam.

Hip Evaluation (OFA)

Relevant for Standard and Miniature Poodles. Good or Excellent preferred.

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) — Standard Poodles

SA is a skin condition causing hair loss and skin problems. OFA SA evaluation via skin biopsy is required for Standard Poodle studs.

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NEwS) — Standard Poodles

Fatal condition in newborn puppies. DNA test — Clear required.

Von Willebrand Disease Type I

DNA test — Clear preferred. Carrier acceptable with documentation.

Patella Evaluation (Miniature and Toy Poodles)

OFA patella Grade 0 (Normal) required for small Poodle sizes.

Improper Coat (IC Locus)

Testing for the IC locus predicts whether offspring will have the full "doodle" coat (furnished) or a flat, more shedding-prone coat. Useful for managing buyer expectations.

Summary Testing Checklist