Australian Cattle Dog Health Testing Requirements for Stud Dogs

Australian Cattle Dogs (Blue Heelers / Red Heelers) are among the most durable working breeds — but they carry significant inherited deafness risk and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) that require DNA and BAER testing of all breeding stock.

The Australian Cattle Dog Club of America (ACDCA) participates in the OFA CHIC program.

CHIC Requirements for Australian Cattle Dogs

• OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• BAER Testing (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response — deafness screening)
• DNA test for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

Congenital Deafness and BAER Testing

Inherited deafness is linked to the merle and piebald (white) genes. ACDs carrying significant white markings — particularly dogs with extreme white or merle patterning — have elevated deafness risk. BAER testing confirms hearing in both ears bilaterally. Dogs that are deaf in one ear (unilateral deafness) should not be bred; dogs deaf in both ears must not be bred.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

PLL causes the lens of the eye to displace, leading to glaucoma and blindness. ACD carrier frequency is significant. DNA testing identifies Clear, Carrier (Heterozygous/At Risk), and Affected (Homozygous) status. Dogs with two copies are at high risk of developing PLL; dogs with one copy carry some risk. Breed Clear × Clear or Clear × Carrier to prevent two-copy offspring.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

prcd-PRA occurs in ACDs. DNA testing is recommended for all breeding stock.

Hip Evaluation

Hip dysplasia occurs in ACDs; OFA Good or Excellent is the target.

Summary

A responsible Australian Cattle Dog stud dog must have: BAER testing (bilaterally normal), PLL DNA testing (Clear preferred, Carrier with disclosure), OFA/PennHIP hips, OFA CAER eye exam, and prcd-PRA DNA test. BAER and PLL are the two most breed-critical tests and must not be skipped.