Border Collie Health Testing Requirements for Stud Dogs

Border Collies are the world's premier herding dog — athletically gifted, highly intelligent, and driven. They also carry a focused set of inherited health risks that every serious breeder must test for.

The Border Collie Society of America (BCSA) participates in the OFA CHIC program and maintains active health initiatives for the breed.

CHIC Requirements for Border Collies

• OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• DNA test for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA/CH)
• DNA test for prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration)
• DNA test for MDR1 (ABCB1)

MDR1 — Drug Sensitivity

Like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies carry the MDR1 (ABCB1) mutation that causes life-threatening drug sensitivity to ivermectin, certain anesthetics, and many other common medications. Carrier frequency in Border Collies is significant — approximately 10-15% of the breed. All breeding stock should be MDR1 tested and results disclosed.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

CEA is highly prevalent in Border Collies. DNA testing identifies Clear, Carrier, and Affected status. Most affected dogs (CEA/CEA) have mild choroidal hypoplasia with normal vision; a minority develop retinal detachment and significant vision loss. Carriers (N/CEA) are not affected.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Multiple PRA forms occur in Border Collies. prcd-PRA testing is CHIC required. Additional PRA variants specific to Border Collies (CRD1, CRD2, rcd1a) may be relevant depending on pedigree.

Hip Evaluation

OFA Good or Excellent hips are the target. Border Collies are active working dogs whose hip health directly affects working longevity.

Additional Recommended Tests

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL): A fatal progressive neurological condition affecting Border Collies. DNA testing is available. Affected dogs (two copies) develop progressive neurological deterioration and die or are euthanized typically by ages 2-4.

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS): An immune system defect causing recurrent infections and early death. Autosomal recessive DNA test available. Uncommon in well-tested lines but important.

Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS): A vitamin B12 absorption defect. DNA test available; affects Border Collies and related breeds.

Epilepsy: Border Collies have elevated epilepsy rates. Complex (polygenic) inheritance; no single gene test. Select from pedigrees with low seizure history.

Summary

A responsible Border Collie stud dog should have: OFA/PennHIP hips, CAER eye exam, and DNA testing for CEA, prcd-PRA, MDR1, NCL, TNS, and IGS. MDR1 disclosure is safety-critical — all offspring will require MDR1-aware veterinary care if they inherit the mutation. CEA is widespread; Carrier × Clear pairings are acceptable and safe.