Border Collie Health Testing
Border Collie health testing is non-negotiable at Aleannan. We screen hips, elbows, eyes, hearing, and the relevant DNA conditions, then publish verifiable results. Below you’ll find our protocol, the tests we run, and how to verify us in public registries.
Last updated: October 19, 2025
Our Testing Protocol
Orthopedic
Hips, elbows and shoulders via OFA or PennHIP (breed-appropriate). We do prelims as adolescents and finals at 24+ months before breeding.
Eyes & Hearing
Annual CAER eye exams by a board-certified ophthalmologist; BAER hearing test.
DNA Panel
Optimal Selection for registry-ready results. We confirm key conditions and track heterozygosity/COI to inform pairings.
Tests We Run (Border Collie)
Core DNA Conditions›
- CEA/CH — Collie Eye Anomaly
- TNS — Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
- CL/NCL — Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- IGS — Imerslund–Gräsbeck Syndrome (cobalamin malabsorption)
- SN — Sensory Neuropathy
- EAOD — Early Adult-Onset Deafness (research/marker availability varies)
- MDR1 — Multi-drug sensitivity (screened; prevalence lower than in Rough Collies)
- BCC — Border Collie Collapse (risk awareness; management best practices)
Registry education: OFA · AKC Breed Info · Optimal Selection
Orthopedic (Hips/Elbows/Shoulders)›
We radiograph dogs mature enough for reliable results. Hips target Excellent/Good and elbows Normal. We do not breed any dog with dysplasia.
OFA or PennHIP
OFA Normal
OFA Normal
Finals ≥ 24 mo
Eyes (CAER) & Hearing (BAER)›
Eyes are examined yearly by a board-certified ophthalmologist; BAER confirms deafness/unilateral/bilateral hearing.
Breeding Policies (Health edition)
- We breed only health-cleared dogs. If a finding is borderline, we consult our veterinary team and may exclude that dog.
- We pair for complementary structure, stable temperament, and biddability. Achieving a certain color is never a factor in our decisions.
- Puppies leave with a written contract, microchip, deworming/vaccination schedule, and lifetime support.
Verification FAQ
Why do you use both OFA and DNA panels?›
Because structure and genes both matter. Orthopedic and eye/hearing exams assess the whole dog, while DNA clarifies inherited risk. Together, they reduce uncertainty.
Do you breed carriers?›
Sometimes—responsibly. With clear mates and transparent disclosures, we avoid producing affected puppies while preserving genetic diversity.
How often are results updated?›
Immediately after we receive official results. Annual CAER exams are logged each year, and DNA/COI updates are posted as they change.