Collie Health & Nutrition
As a proud member of the Collie Health Foundation, Highland Moor strives to further education and advocacy for the overall wellbeing of the breed.
On this page, you will find information about the overall fortitude of this breed as a whole, which ailments are important to look out for, and the optimal diet & nutritional supplements for your dog.
A Sturdy Companion
As purebred dogs go, the Rough Collie is among the most healthy of all. They are not prone to orthopedic, cardiovascular, muscular, urogenital, respiratory, nervous, or digestive system disorders. They are among very few breeds for whom the parent club does not recommend OFA examination.
Rough Collies have an average lifespan of 12-16 years. Kept at a healthy weight, on a solid nutrition plan, with regular grooming and medical care- your collie will be your steadfast best friend for a very long time to come.
What We Look For
Collies are prone to a select group of inherited genetic disorders: Multi-Drug Resistance, Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Rod-Cone Dysplasia (Type 2), Collie Eye Anomaly, Degenerative Myelopathy, Dermatomyositis, and Canine Neutropenia (Grey Collie Syndrome). None of our breeding adults are affected by this group of disorders. Additionally, our dogs are all tested through UC Davis prior to having puppies to thoroughly ensure catastrophic diseases cannot be passed down. Copies of health testing results are available for each of our dogs under the "Our Collies" page, and on the GoodDog Portal.
Coat Color Genetics & Health
Why can't you breed two merle collies together?
Breeding two merle collies together results in "Double Merle" or "Double Dilute" puppies. These dogs may be bred on purpose by backyard operations and puppy mills for their unique colorations. Puppies who inherit two copies of the merle gene are at increased risk for deafness, blindness, and structural deformities of the eyes. Some dogs may carry the merle gene, but not physically express it- this is known as a "cryptic merle". To ensure all of our puppies arrive healthy and happy, our breeding adults are tested and intentionally matched to account for the presence of the merle gene.
Health Testing
For Every Puppy
MDR1- What is it?
Every puppy that comes from Highland Moor is tested through UC Davis for their MDR1 status- but why is this so important anyways? MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1), also known as the ABCB1 gene, is a gene that produces P-glycoprotein. This is a protein that helps pump certain drugs and toxins out of the brain. In some dogs, particularly the Collie, a mutation in MDR1 gene can prevent this protective mechanism from working properly. As a result, affected dogs can have severe or even life-threatening reactions to common medications. Testing Collies for the MDR1 mutation is important so veterinarians can choose safe medications and avoid dangerous drug toxicity.
MDR1- Safe Parasite Prevention
We use Stronghold for parasite prevention, which is made by the company Zoetis. There’s a common misconception that dogs with the MDR1 mutation can’t use Stronghold/Revolution, but this is not accurate.
The concern isn’t the medication itself. It’s ingestion before it dries.
They can safely use it, with some key precautions:
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Apply it high up on the neck (base of skull)
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Make sure it fully dries before allowing contact with other pets
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Prevent licking/ingestion
Every puppy from our program goes home with one dose already applied.
Click the link below to purchase the product, making sure to select the correct weight range for your dog or puppy. Use coupon code PRF13153011 to save $5.
Optimal Collie Nutrition
Dietary recommendations at every age.
More than a Meal
Food is a very personal choice when it comes to our dogs, and we believe in leaving that choice up to each puppy's family. However, following specific recommended plans will grant eligibility for an extended health guarantee. See your puppy's contract or scroll below for more information.
Plans & Benefits
Below you will find each dietary tier, their descriptions, and the benefits involved with them. These are completely optional, and not a requirement to have your application approved.
Gold Tier
This option includes properly balanced raw or gently cooked diets formulated specifically for growing puppies. Because growth-stage nutrition requires careful attention to calcium, phosphorus, and overall balance, families selecting this option and wishing to qualify for the 24-month extended health guarantee must complete an approved Raw Feeders 101 educational course within the first six months. This requirement exists to ensure proper formulation during the most critical developmental window. No financial compensation is received for this course — it is strictly an educational safeguard.
Gold Option Requirements for Extended Guarantee:
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Completion of Raw Feeders 101 within 6 months
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Properly balanced formulation for growth
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Maintenance of feeding path during the growth period
This option qualifies for the extended health guarantee when requirements are met.
Silver Tier
This option includes a carefully selected commercial diet raised within our program and transitioned consistently before go-home. It provides:
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Ingredient transparency
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Digestive consistency
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Structured support during growth
Families selecting and maintaining this option qualify for the 24-month extended health guarantee. No additional educational requirement is necessary for this path.
Bronze Tier
Families may choose another commercial diet provided it meets basic ingredient standards. Minimum standards include:
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Named animal protein as the first ingredient
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No by-products
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No corn, wheat, or soy
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Clearly identified ingredients
This option does not qualify for the extended health guarantee but remains a supported and respected choice. Guidance on label reading is always available.
Eligibility
Feeding decisions ultimately belong to each family. The extended health guarantee is offered as an added level of protection for families who participate in structured feeding paths during the growth period. The standard health guarantee applies to all puppies regardless of feeding choice.
Puppy Nutrition: The Bottom Line
There are a few things that every puppy's family, regardless of feeding plan, should be looking for in a dog food brand.
Age-Appropriate
Food should be labelled "For Large Breed Puppies" or "For All Life Stages"
No Gaps
The food should be labelled as a "Complete and Balanced" diet
AAFCO-Compliant
Commercial dog food brands should meet or exceed AAFCO's guidelines.
Healthy Weight Secures Longevity
What's a few extra pounds?
Generally speaking, collies are very food-driven dogs. It is important to monitor your dog's food intake and change it as needed if your dog is too skinny or becomes overweight. A dog who isn't eating enough won't have the nutrients their body needs to grow and stay healthy, and a dog who is obese is at greater risk for joint disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
Supplements for Success
Going the extra mile for your loyal friend
Ingredients to Believe in
PawTree is more than a business partnership for us, because we use their products for our own dogs. Take a look at some of our favorites:
Plaque Control
Dental disease and tooth decay are affecting more and more dogs every year. Not only is it painful for them, but it can result in expensive dental procedures becoming a necessity. PawTree's Plaque Control chews work through your dog's saliva to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. The best part is, your dog will think of this as an extra treat! Click below to see before and after photos of our own dogs' teeth, and to learn more about how this supplement can improve your dog's health in the long-term.
Chillax to the Max
Thunderstorms, fireworks, big parties, or long road trips- it's always stressful when something causes anxiety in our dogs. What's worse is feeling helpless in the moment when we can't seem to ease their nerves. PawTree's Chillax to the Max calming support chews are here to help! Grab some to keep in your pantry whenever you anticipate your dog may need a little extra help to relax and stay worry-free. Click below to learn about how to identify and treat fear and stress for your dog.
Salmon Oil Drops
Collies are well-known for their impressive, beautiful coats- keep them that way by giving their skin and fur the extra boost it needs. Packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, this will keep dryness and irritation at bay and support healthy hair growth. Recent studies have also shown the importance of these two in joint support, immune health, cognitive function, and eye & ear health. Click below to explore this, and various allergy support options to address any further skin concerns.
