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Health Testing 

All of our adult dogs in the Highland Moor breeding program must undergo genetic health testing before being selected for producing puppies. This is crucial to ensuring the well-being and longevity that the breed is known for. 

What We Test For 

Multi-Drug Sensitivity (MDR1)

MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) is a genetic mutation of the ABCB1 gene that affects how certain medications are processed in the brain. In Collies, this test identifies dogs that may have dangerous reactions to common drugs such as Ivermectin and certain anesthetics.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) is an inherited eye disorder that affects the development of the retina and other eye structures. DNA screening identifies dogs that are clear, carriers, or affected to help guide responsible breeding decisions. None of Highland Moor's collies selected for producing puppies are affected by CEA. 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) is an inherited neurological disease that causes progressive weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs due to spinal cord degeneration. Testing our dogs identifies individual genetic markers to help inform breeding decisions.

PRA, Rod-Cone Dysplasia
Type 2

PRA Rod-Cone Dysplasia Type 2 (rcd2) is an inherited eye disease that causes early-onset degeneration of the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.  DNA testing ensures that our dogs cannot pass this on to their puppies.

Canine Neutropenia (Grey Collie Syndrome)

Canine neutropenia (Grey Collie Syndrome) is a severe inherited immune disorder that causes abnormally low white blood cell levels, leading to recurrent infections, poor growth, and a limited lifespan. All of our dogs are tested to completely rule out this disease as a possibility,

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inherited inflammatory disease affecting the skin and muscles, causing skin lesions, hair loss, and overall weakness in dogs. None of our dogs are able to pass this condition on to their puppies. 

MDR1 Puppy Testing

Every single one of our puppies is tested for MDR1 through UC Davis before going home. MDR1 is a manageable genetic condition that impacts which drugs and anesthetics your dog can safely tolerate. Thanks to modern testing capabilities, we are able to identify affected dogs to make informed breeding decisions and provide appropriate care plans to families.

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Healthy Dogs. Happy Families.

Health is at the forefront of our breeding program in all cases, as it is the foundation to a happy and fulfilling life for any dog. Every puppy deserves to grow into a body that feels strong and beautiful. 

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