Collie Health

CCA Health Statement, Updated July 2025 (PDF) >>

As a rule the Collie is a healthy/hardy breed and owner feedback supports this statement. Over 350 Collies are currently part of the Collie CHIC Breed Survey and over 70% of those submitting data to the survey rated their Collie’s overall health as excellent and an additional 25% rated overall health as good. For more detailed information see the full survey results link at https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=CO#older

This particular survey includes owner-reported data and does not require DNA submission. Adding your collie to this survey is easy and can be completed at this link: https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?survey=CO.

Collies, like all breeds of dogs, have certain health issues. As responsible Collie breeders and owners it is important to be educated about these issues to minimize its impact on the breed through informed breeding practices, health care treatment decisions, and medication awareness. The Collie Health Foundation (CHF) provides a wealth of educational materials and testing opportunities to assure this education through its Collie Health 101 (https://www.colliehealth.org/collie-health-101/) and its testing partnerships. The CCA and CHF Health Statements linked above also discuss the health issues that are important.

Genetic DNA testing has seen great strides in the last decade and beyond. There are now tests for the major disorders impacting Collies and other breeds and those tests are easily performed. Not only does this testing ensure the improved health of our Collie, but can be submitted to databases that inform research partners and add to the health knowledgebase of our breed. The CHF encourages genetic testing and has established testing panels through its trusted testing partners (https://www.colliehealth.org/test-your-collie/). It provides subsidies to its members for testing and supports others who enter its grant-supported research studies (https://www.colliehealth.org/chf-research-grants/research-samples-needed/)

Two of the most important health issues to briefly mention here (both have genetic tests available):

CEA – Canine Eye Anomaly. This is an inherited eye disease that is present at birth. Collie eyes can be easily checked when the puppies are 5-6 weeks old, by a qualified Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. It is something that the average Veterinarian is not qualified to diagnose. Responsible breeders and CCA member breeders should routinely complete “eye checks” prior to placing a puppy in a new home. Do not buy a Collie from a breeder who hasn’t had the dog’s eyes checked by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist or who doesn’t offer a certificate of its status. For more information see: https://www.colliehealth.org/collie-health-101/cea-mutation/
MDR1 – MultiDrug Resistance 1. This is a genetic mutation found in most herding breeds – especially white-footed ones like the Collie. Dogs with this mutation have blood vessel walls (especially in the brain) that are more permeable to certain drugs. This can cause toxic reactions to certain drugs at otherwise normal doses. Ivermectin, a drug used in heartworm prevention, is one such drug that should be avoided. Luckily there are other heartworm preventatives that are safe for use in collies. Certain pain medications and anesthesia drugs are also problematic in MDR1 affected dogs. Washington State University is at the forefront of the research into MDR1. See Washington State page on Multi-drug Sensitivity for more information on specific drugs known to cause problems. Owners should discuss the MDR1 status of their dogs with their veterinarian in making any health care decisions involving medication administration. Having a current copy of the drugs that may cause problems in your dog’s veterinary record can be very helpful. For more information see: https://www.colliehealth.org/collie-health-101/mdr1-mutation/

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