Health and Wellbeing

It is important to note that Rough and Smooth Collies are fortunately relatively healthy breeds in comparison with many others.
 
Their Breed Standards were carefully drawn up in the 1880's, to take account of Collie's original working form and function. A few minor amendments have been made to the Standards over the years, but nothing that should give rise to concern in terms of exaggeration of type.

The information found here is directed primarily at breeders. Members of the general public, considering buying a Smooth Collie should discuss health issues with the breeder of their puppy. We will add more information to these pages as time goes on.

The Kennel Club now requires every Breed Club to elect a Health Coordinator to advise them on any initiatives being taken by the Clubs in promoting the breeding of healthy Collies, with the possible elimination of inherited breed-related conditions. The Smooth Collie Club's Health Coordinator is Claire Norman and she can be contacted at c-j@uk2.net

The Kennel Club officially recognises three inherited problems relating to Rough and Smooth Collies - two eye conditions (PRA & CEA), and hip problems.

Since the 1980's breeders have also been aware that some Collies may show adverse reactions to certain drugs eg Ivermectin. Researchers have found that approximately 60% of Collies, and other closely related breeds, carry a defective gene for MDR1 (multi-drug resistance) and they have recently developed a genetic test for the condition.

Breeders, world-wide, appear to be concerned about the fertility of their bitches - late seasons, failed pregnancies after successful matings, re-absorption of foetuses, still-births and fading puppies.

Please contact Claire Norman, Health Coordinator, if you have comments or require advice.

The information on these pages has largely been taken from the East Anglian Collie Association's website and we are very grateful to them and to Collienet for allowing us to reproduce them here.

Follow the links on the menu (left) for more information on inherited health conditions that can affect Collies and other breeds

Miscellaneous

Microchips
 
If you have recently had your Collie microchipped, the number will need to be added to the dog's KC registration details as soon as possible. Microchip implanters send details of chipped dogs to Petlog's National database, but cannot access the KC records of dogs other than his/her own.

This must therefore be done by the registered owner, either:

a), By email to gary.johnson@thekennelclub.org.uk or

b). If you are signed up with the KC to do on-line litter registrations you can add the microchip number yourself. Login to access the members' area, and then login again at the 'if you are an online Litter Registration customer'. This will list all those dogs you have registered at the KC. Highlight the relevant dog and this takes you to his/her profile. Complete the microchip box and 'save'.

From 2010 all dogs wishing to participate in the KC/BVA eye and hip schemes must first be permanently identified by either tattoo or microchip (DW 16/01/09).