Stacy Adams
623-810-9427
All responsible breeders of the Australian Shepherds, will do the basic testing to ensure they are producing genetically sound puppies. And although doing the tests, only mating to those tested and are known to be genetically sound does not mean that genetic issues will not arise. Breeding clear stock is never a sure shot. Recessive genes can and do rear it's ugly head from generation past, sometimes as from very far back in a pedigree. But it is every responsible breeder's responsibility to test and research before breeding to up the odds of producing a genetically sound healthy puppy.
The most basic of testing will include, OFA or Penn Hip ratings for Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia, CERF for eye clearances. With Patellar Luxation being very important with in the Miniatures's that can be from breeding for smaller size in a breeding program to quickly. And a huge and growing concern is Epilepsy which I have added as it's own chapter.
http://www.ashgi.org/articles/gen_info.htm
Recommended sites for more information:
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0090.htm
http://www.vmdb.org/clinic.html
http://www.ashgi.org/index.htm
http://www.westernhillsaussies.com/genetics.html
http://www.mascaonline.org/Health.htm
http://members.aol.com/miniaussie/Frames7.htm
