Most Australian Shepherd puppies are generally born healthy. However there are a few health problems that are associated with the breed, some of which can be seen at a young age.
The gene for the merle have been known to cause blindness and deafness in puppies. This usually occurs when a merle is crossed with a merle.
The gene for a natural bobtail can cause a defect leading to spinal defects. This is seen mainly when a natural bobtail is crossed with a natural bobtail.
More frequently seen conditions:
Cataracts: blocks light in eye
Isis Coloboma: missing area of the eye’s iris
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): open pits in the eye
Canine Hip Dysplasia: femur does not properly fit in pelvic socket
Multi-Drug Resistant 1 gene
mutation (MDR1): sensitive to some drugs