Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog was bred in Australia to drive cattle over long distances. It is tough, intelligent, extremely hard-working and very loyal to its own people.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Australian Cattledog by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 8 examinations:
- 5 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
- 1 hearing test
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (8)
-
Deafness (BAER)
Hearing test once from 6 weeks
Official description
- Method
- BAER test
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 12 (Ncl12)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ATP13A2 c.1118C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Ncl5)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CLN5N: c.619C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – MERTK-related PRA (MERTK-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- MERTK: LINE1 insertie
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Australian Cattledog, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 30/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Deafness (BAER), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia, Hip dysplasia, Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 12 (Ncl12), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Ncl5), Primary lens luxation (PLL) and Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1) and Progressive retinal atrophy – MERTK-related PRA (MERTK-PRA). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. An Australian Cattle Dog needs plenty of daily exercise and a job, such as dog sports, long walks or work with livestock. Its short coat is easy to care for and needs a little extra brushing during the moult.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This working dog quickly gets bored without challenge and may then nip at heels or find work of its own. It is often reserved with strangers and suits an active, experienced owner best.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
