Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a driven Scottish sheepdog that lives to work and learn, and is known for being especially eager to learn. Without a daily challenge it will find its own work, so it only suits an active, committed owner.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Bordercollie by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 5 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
The breeding programme also recommends 9 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 (7)
-
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
-
Dental hypomineralisation or Raine syndrome (DH or RS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- FAM20C: c.899C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
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)
-
Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CUBN: c.8392del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Merle colour test (PMEL)
DNA test Once before mating
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PMEL: SINE insertion (200-280 bp)
-
Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VPS13B: c.2893_2896del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (9)
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Myotonia congenita (MC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CLCN1: c.2647_2648insA
- 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
-
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
-
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: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Shoulder dysplasia (SD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray
-
Sensory neuropathy (SN)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- FAM134B: g.80439639_86910352inv
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- 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 Bordercollie, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 17/07/2026.
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: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Dental hypomineralisation or Raine syndrome (DH or RS), Hip dysplasia (HD), Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS), Merle colour test (PMEL), Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Elbow dysplasia (ED), Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Myotonia congenita (MC), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Ncl5), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Shoulder dysplasia (SD), Sensory neuropathy (SN) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). According to the breeding advice, a mating of two merle parent dogs is subject to a breeding ban: at least one parent dog must be free of the merle allele. 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. A Border Collie needs long walks every day, topped up with training, dog sports or herding work. Its coat, short or medium-length, needs a weekly brush and more during moulting.
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 Hip dysplasia (HD) and Elbow dysplasia (ED)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- What is the PMEL (merle) result of both parent dogs?
- 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
A bored Border Collie finds its own work: herding cars, cyclists or children, or chasing shadows and reflections. It reacts strongly to noise and bustle and benefits from a predictable daily routine and plenty of socialisation as a puppy. With this breed, colour is also a matter for the breeding programme: note the merle rule above.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
