What are the medical or hereditary concerns of an ACD?
ACD’s are relataively free from herediatry defects, and are one of the most medically sound of all breeds. Most ACD’s will die by accident or cancer than any other medical problem. Because of the Border Collie, Dalmation and Bull Terrior influence in the breed heriditary there is a propendency towards PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) within the ACD bred. Baer Testing (hearing) and PRA (eyes) are done by many breeders but are not required or mandated by the kennel clubs. Negative test results do not assure that the dog or puppies from non-affected parents will not develop PRA at some time in their life. PRA usually shows up after five years of age. PRA is not life-threatening and no medical treatments are required. Vision may become comprimised, but most dogs adapt. PRA is often confused with catacts whereby the dog is seen as having one normal eye and one blue eye.
