Health first
Every Absoloot dog is tested before it's bred, and every result is shared openly. Here's what we test for and why.
Every result,
shared openly
We believe every piece of information available matters when raising the healthiest, happiest Aussie. Our dogs have their eyes cleared every year by a certified canine ophthalmologist, receive OFA hip and elbow readings at two years old, and are DNA profiled and tested for HSF4, CEA, PHA and MDR1.
Before a puppy goes home at 8 weeks, its eyes are checked for hereditary defects by a certified ophthalmologist.
Our health panel
These are the screenings behind every breeding decision we make.
Hip dysplasia
X-rays evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals at two years old. Results are graded Excellent, Good or Fair for dogs that pass.
Elbow dysplasia
X-rays evaluated by OFA at two years old. A Normal result means no signs of elbow dysplasia.
Inherited eye disease
A yearly exam by a board-certified canine ophthalmologist. Every puppy is also checked before going home at 8 weeks.
Hereditary cataracts
A DNA test for the HSF4 mutation linked to hereditary cataracts in Australian Shepherds.
Collie eye anomaly
A DNA test for an inherited condition that affects development of the eye.
Drug sensitivity
A DNA test for a gene that makes some herding dogs sensitive to certain common medications. Carriers can be bred responsibly; the result simply guides vet care.
Hyperuricosuria
A DNA test for a condition that can lead to bladder or kidney stones.
Degenerative myelopathy
A DNA test for a late-onset spinal cord disease.
Parentage
An ASCA DNA profile (DNA-VP or DNA-CP) confirms each dog's identity and parentage.
Our dogs' clearances
Full details, registration numbers and pedigrees are on each dog's page. OFA results can also be verified at ofa.org.
| Dog | Hips | Elbows | Eyes | DNA tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kandi | OFA Excellent (AS-34515E44F-VPI) | OFA Normal (AS-EL9590F44-VPI) | Cleared November 10, 2017 | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear MDR1 Carrier PHA Negative B-Locus B/B |
| Rhett | OFA Good (AS-36258G24M-VPI) | OFA Normal (AS-EL11013M24-VPI) | Cleared October 11, 2021 | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear MDR1 Carrier PHA Negative PRA Clear |
| Titan | OFA Excellent (AS-33806E25M-VPI) | OFA Normal (AS-EL9034M25-VPI) | Cleared May 21, 2023 | HSF4 Clear MDR1 Clear PHA Positive |
| Demi | OFA Good (AS-37555G33F-VPI) | OFA Normal (AS-EL12141F29-VPI) | Cleared May 21, 2023 · OFA CHIC 141778 | CEA Clear HSF4 Clear |
| Kane | OFA Good (AS-38790G24M-VPI) | OFA Normal (AS-EL13239M24-VPI) | Cleared May 21, 2023 | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear MDR1 Carrier PHA Negative |
| Jackson | OFA Good (AS-32594G24M-VPI) | OFA Normal (AS-EL8101M24-VPI) | Cleared July 28, 2020 | CD Clear CEA Clear CMR1 Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear MDR1 Carrier PHA Positive B-Locus B/b |
| Happy | Too young | Too young | Cleared yearly | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear PHA Negative |
| Kiki | Too young | Too young | Cleared yearly | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear |
| TJ | Too young | Too young | Cleared yearly | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear |
| Rumor | Too young | Too young | Cleared May 21, 2023 | CEA Clear DM Clear HSF4 Clear PHA Negative |