Why is health Testing important?
At JWT Heritage, we take health testing seriously to ensure the well-being of our dogs and the puppies they produce. Before breeding, our adult dogs undergo thorough genetic screenings and are cleared of specific hereditary diseases. We check for heart murmurs, hip and elbow dysplasia, and complete eye exams (CAER) to screen for inheritable eye conditions. In addition, they receive regular parasite testing and preventive treatments before and after each litter.
A responsible breeder understands that healthy puppies start with healthy parents. That’s why all our adult dogs are fully vaccinated and undergo hip and elbow X-ray evaluations, reviewed and rated by Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologists at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
You might ask, why do we invest so much in health testing? The answer is simple: a sound, healthy dog becomes a cherished family member for years to come. Ethical breeders conduct these tests to ensure your puppy has a fair chance living the longest life possible. Without proper screening, puppies—and their owners—can face preventable heartbreak, pain, and costly medical issues.
Breeding experience alone does not define ethical breeding practices. Please be cautious when choosing a breeder—those who cut corners on health testing put both puppies and owners at risk. While a lower purchase price may seem attractive, it could lead to lifelong veterinary bills and unnecessary suffering for your dog.
does testing the dogs guarantee anything?
Does health testing guarantee that your puppy will never develop MDR1, NAD, hereditary eye diseases (HSF4, CEA, CMR1, CD, PRCD, PRA) or hip and elbow dysplasia?
✅ Yes! When it comes to MDR1, hereditary eye diseases and NAD, genetic testing ensures that your puppy will never be affected—if both parents have been tested and cleared, it is genetically impossible for the condition to develop.
❌ However, hip and elbow dysplasia cannot be entirely ruled out. While thorough screening significantly reduces the risk, it does not offer a 100% guarantee. Puppies from parents with normal hip and elbow results have a very low likelihood of developing dysplasia, while those from parents with poor hip and elbow health are highly likely to be affected. Symptoms typically appear within the first two years of life.
💡 Can an Australian Shepherd with hip or elbow dysplasia still have a good quality of life? Yes! With proper management—such as a nutritious diet, therapy, restricted activity, and supplements—symptoms can be minimized. However, in severe cases, orthopedic surgery may be the only option.
🐾 Will your Australian Shepherd be free from arthritis in old age? No. Like humans, aging dogs often experience arthritis. However, dogs with dysplasia face much more severe symptoms.
📌 Not all cases of hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic. Puppy owners play a crucial role in minimizing risk by preventing excessive exercise during growth, providing a high-quality diet, and avoiding injury.
At JWT Heritage, we set our puppies up for a healthy life with:
✔ Health-tested parents ✔ Quality prenatal care for the mother
✔ Premium food and supplements ✔ A clean, nurturing environment
✔ Plenty of love and attention
Understanding Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Recessive Disorders
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to impaired vision and, eventually, blindness in affected animals.
Recessive Disorders:
MDR1, NAD, hereditary eye diseases (HSF4, CEA, CMR1, CD, PRCD, PRA), Copper Toxicosis, and NAD are recessive genetic disorders.
For a dog to be affected by any of these conditions, it must inherit a mutated gene from both parents.
- A carrier has one mutated gene and one normal gene. Carriers do not exhibit symptoms but can pass the mutated gene to their offspring.
- A clear dog has two normal copies of the gene and cannot develop the disease.
Responsible Breeding Practices
- Carrier × Carrier breeding should be avoided, as it can result in affected puppies.
- Carrier × Clear breeding is safe and will not produce affected dogs, though some offspring may be carriers.
- Clear × Clear breeding guarantees that all puppies will be completely clear of the disease.
Ensuring responsible breeding practices helps reduce the risk of inherited disorders and promotes healthier generations of Australian Shepherds.
Copper toxicosis (accumulating) ATP7B
Copper toxicosis is a condition where copper builds up in the liver instead of being properly excreted.
ATP7B is a gene involved in copper transport and removal from the body.
A variant in ATP7B can reduce the liver’s ability to eliminate copper, leading to gradual accumulation over time.
Carrier (one copy):Usually no symptoms, Slightly reduced copper handling
In Australian Shepherds: Copper accumulation variants are less common in Aussies than in breeds like Bedlington Terriers or Labradors. When present, disease is often slow and adult-onset. Many dogs with risk variants never develop clinical illness.
MDR1 in Australian Shepherds
An MDR1 carrier in Australian Shepherds means the dog has one copy of the MDR1 gene mutation (also called ABCB1). Carriers usually appear healthy and often show no symptoms, but they can have increased sensitivity to certain medications. While severe reactions are more common in dogs with two copies of the mutation, carriers may still experience mild to moderate side effects from drugs like ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium), some chemotherapy agents, and certain sedatives. MDR1 is inherited, so carriers can pass the gene to offspring, which is why genetic testing is important before breeding or giving medications.