For Working Lines
Early Adult Onset Deafness testing for every Border Collie
Hearing loss from about age 5 can end a stockdog’s working life. Screen for the linked marker, plan pairings around it, and confirm hearing with a BAER test.
Breed Testing Guide · Herding
Border Collie DNA tests for breeders
Every Optimal Selection kit screens for the 12 genetic conditions most relevant to Border Collies, including the newly added Goniodysgenesis and Glaucoma test, plus 280+ other inherited conditions.
What We Test
12 genetic tests that matter for Border Collies.
Select a test to see what it screens for. Tests marked New were added this year. One test is a linked-marker test: it reads DNA inherited alongside the condition rather than the causal mutation itself.
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Abnormal development at the back of the eye, from mild changes to vision-threatening complications.
Eyes & Hearing · Gene NHEJ1 · Recessive
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The eye can’t drain fluid properly, which can lead to glaucoma, eye damage and blindness.
Eyes & Hearing· Gene OLFML3 · Recessive
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Hearing loss in one or both ears from about age 5, mostly in working-line Border Collies.
Eyes & Hearing· Gene Linked Marker · Recessive
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Progressive loss of sensation that affects gait and limb awareness and can lead to self-injury.
Nerves & Muscles · Gene FAM124B · Recessive
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Progressive neurological decline affecting behavior, coordination, vision and mobility.
Nerves & Muscles · Gene CLN5 · Recessive
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Muscles are slow to relax after contracting (the Australian Cattle Dog–type variant).
Nerves & Muscles · CLCN1 · Recessive
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White blood cells get stuck in the bone marrow, leaving puppies prone to serious infections.
Blood & Immune · VPS13B · Recessive
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Weaker blood clotting and a higher risk of excessive bleeding after injury or surgery.
Blood & Immune · Gene VWF · Dominant, incomplete penetrance
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Can’t absorb vitamin B12, causing poor growth, lethargy, digestive signs and blood changes.
Metabolic · Gene CUBN · Recessive
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High uric acid in urine, which can form bladder stones and block the urinary tract.
Metabolic · Gene SLC2A9 · Recessive
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Some common medications can cross into the brain and cause serious neurological reactions.
Drug Sensitivity · Gene ABCB1 · Dominant
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Defective tooth enamel, leading to abnormal teeth, heavy wear and dental problems.
Teeth · Gene FAM20C · Recessive
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Breed-relevant results come first in your report; the full panel, genetic diversity and 50+ trait tests are always included. Compare kits
Your Results
See exactly what you’ll get back.
Results land in your breeder dashboard in about 2–3 weeks. Each condition is reported as clear, carrier or at risk, with the Border Collie–relevant tests listed first and a printable technical report for your registry.
Included with Optimal Selection Advanced
Plan the pairing before the puppies.
Litter Predict compares a sire and dam’s results to forecast the litter’s health, genetic diversity and coat traits, so you can pair a carrier with a clear mate instead of removing a good dog from your program.
From the Blog · Breeder’s Guide
Border Collie Health Testing: A Comprehensive Guide
Our breeder team’s deep dive into every Border Collie test, how to read your results, and how to build a screening plan with OFA CHIC.
Dogs can’t talk, but their DNA can.
