Companion Animals

Companion Dog Collie Eye Anomaly and Genetics

Genetic welfare implications of collie eye anomaly and management of affected dogs.

Key Facts

Collie eye anomaly is a hereditary condition causing varying degrees of vision impairment
Mildly affected dogs may have near-normal vision while severely affected dogs are blind
DNA testing enables identification of carriers and affected puppies before purchase
Responsible breeding excludes severely affected dogs from breeding programmes
UK rough and smooth collies have high prevalence of CEA compared to other breeds

Welfare Considerations

Collie eye anomaly causes welfare harm through vision impairment, and genetic testing and responsible breeding decisions can prevent its occurrence in future generations.

What You Can Do

Choose collie puppies from health-tested parents with clear eye certificates
Test breeding dogs for CEA DNA status before mating
Support the Kennel Club health testing requirements for affected breeds