I wonder if anyone could help.
My friend has been thinking about getting an Aussie, (used to have Rotties) but has recently heard from someone who has them, that there are quite a few eye problems in the breed, but that it's not always openly talked about. Can anyone let me know if you are aware of any eye (or any other) problems in the breed. I couldn't really help, as I don't really know anyone who has an Aussie, but I know there are a few owners on CD so I said I would ask for her. I think they are very handsome/ showy dogs, and I love the look of them, but I don't know much about them as a breed I'm afraid. 

Thanks, Kay

I am sure that someone with better knowledge will be along soon :) It is important that both parents have had their annual eye test and are clear - also the pup should have been tested at about 7 weeks (can't remember exactly). I don't think that there is a big problem, but responsible breeders will have had the tests done and will be able to give you copies of the test results. Our Aussie is 2 tomorrow and her eyes are fine :)

Daisy

http://www.n-a-s-a.org.uk/

There can be eye problems, just the same as in other breeds, but that's why you choose a reputable breeder who has their breeding stock eye tested annually, and also hipscored at some stage.  I have just got my 2nd Aussie (have now got uncle and nephew!), and would definitely recommend them - they are great characters, and love learning new things.  Both their parents were eye tested, and the litters themselves were also eye tested around the age of 6 weeks - so that is what you want really from a good breeder.
  Hilda

Apologies as I begin:  my keyboard refuses -o recognise symbol which comes in middle of R and Y - hope you can read following message:

As Daisy and Sunbeams says, if your friend makes sure -ha- she con-ac-s members of ei-her NASUK or NASA, -he breed clubs, she will be buying from breeders who only breed from hip and eye -es-ed paren-s.    Eye -es-s are carried ou- annually, and po-en-ial purchasers should be shown copies of ALL eye cer-ifica-es for bo-h paren-s .     Mos- li--ers are eye -es-ed a- 6 weeks of age, so any problems should be highligh-ed.

Hope -his helps your friend - if she needs -el nos for ei-her breed club, jus- PM me!

Margo

(who is going ou- -o buy a new keyboard now!)

Margo- - you have brigh-ened up my af-ernoon wi-h your message :D Perhaps i- will now become -he norm -o -ype like -his :D

Daisy

Thanks for all your comments, I will pass them on to my friend. I especially liked Margo's!!! Have you got that new keyboard yet?

Kay

Hi Kay,
        Any 'reputable' breeder will have a good knowledge of what problems/defects are behind their lines and will not have a probem disclosing what it is..... Aussies do have various hereditary defects like most other breeds...
The eye problems we see are mainly cataracts, colobomas and occasionally collie eye anomaly.......
We also have hip and elbow dysplasia and can get deafness and blindness from a merle x merle mating.......
All breeding stock should have a current clear eye certificate and a hip score below 14, some breeders also score elbows........
If you friend requires any more information, please feel free to PM me, and I can give you/them any other information he/she wants.......
Gabrielle x

Thanks Gabrielle, I shall let my friend know!

Thanks

Kay