The following are helpful links for canine health and genetics information.

Terms of Use:
The information contained in these links are subject to interpretation and no two pets will react exactly the same to any form of treatment. If you have any questions about the information contained within, especially as to decisions you may wish to make concerning the health or well-being of your pet, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIAN.

If your pet is seriously ill and especially if there is a potentially LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY involving your pet, DO NOT WAIT. TAKE YOUR PET IMMEDIATELY TO A TRAINED VETERINARIAN OR ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTER IN THE CITY IN WHICH YOU LIVE.


2nd ChanceWonderful articles written by Ron Hines DVM PhD.  Scroll about half way down for articles pertaining to dogs.  [http://www.2ndchance.info]

Animal Oncology Service [www.Pawspice.com]

Australian Shepherd Health &  Genetics InstituteASHGI – [Very informative information developed for the Australian Shepherd breed, but much of the information applies to English Shepherds as well.  It is a good start when exploring health issues for herding breeds.]

SadieTaraMay2011 - CopyCanine Genetic Diseases    [http://www.gopetsamerica.com]

Canine Genetics Primer[Information on color.]

Canine Growth Plate Closures[Diagram that shows when growth plates close.]

Canine Health Q & A[Lots of useful information put together by vetinfo.com]

Canine Inherited Genetic Disorders [A database of genetic disorders in canines.]

Cataracts [http://www.easypetmd.com]

Clipping Dog’s Claws  [http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu]

Clipping Dog’s Nails  [http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com]

Coat Color Genetics[by Sheila M. Schmutz, Ph.D., Professor]

Coat Color Genetics [http://www.doggenetics.co.uk/index.htm]

Color Dilution Alopecia[http:www.dermatologyforanimals.com]

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) / Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – [Optigen]

Collie Eye Anomaly Testing [Animal Genetics Inc.]

Deafness [by Dr. George M. Strain / OFFA]

Dog Infomat [A wealth of informative links to articles concerning first aid and emergencies.]

Drug Allergies  – [http://www.easypetmd.com]

Ear Treatment[“Blue Power Ear Treatment” home remedy]

Ectropion  – [http://www.easypetmd.com]

Elbow Dysplasia [http://www.easypetmd.com]

Epilepsy –  [http://canine-epilepsy.com]

Flea Treatment[http://carolinavaluevet.com]

Epilepsy/Neurological Diseases[http:www.ashgi.org]

General Genetic References   – [http://bowlingsite.mcf.com]

Glossary of Genetic Terms  –  [http://www.dogenes.com]

Health and Behavior [by Doctors Foster and Smith.   Topics as Health, Behavior, Responsible Ownership, and more.]

Heat Stroke  – [Don’t forget dogs can overheat just like humans.]

Hip Dysplasia –  [http://www.offa.org/hd_info.html]

Livestock Medications can be deadly to Canines[by Dr. Jennifer Coates, http://www.petmd.com]

Luxating Patella –  [http://www.easypetmd.com]

Mammary Cancer [Information on mammary cancer.]

MDR1 Study[UC Davis Veterinary Medicine]

MDR1Testing [Animal Genetics Inc.]

Mushrooms (Poisonous)  – [The North American Mycological Association]

Natural Born Bobtail (NBT) [by Gemi Sasson-Brickson, M.S. Biology]

Paw Licking  – [http://www.2ndchance.info,   by Ron Hines DVM PhD ]

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – [http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/pra/]

Senior Dog Resources[http://www.greymuzzle.org/Resources.aspx]

Separation Anxiety[http://www.2ndchance.info,  by Ron Hines DVM PhD]

Spay/Neuter Effects in Dogs [by Laura J. Sanborn, M.S.]

(Please let us know if you find a broken link.)


[The following information is from www.easypetmd.com]

“The English Shepherd is regarded as a very healthy and long-lived breed.  The breed has greatly benefitted from a comparatively large gene pool, being bred primarily for working ability, and having been spared the worst of modern commercial (puppy mill) breeding practices.  Although it has proven very difficult to conduct accurate health studies on this breed because so many individuals are registered with different organizations, most fanciers and breeders have found that these dogs live an average of 12 to 13 years, with advanced ages of 16 or 17 quite common.  This does not mean that the English Shepherd is immune from genetically inherited health disorders, but it does mean that the breed suffers from fewer of them and at lower rates than most purebred dogs.  Two health problems in particular are of concern to English Shepherd breeders, hip dysplasia and drug –allergies.

Because skeletal and visual problems have been known to occur in this breed, it is highly advisable for owners to have their pets tested by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).  The OFA and CERF perform genetic and other tests to identify potential health defects before they show up.  This is especially valuable in the detection of conditions that do not show up until the dog has reached an advanced age, making it especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog to have them tested to prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to its offspring.”

A full list of health problems which have been identified in the English Shepherd should include: