Breeder-visit checklist — Australian Shepherd
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Mandatory tests for both parents
Club für Australian Shepherd Deutschland e.V. (CASD) requires these tests for breeding approval. For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye conditions (ophthalmological eye exam) (ECVO) Eye examination | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) X-ray | ED 0–1 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) X-ray | HD A–B | ☐ | ☐ |
| MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity) (MDR1) | result on file | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Additionally recommended tests
Additionally relevant, depending on the line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collie eye anomaly (CEA) (CEA) | clear or carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cataract (HC) Eye examination | result on file | ☐ | ☐ |
| Microphthalmia | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis) (CSK) Eye examination | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | clear or carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Patellar Luxation (PL) Physical examination | PL 0–1 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Merle coat pattern (M) | clear or carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Heart disease Physical examination | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
| Congenital deafness (CHSD) Physical examination | hearing in both ears | ☐ | ☐ |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA test | clear or carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
| Epilepsy (IE) Physical examination | {"resultNotOk": "Disease present"} | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause