Our health testing levels for the Waller
We group breeding programs into three levels based on testing depth. Ask your breeder directly which level they meet.
A breeder at the Great level performs all mandatory tests plus 6 additional clinically recommended screenings that reduce risk in this breed.
In addition to mandatory tests:
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)(CEA)
Augen
Collie Eye Anomaly is an inherited developmental defect affecting the eye, specifically the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) and the choroid (the underlying layer of blood vessels). This genetic condition causes these structures to develop abnormally before birth. It is primarily seen in herding breeds and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.
Congenital Stationary Night Blindness (Briard)(CSNB)
Augen
This inherited eye condition affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It specifically impairs the rod cells, the photoreceptors responsible for vision in low-light environments. Because the condition is stationary, the visual impairment does not worsen over the dog's life, and daytime vision remains mostly normal.
DNA · Passing: CLEAR
Cataract(HC)
Augen und Sehvermögen
A cataract is a progressive clouding of the lens inside the dog's eye, which is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it blocks light from entering, gradually impairing the dog's vision. If left untreated, this condition can eventually lead to complete blindness in the affected eye.
Augen · Passing: CLEAR
Elbow Dysplasia(ED)
Bewegungsapparat
Elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the musculoskeletal system where the three bones forming the elbow joint do not fit together properly. This misalignment causes abnormal friction and wear on the joint cartilage, eventually leading to painful, chronic joint inflammation and arthritis. It is a complex genetic condition influenced by multiple genes.
Roentgen · Passing: GOOD
Degenerative Myelopathy(DM)
Nervensystem
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord where the protective sheath around the nerves slowly breaks down. This deterioration disrupts the vital communication signals between the brain and the muscles of the hind limbs. Over time, this lack of signal transmission leads to a complete loss of muscle control in the back legs.
DNA · Passing: CARRIER
Ectopic ureter(EU)
Nieren
An ectopic ureter is a birth defect affecting the urinary system where the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, known as ureters, bypass the bladder and connect to the wrong location. This abnormal connection, which often ends in the urethra or vagina, prevents the bladder from properly holding urine.
Ultraschall · Passing: Frei
These levels are a comparison framework, not an official certification. They help compare breeding programs at a glance.