Border Collie health guide
Also known as: Collie, Working Collie
About this breed
Border Collies are the most driven working dogs in the world, and an under-stimulated Collie in a Macau flat will invent its own job. Their body is generally robust; joints, eyes, epilepsy and a drug-sensitivity gene are the medical points to know.
Living in Macau's climate
This breed will keep herding a ball in heat that is no longer safe, so you must be the one to stop the game in summer; work in the cool hours and enforce water breaks. The medium coat needs weekly brushing and full drying after rain.
Common health conditions
Hip dysplasia
Signs: Stiffness after rest, shortened stride and reluctance to jump.
Prevention: Lean growth, controlled puppy exercise and early screening.
Collie eye anomaly
Signs: Usually silent; detectable by an eye examination in puppyhood.
Prevention: Cannot be prevented, so ask for a puppy eye screen; most affected dogs keep useful vision.
Idiopathic epilepsy
Signs: Seizures typically starting between 1 and 5 years of age.
Prevention: Not preventable but usually well controlled; video any episode and bring the footage to us.
MDR1 drug sensitivity
Signs: No signs until the wrong drug is given; affected dogs over-react to certain common medicines.
Prevention: A one-off DNA cheek swab tells us for life which drugs need adjusting; do it before any treatment is needed.
Daily care tips
- Give daily mental work: training, puzzles and games, not just mileage.
- Stop ball games yourself in summer heat; the dog never will.
- Run the MDR1 DNA test once, early.
- Build a calm off-switch routine at home to prevent obsessive behaviours.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course with eye screen and MDR1 test discussion.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with gait, behaviour and weight review.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with blood work and arthritis screening.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see Border Collie patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.