Informative Links

Here at Legends Mini Aussies we strive to produce quality Mini Aussies.  

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is in general, an overall healthy breed.  But like any breed, they are prone to certain genetic health issues. There are genetic tests that can be done on breeding prospectives. This is to prevent affected dogs from being bred and making sure they are bred to the right mate so they do not pass along any health issues to their offspring.  When you talk about DNA and breeding, it can be very complex.  That is why testing is important.  I am always trying to educate myself, to make myself a better breeder.

We screen our breeding stock for hips/elbows/patella with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) as well as breed specif genetic testing on all our breeding stock. Genetic testing is as important as OFA testing (and vice versa) and I do both.  With that said, there is never a 100% guarantee on a live animals health, but there is definitely a higher risk if no testing is done at all. Just like humans, dogs can have health issues.  I do my best to avoid that by doing breed testing. Screening dogs takes time and money, but worth the investment.  It’s part of being a responsible breeder. 

Below are links to various sites, including genetic diseases.  Click on any link and it will take you to their website. 

American Stock Registry

Multifocal Retinopathy 1

Collie Eye Anomaly

Cone Degeneration

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) 

Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM

Difference between Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Miniture American Shepherd

Heart disease linked to grain free foods

Hereditary Cataracts (HC) 

How much exercise is too much for a puppy?

Multi Drug Resistance (MDR1) 

Parvovirus 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (Prcd, PRA)

Spay, Neuter and Joints

Taurine Deficiency in Dogs

Update: UC Davis Taurine Deficiency in Dogs