Red Heeler

If you love your Red Heeler, of course one of your main concerns besides making him a well trained dog is also giving him a healthy and longer life possible. Hereditary problems are one common cause of problems in keeping them healthy. Knowledge in this aspect gives us advantages in dealing with it.

The common hereditary problem with a Red Heeler is the eye problem known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA. Progressive Retinal Atrophy sometimes cannot be detected until the fifth to sixth years of life. This disease causes blindness easily to adult Red Heeler dogs. And if an adult dog is affected, either male or female, then the puppies from that dog will be carriers too. If you are planning to buy a Red Heeler puppy, you should first see the CERF Registration for both the parents. CERF or Canine Eye Research Foundation tracks PRA cases and therefore can be a good basis in buying puppies.

CHD or Canine Hip Dysplasia is another hereditary problem of Red Heeler Dogs. It is a malformation of hip socket. OFA or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals registers those dogs that are tested for possible CHD problems. They maintains a registry of dogs tested for CHD. OFA gives certificate with the registration number and results of the test. Permanent registration will be given to dogs 2 years and older. Dogs younger than 2 years will get a temporary registration and rating. Dogs are rated with Poor, Fair, Good, or Excellent depending on the xray that was sent by the owner to be tested.

Even if you are not planning to breed and just want to own a Red Heeler, you still must insist CERF and OFA certification to ensure that you are getting dogs cleared from hereditary problems. A responsible breeder will be happy to show you that their dogs are well tested and taken care of.