New Collies DNA Test Scheme
As requested by the Smooth Collie Club, the Kennel Club have approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Anomaly/Chorodial Hypoplasia (CEA/CH) in the eyes of collies.
American based company Optigen will be offering the tests, as they are a company which specialises in diagnosing inherited diseases in dogs.
On their website they explain that this eye disease is not exclusively inherent in collies:
"Collies share Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) with several other breeds – it’s not just a problem for collies. CEA is more technically known as Choroidal Hypoplasia (CH). It is a recessively inherited eye disorder that causes abnormal development of the choroid - an important layer of tissue under the retina of the eye."
As with most DNA tests for dogs, the certificates of results issued by Optigen will be sent to The Kennel Club where the test result will be added to the dog's details on the registration base. If owners already have their dogs tested, they must also send copies of their test certificates to the Kennel Club so precise data can be collected. If your certificate is looking rather old and shabby, you can send the original and receive a new certificate, with new a registration and listed DNA result, free of charge! (Address Listed Below)
Send all your relevant documentation to:
The Health & Breeder Services Department
The Kennel Club
1 – 5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London
W1J 8AB
Summaries of the results will be presented in the next available Breed Records Supplement.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
