AKC Parent Club Health Statement
Breed Requirements & Statistics
- Breed Requirements for the Miniature American Shepherd
- Statistics for the Miniature American Shepherd
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
This is a certification offered by the Orthopedic Foundation Association (OFA) in conjunction with Breed Parent Clubs.
Required Testing for the MAS OFA/CHIC, AKC Breeder Of Merit, and Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program
These tests have been determined by the parent club, MASCUSA, to be necessary for the long term health of the breed.
- Hip Dysplasia-Radiograph Evaluation
- ACVO Eye Exam- Annual Ophthalmic Exam
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-PRCD) DNA Test
- Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1) DNA Test
- Hereditary Cataracts – Australian Shepherd Type (HSF-4) DNA Test
- Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – Miniature American Shepherd Type (NAD) DNA Test
Recommended Testing for MAS
MASCUSA strongly advises that these tests be completed by breeders of the MAS. They are essential to the reduction/eradication of the diseases they are affiliated with.
- Elbow Dysplasia- Radiograph Evaluation
- Patellar Luxation- Physical Veterinary Examination
- Dentition – OFA Evaluation
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) DNA Test
- Degenerative Myelopathy – Common Variant (DM) DNA Test
- Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD risk) DNA Test
- Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)
- Hyperuricosuria (HUU) DNA Test
- Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1) DNA Test
Optional Testing
These are tests specific to the MAS that identify diseases currently seen in the MAS.
- Cone Degeneration (CD) DNA Test
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) DNA Test
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) DNA Test
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL, NCL6) DNA Test
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8 (NCL, NCL8) DNA Test
- Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa DNA Test
- Cardiac Auscultation- Physical Veterinary or Cardiologist Examination
- Non HSF-4 Cataracts DNA Test
- M Locus (PMEL) merle coat color, while not a disease it is important to know for safe breeding practices
Other Testing
These tests are available in genetic labs that are not specific to the MAS but could be diagnosed in the future.
- Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption (Australian Shepherd Type) DNA Test
- Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency DNA Test
- Von Willebrand Disease I (VWD I) DNA Test
There are many DNA testing labs available worldwide for a variety of these tests. The OFA keeps a listing of Laboratories that are accepted by their organizations.
Health Testing Resources
Member Discount Laboratories:
Other Laboratories:
Orthopedic Testing & Health Datebases:
Genetic testing is always evolving and growing. With new genetic studies being completed, new breed testing becomes available. If you have questions regarding a new test or a test not listed here, please direct them to the MASCUSA Health and Genetics Committee.
