Healthy Testing Policy

At Tomshepherds, transparency, ethical care, and responsible breeding are our highest priorities. We believe that every family adopting an Australian Shepherd deserves full clarity regarding the genetic, structural, and health background of their puppy.

This Health Testing Transparency Policy outlines our testing protocols, what is provided to buyers, and how we maintain compliance with federal ethical standards and expectations associated with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

1. OUR HEALTH TESTING PHILOSOPHY

Australian Shepherds are a remarkable breed, and responsible breeding requires diligence in genetic testing, structural evaluation, and veterinary care.

Our goals are to:

  • Minimize risk of preventable hereditary conditions

  • Provide predictable, stable temperaments

  • Support long-term health and structural soundness

  • Uphold integrity and transparency with every buyer

  • Meet or exceed ethical breeder standards in the United States

We only breed dogs who pass our strict health eligibility criteria.

2. GENETIC TESTS WE PERFORM

We conduct industry-standard genetic health testing on all breeding dogs. These include, but are not limited to:

Primary Genetic Tests for Australian Shepherds

✔ MDR1 (Multiple Drug Sensitivity)
✔ HC (Hereditary Cataracts)
✔ CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly)
✔ DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)
✔ PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
✔ HSF4 Cataract Mutation
✔ Other breed-relevant genetic markers as recommended by veterinary geneticists

All testing is performed through reputable labs such as:

  • Embark

  • Paw Print Genetics

  • UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory

OUR POLICY:

We DO NOT breed dogs who test affected for severe hereditary conditions.

3. STRUCTURAL EVALUATION & ORTHOPEDIC TESTING

To support healthy, long-lived Australian Shepherds with correct structure, we evaluate:

Hip & Elbow Health

✔ Hip Dysplasia Screening (OFA or PennHIP)
✔ Elbow Dysplasia Screening

Cardiac & Eye Examinations

✔ Annual eye exams (CAER) by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
✔ Cardiac evaluation as recommended

Our Breeding Standard:

We do not breed dogs with:

  • Failing hip scores

  • Genetic eye conditions

  • Clinically significant structural defects

Only dogs with proven soundness are included in our program.

4. TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIORAL TESTING

Although not genetic, temperament is a critical part of health and long-term success.

We evaluate:

  • Nerve strength

  • Startle recovery

  • Human sociability

  • Environmental tolerance

  • Confidence

  • Early problem-solving

  • Puppy aptitude assessments at 6–8 weeks

We do NOT breed dogs displaying:

  • Human aggression

  • Extreme anxiety

  • Poor recovery

  • Unstable reactivity

This supports both humane welfare and owner suitability.

5. HOW WE SHARE HEALTH TESTING RESULTS

We believe in full transparency.

Buyers will receive:

  1. Copies of genetic test results for both parents

  2. Hip/elbow certifications (OFA/PennHIP)

  3. Eye exam results (CAER)

  4. Veterinary health records for the puppy

  5. Vaccination and deworming schedule

  6. Any relevant findings disclosed prior to sale

You may request to see parent health documents before placing a deposit.

6. VETERINARY CARE FOR PUPPIES

Every puppy receives:

  • Complete health examination

  • Age-appropriate vaccinations

  • Deworming schedule

  • Parasite prevention

  • Microchip (if included in your program)

  • Health Certificate for interstate transport if required

We follow veterinary care standards consistent with AWA humane treatment principles.

7. LIMITATIONS OF GENETIC TESTING

While genetic screening identifies many preventable risks, it cannot guarantee future health outcomes.

Buyers should understand:

  • Genetics reduce risk but do not eliminate it

  • Environmental factors (diet, exercise, training) play a large role

  • No breeder can guarantee a dog will never develop health issues

Our commitment is to transparency — not perfection.

8. OUR COMMITMENT UNDER AWA ETHICAL EXPECTATIONS

As a responsible breeder, we uphold standards that support:

  • Humane care

  • Animal welfare

  • Environmental enrichment

  • Responsible socialization

  • Accurate record-keeping

  • Ethical breeding age and frequency

  • Safe housing and veterinary maintenance

Even small-scale breeders benefit from following USDA–APHIS and AWA-aligned standards.

9. CONTACT US FOR HEALTH RECORDS OR QUESTIONS

We openly share information with all approved buyers.

For questions or documentation requests:
📧 support@tomshepherds.com
🌐 Tomshepherds.com
📍 USA