Health Tests Australian Cobberdog
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The Australian Cobberdog (ACD) is DNA Health Tested (via Orivet laboratory) for 24 inheritable diseases and more are added if and when more show up in the breed and tests become available. In 2025 there are also 19 Traits that can be tested for at this time, including coat type, and colour.
Xrays for hips and elbows are also mandatory for MDBA Breeder Members. The MDBA is the sole global registry for Australian Cobberdogs across the world. Various splinter groups could pop up from time to time but these are generally short lived once their members wake up to why they were formed in the first place. |
As I developed the ACD breed, I was particularly conscious of conformational defects that would predispose it to certain diseases. I was very aware from my years as a judge in the conformation show arena, that many breeders believe that 'more is better'. For instance, if the breed standard says 'broad' the broader it is the better! Breed defects have ruined many pure breeds because of this long held belief.
In the quest for broad heads for example, breeders have introduced a condition in some breeds that makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. It is called 'Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).' This is the name of a dog deformity that causes difficulty in breathing. This condition is characterized by breathing difficulties due to the shortened skull bones in brachycephalic breeds, which can lead to narrowed nostrils and an elongated soft palate, making it harder for dogs to breathe.
In the quest for broad heads for example, breeders have introduced a condition in some breeds that makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. It is called 'Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).' This is the name of a dog deformity that causes difficulty in breathing. This condition is characterized by breathing difficulties due to the shortened skull bones in brachycephalic breeds, which can lead to narrowed nostrils and an elongated soft palate, making it harder for dogs to breathe.
In case you think I'm exaggerating, this is an officially compiled list of the affected breeds
of brachycephalic dog breeds:
of brachycephalic dog breeds:
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Bulldog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English Bulldog
- Cocker Spaniel
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Pekingese
- Affenpinscher
Another way some breeders have deformed a dog breed by breeding exaggerations is in the German Shepherd Dog.
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So these are just some of the reasons the MDBA ACD Breed Standard calls for NO EXAGGERATIONS.
All the foregoing, to say why some of the health testing imposed on some breeds does not apply to the Australian Cobberdog. If the breed is not predisposed to a certain disease due to its conformation, or if it has not shown up in the breed population, there is no need to test for it.
Another example of deformities is in spinal deformities. These most commonly affect dog breeds which have either very long backs, short legs, or both. Several dog breeds are predisposed to spinal problems. The Australian Cobberdog is not, because of its desired and MDBA Breed Standard guide in conformation.
Some Dog Breeds Prone to Spinal Issues
1. Dachshund
Some Dog Breeds Prone to Spinal Issues
1. Dachshund
- Extremely prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their long backs and short legs.
- IVDD can cause pain, paralysis, or mobility issues if discs rupture.
- Compact body structure increases risk of spinal deformities and disc problems.
- Also prone to congenital spine malformations like hemivertebrae.
- Small breed with a predisposition to disc degeneration.
- Often affected by IVDD in middle age.
- Long-backed structure makes them vulnerable to disc herniation.
- Risk increases with obesity or excessive jumping.
- Compact body and short legs predispose them to spinal disc problems.
- Can develop chronic back pain.
- Similar to Shih Tzus, they are prone to degenerative disc disease.
- Often affected later in life.
- Long body and heavy frame put stress on the spine.
- Frequently suffer from IVDD and arthritis.
- IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is the most common spinal condition in predisposed breeds.
- Obesity significantly increases spinal stress.
- Jumping from heights (like furniture) can trigger disc injuries.
- Preventive steps: maintain healthy weight, use ramps/stairs, avoid excessive jumping, and schedule regular vet checkups.
The Australian Cobberdog is now in the hands of the registered MDBA breeders in 54 plus countries of the world. As I retire from breeding, I have done my best to ensure that the breed comes as close as possible to my original vision, of being 'The healthiest dog breed on the planet.' It is now out of my hands. I see my role now as being one of educator for these closing stages of my life's journey.