Are white Australian Shepherds blind?

Unfortunately, most of them are also blind, deaf, or both. This is the reason that the breed standards disqualify white dogs. If you already have a white Aussie, have your vet check for defects in its vision and hearing, then take whatever precautions are necessary to give your dog appropriate protection and care.

Is blindness common in Australian shepherds?

Eye Problems Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Aussies. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Aussie is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition.

What is lethal white syndrome in dogs?

When referring to a dog that is predominantly white, they are appropriately termed as Pattern White or Double Merle. Lethal White is a term used for foals that are born white, usually die shortly after birth, have vision and hearing problems, and are not capable of growing and developing normally.

Why are white dogs blind?

Dogs that carry the piebald gene are often affected by deafness. Piebaldism results from the absence of melanocytes, the cells that create the pigment melanin. When a dog is born without melanocytes, a predominantly white coat (and often blue eyes) is the result.

Do Australian Shepherds have vision problems?

Aussies can be affected by a number of genetic eye problems. These include ocular and iris colobomas, where part of the structure of the eye is missing. They can also suffer from different types of cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and detached retinas.

What is CEA in Australian shepherds?

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), also known as choroidal hypoplasia (CH), is an inherited disease affecting several dog breeds including the Australian shepherd. In dogs affected with CEA, the choroid does not develop properly and is therefore thinner than normal. The severity of the condition can vary from dog to dog.

Are white puppies blind?

As in white cats, the genes responsible for coat color, eye, and ear health are not causally linked, so white and albino dogs are not necessarily more likely to be born blind or deaf. However, a rare genetic combination, known as “double merle,” does carry inherent health risks.

Do white dogs have vision problems?

“Aside from possibly being born with abnormally small eyes, deformities of the lens, iris, sclera, and other parts of the eyes are common,” Pumphrey says. “Compared to other dogs, they can have poor vision or even be blind from birth.”

Why does my Australian Shepherd have a white head?

However, this is the most likely cause of congenital deafness in Australian Shepherds. Dogs who have two merle parents and have inherited two copies of the merle gene (double merles) are usually mostly white. Dogs that are not double merles or even merle at all may have half or fully white heads or white markings on or around…

Is there such a thing as a lethal white Australian Shepherd?

First of all lethal white is simply inaccurate. While on the other hand double merle or homozygous merle removes the implication that these dogs do not live long. Their lifespan is the same as any Australian Shepherd. It also focuses attention on the “merle” aspect which serves to educate as to the cause of this condition.

Is it possible for an Australian Shepherd to have blue eyes?

However, some Australian Shepherds can have blue eyes even though they don’t carry any merle genes at all. Similarly, some double merles can present outwardly as healthy, heterozygous merles. To see what a typical, white double merle looks like, check out this video of a white Australian Shepherd, Alfred.

What causes deafness in an Australian Shepherd Dog?

However, this is the most likely cause of congenital deafness in Australian Shepherds. Dogs who have two merle parents and have inherited two copies of the merle gene (double merles) are usually mostly white.