There is some hip dysplasia, and conscientious breeders have radiologists certify that breeding dogs are clear of hip dysplasia. The American Border Collie Association will record this information, as well as eye certification, on pedigrees. Epilepsy, which can have a genetic basis, occurs occasionally. Obviously, affected dogs should not be bred. While a group of one hundred Border Collies will probably look as if they belong to the same breed, they will not have a uniform appearance.
Colors are black, black with tan, and, less common, reddish-brown, all usually with white markings.
Predominantly white Border Collies, though unusual, also occasionally appear. The original registry for working sheepdogs is the International Sheep Dog Society in Great Britain. The only registry of Canadian Border Collies is the Canadian Border Collie Association, K. Curtis, Secretary, RR 1, Joyceville, Ontario KOH 1YO, Canada. The United States Border Collie Club, Inc., supports these registries for their efforts to preserve and promote the working Border Collie. Despite strong opposition from all people who value the genetic heritage of the breed, both the Kennel Club in Great Britain and the American Kennel Club have taken up the registration of Border Collies.