Protecting the Future of the Australian Working Kelpie
The Australian Working Kelpie is renowned for its intelligence, athleticism and longevity. At BATWK, we are committed to preserving these qualities by encouraging responsible breeding and promoting health testing across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Health testing allows breeders to make informed breeding decisions, helping to reduce the risk of inherited disease while maintaining the working ability and genetic diversity of the breed.
Health testing is an important part of responsible breeding, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Pedigree, temperament, working ability and overall soundness should all be considered when planning future generations.
Current Health Priorities
BATWK currently encourages breeders and owners to record the following health information wherever possible.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)
Cerebellar Abiotrophy is an inherited neurological condition affecting the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance.
DNA testing enables breeders to identify whether a dog is:
Clear
Carrier
Affected
By understanding a dog’s CA status, breeders can plan matings that prevent affected puppies from being born while preserving valuable working bloodlines.
Learn more about Cerebellar Abiotrophy →
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is an inherited orthopaedic condition influenced by both genetics and environmental factors.
Official BVA Hip Scoring provides breeders with valuable information about the quality of a dog’s hips before breeding.
Recording hip scores helps identify healthy bloodlines and supports responsible breeding decisions for future generations.
Learn more about Hip Dysplasia →
Elbow Dysplasia
Although less commonly reported within the Working Kelpie population, BATWK also encourages breeders to consider elbow health where appropriate.
Official elbow scoring provides additional information to support breeding decisions and long-term soundness.
Learn more about Elbow Dysplasia →
DNA Testing
BATWK encourages breeders to DNA test breeding animals through recognised laboratories.
Once results have been received, members are encouraged to submit their certificates so health information can be recorded alongside pedigree records within the BATWK database.
Recording health results helps:
Build a valuable health database.
Support responsible breeding decisions.
Increase transparency for puppy buyers.
Protect the future of the Australian Working Kelpie.
Recording Health Results
BATWK encourages members to record official health test results to help build a valuable health database for the Australian Working Kelpie throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Members can submit:
CA DNA Results
Hip Score Certificates
Elbow Score Certificates
Other recognised health test results
Health results are recorded alongside each dog’s pedigree within the BATWK registration database, providing valuable information for breeders, owners and prospective puppy buyers.
Breeder Members can conveniently upload health certificates and supporting documentation directly through their Member Dashboard, making it quick and easy to keep their dogs’ records up to date.
Recording health information helps to:
Build a valuable breed health database.
Support responsible breeding decisions.
Increase transparency for puppy buyers.
Preserve important health information for future generations.
Protect the long-term health, soundness and longevity of the Australian Working Kelpie.
Puppy Buyers
If you are looking for a Working Kelpie puppy, don’t be afraid to ask breeders about health testing.
Responsible breeders should be happy to discuss the health of their breeding dogs and provide copies of any relevant health certificates.
Health testing does not guarantee a puppy will never develop health problems, but it demonstrates a commitment to responsible breeding and helps reduce the risk of inherited disease within the breed.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about health testing, recording results or responsible breeding, please don’t hesitate to contact the BATWK committee. We’re always happy to help.