DEAFNESS & BLINDNESS IN KOOLIES
Deafness & Eye Problems can be a problem in the Koolie if irresponsibly bred due to the Merle Gene (Merle Coat Pattern). The Koolie is just one of many breeds affected & whilst it is a problem it is easily avoided by wise breeding choices & by avoiding Homozygous Merle to Homozygous Merle matings. Snowview Koolies strives to NEVER produce a deaf/blind pup through breeding Heterzygous litters by using solids (non-merles). The Koolie is most commonly recognised by it's merle coat, however it is our intention to promote the use of non-merle solids in breeding lines to ensure deaf/blindness is dramatically reduced in the breed. The non-merle Koolie is no different to the Merled dogs, they are not throwbacks nor any less quality to the Merled ones.
Useful Information
- TO AVOID BREEDING DEAF/BLIND KOOLIES - read the information links below to get a good understanding of what causes deaf/blindness from the Merle Gene. Strive to only produce puppies that are heterzygous & non-merle & to never breed Homozygous Merles together.
- HOW THE MERLE GENE CAUSES THE DEAFNESS & EYE PROBLEMS - in brief, merle causes dilution & too much dilution results in lack of pigment (pink skin). If the dilution gets to the point where it causes this lack of pigment it when (& usually) is over the head especially the eyes & ears causes deafness through lack of pigment in the inner ear & eye problems through malformed pupils & pale white/blue eyes. There is a difference between lack of pigment & what is called the Irish Trim where white legs & a facial blaze is present on the dog.
- IDENTIFYING DOGS/PUPS WITH POSSIBLE HEARING/EYE PROBLEMS - any pup or dog that displays an amount of white on the head especially over one or both eyes/ears & in the form other than a blaze from the nose up between the eyes (ie. a dog that has full/half face of white) should have it's eyes inspected for dropped or irregular pupils & a simple hearing test of a loud metallic bang (2 saucepands clashed together) from behind the dog while the dog is distracted forward. If the pup/dog fails to react or does not react how you expect it to (as a sudden fright or immediate look towards to noise) suspect full or partial deafness. Veterinary confirmation is advisable. If you are looking to purchase a Koolie puppy please be wary when considering puppies with white on their head & especially if there is pups in the litter that have a lot of white on them.
- DEAF KOOLIES LEAD QUALITY LIVES - whilst they do require more responsibility & modified communction/training, a deaf koolie can live a long quality life. We however do see many people pick puppies from Koolie litters that are more attractive due to the white & later discover their puppy is deaf, this is a situation we do not like any person to be faced with unexpectidly regardless.
Merle Gene Deafness Information & Websites
Deaf Dog Support (a site provided by us & our deaf koolie owning friends)
Information on Merle Gene Deafness