Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Inc.

Ten Steps to a Healthier Australian Shepherd Breed

I recognize that genetic disease is a longstanding fact in the Australian Shepherd breed. Only through open and honest communication and sharing of accurate information can we, the breeders and guardians of this breed, improve the overall genetic health and significantly reduce the incidence of genetic diseases in the breed we love.

I support the open disclosure of all health issues that affect the Australian Shepherd, utilizing publicly accessible canine health registries in the country of my residence whenever possible.

I openly and publicly disclose all information in my possession about the health issues that have been produced by my dogs and dogs from my breeding, and also those health issues where a significant risk factor may exist.

If I receive information about a new genetic issue in connection with my dogs or breeding, I work to the best of my ability to notify the purchasers/owners of dogs that are related to the dog with the new issue.

I support and assist other breeders in their disclosure efforts.

I do not speak ill of any breeder or breeding program that has produced an affected Australian Shepherd.

I compassionately support and assist owners of affected dogs in the gathering of information on the genetic diseases that have stricken their dogs.

I support research studies for genetic diseases in Australian Shepherds, submitting biological samples from dogs in my kennel or of my breeding when they are available and applicable for the study. I encourage others to do the same.

Before being bred, all of my dogs are DNA profiled with an accredited laboratory and the results made public, if such services are available within my country, or before my stock is exported to a country that has DNA profiling available.

I will have my dogs screened for genetic diseases, as recommended on the ASHGI web site, by veterinarians who have the proper certification. I support the recording of test results in open registries and as they become available to me, I will post my results. As new genetic tests for Australian Shepherds become available, I will submit my breeding stock for those tests.

"10-Steps" is an ASHGI program, lovingly created by the members of the EpiGENES Discussion Group

The "10-Steps" program is whole-heartedly supported by Toby's Foundation.

ASHGI is proud to announce a new program for breeders, owners, supporters and lovers of the Australian Shepherd: "Ten Steps to a Healthier Australian Shepherd Breed"

This program is for people who want to join the effort to improve the genetic health of the Australian Shepherd, and who support open health information registries.

This initiative was launched by members of the EpiGENES, an international discussion group formed in 2003, in cooperation with AussieGENES, to candidly discuss the incidence of epilepsy in our breed and provide information for owners and breeders seeking a community of sharing.

Focusing on improving the genetic health of the Australian Shepherd, "10-Steps" encourages accuracy and openness in sharing genetic information among breeders and owners. Supporting "10-Steps" discourages destructive and counterproductive secrecy and gossip, and facilitates the free flow of information, vital in making informed breeding decisions. The "10-Steps" narrative encompasses issues relevant to Aussie owners world-wide.

This effort consists of the "10-Steps" statement -- ten steps that can be taken by every supporter of this breed to move forward in breeding healthier dogs, and is represented by an Aussie profile "Ask Tell" logo, identifying those who support the program.

Pam Douglas, founder of Toby's Foundation, has graciously offered to host the listing of every individual who lends support to this program. Those who donate a nominal but meaningful contribution to the "10-Steps" Program can be proud of making a significant difference in improving the health of our breed.

Nan Dakin is the Program Chair. If you have any questions, you may contact her by clicking here .

This program was launched at the 2004 ASCA Nationals in California. Stop by ASHGI's booth at ASCA and USASA Nationals if you are interested in learning more or signing on.

Supporters may choose either of two packages:

For a $10 donation:

one "Ask Tell" logo pin
a full-color "10-Steps" narrative placard suitable for framing
one logo bumper sticker

For a $15 donation:

one "Ask Tell" logo pin
a full-color "10-Steps" narrative placard suitable for framing
one bumper sticker
an e-file for web pages

Additional "Ask Tell" logo pins may be purchased for $5 each, with a purchase of one of the packages above. Contact Nan Dakin using the email link above for information about purchasing 10 Steps packets.