KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs ~ Ethical Family Breeder in WA
Cobberdog Health & Genetic Testing at KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs
At KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs, protecting the health, temperament and long-term integrity of the Australian Cobberdog is not optional — it is foundational.
As proud members of the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA), we follow strict health, genetic and ethical breeding protocols designed to safeguard the future of this developing pure breed.
Our commitment to comprehensive Cobberdog health testing ensures that every puppy we breed has the very best start in life — physically, genetically and emotionally.
Protecting the Health of the Australian Cobberdog Breed
The Australian Cobberdog has been carefully developed by dedicated foundation breeders who placed health and temperament above all else.
Unlike many historically recognised breeds, the Australian Cobberdog has benefited from:
Modern genetic science
Transparent international communication
Advanced reproductive management
Strict stud registry controls
The MDBA maintains an open but highly restricted stud book, meaning:
Every dog entering the gene pool must be individually assessed
There are no automatic approvals
Only dogs meeting strict health and breed standards may contribute to future generations
This disciplined approach has helped eliminate many inherited health concerns before they become widespread within the breed.
At KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs, our approach to health and genetic testing forms part of our broader philosophy of ethical, transparent breeding. You can learn more about our values, long-term goals and breeding ethics on our ‘About KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs’ page.
Our Commitment to Responsible, Ethical Breeding
We love our dogs — and we breed with intention, not volume.
At KooeeKeis:
We are MDBA registered breeders
We are verified on RightPaw
Isi is educated through Therapy Dogs Australia in identifying and nurturing therapy and assistance potential
Our mother dogs have no more than three litters before retirement
Every breeding decision prioritises long-term health and sound temperament
We carefully select the very best puppy from each litter to potentially carry our breeding program forward. Not every promising puppy progresses — and while those decisions can be difficult, maintaining strict standards protects the future of the Australian Cobberdog.
Health testing is only one part of raising exceptional puppies. From birth, our puppies are nurtured in a structured, enriched environment designed to support early neurological development and emotional stability. Discover how we raise our family reared puppies and why early environment plays such a vital role in lifelong wellbeing.
Mandatory MDBA Health Testing Requirements
Before any Australian Cobberdog is bred under MDBA regulations, the following testing must be completed:
Orthopaedic Screening
Hip X-rays (OFA, PennHIP or MDBA Radiology approved)
Elbow X-rays
Patella evaluation
Veterinary Health Screening
Annual full veterinary health check
Eye examination
Heart examination
Comprehensive Genetic Screening at KooeeKeis
We go beyond minimum requirements.
Our breeding dogs undergo full breed profile DNA screening through leading international laboratories including:
Orivet Genetic Pet Care and Paw Print Genetics
These laboratories test for over 200 scientifically validated canine genetic markers.
Diseases Screened in Our Australian Cobberdogs
Our breeding dogs are screened for all relevant breed-specific inherited conditions, including but not limited to:
Degenerative Myelopathy
Exercise Induced Collapse
von Willebrand’s Disease Type I
Collie Eye Anomaly
Cone-Rod Dystrophy (PRA variants)
Centronuclear Myopathy
Hyperuricosuria
Neonatal Encephalopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
Ivermectin Sensitivity (MDR1)
Malignant Hyperthermia
Stargardt Disease
Skeletal Dysplasia
Achromatopsia
We also screen specifically for:
Copper Toxicosis B
Microthalmia (via Paw Prints USA)
IUDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
MMVD (Mitral Valve Disease)
Patella luxation
The list of testable conditions continues to expand as science advances — and we expand our testing accordingly.
Further explanation of these inherited diseases
Coat & Trait Genetic Testing
As responsible breeders of a developing pure breed, we also test for important coat and trait markers to ensure predictability and breed consistency.
These include:
Merle
Long Hair Gene
Shedding Trait (MC5R)
Coat Composition (Single/Double Coat)
Curly Coat genes (KRT71 variants)
Improper Coat (RSPO2)
Colour loci (E, K, A, D and Brown variations)
Testing coat genetics protects the integrity of the Australian Cobberdog fleece coat types while maintaining non-shedding and allergy-friendly goals.
Guardian Families & Enriched Lives
Our breeding dogs do not live in kennels.
They live as cherished family members in local guardian homes, enjoying:
Enriched environments
Beach visits and socialisation
Travel and family integration
They return to us only for mating and whelping, then retire permanently with their families after two litters.
Transparency for our Puppy Families
We encourage every puppy buyer to research thoroughly and request proof of health and genetic testing from any breeder.
At KooeeKeis:
Health results are available prior to commitment
We explain all testing in plain language
We prioritise long-term wellbeing over short-term sales
- Transparency matters. We encourage families to meet the dogs behind our program and review their individual health and genetic screening results. You can explore detailed profiles on our Parent Dogs page.
Our investment in comprehensive Australian Cobberdog genetic testing represents a significant financial and emotional commitment — but it is essential for protecting families, puppies and the future of the breed.
A Healthy Future for the Australian Cobberdog
The MDBA’s strict registration requirements, combined with responsible breeders who prioritise science and ethics, place the Australian Cobberdog on a strong path toward:
Long-term genetic integrity
Predictable temperament
Structural soundness
International recognition as a pure breed
At KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs, we are proud to contribute thoughtfully and conservatively to that future.
If you are considering welcoming a KooeeKeis puppy into your family, we encourage you to read through our health testing standards carefully. When you feel aligned with our philosophy, you may submit an application via our Puppy Waitlist page.
We believe informed families make confident decisions. For guidance on preparing for your puppy and understanding lifelong health care, please visit our Raising a Cobberdog Puppy (Early Development)
