CHF Research Grants

Since 1987, the Collie Health Foundation (CHF) has been a driving force in funding research that improves the health and well-being of Collies and other dogs. With over $1.7 million invested in health studies, CHF has played a pivotal role in advancing veterinary science and genetic testing.

CHF’s support has directly contributed to the development of several diagnostic tools, including tests for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy – rcd2 (PRA-rcd2)
  • MDR1 drug sensitivity
  • Cyclic Neutropenia (aka Gray Collie Syndrome)
  • Dermatomyositis risk assessment

These breakthroughs have empowered breeders, veterinarians, and owners to make informed decisions, improving quality of life and longevity for countless dogs.

The Foundation is currently supporting research projects on eye disease, treatment of dermatomyositis , genetic risk of epilepsy and the effect of the MDR1 mutation on pre-anesthetic medication. To learn more about these studies and how to participate in them, please heat to our Participate in CHF-Funded Research page.

Obtaining a CHF Research Grant

CHF strategically funds research projects that address the most pressing health concerns in the breed. We partner with leading veterinary schools, research institutions, and organizations like the AKC Canine Health Foundation to ensure that funded studies meet the highest standards of scientific integrity. Each grant is carefully reviewed by experts to ensure its relevance, feasibility, and potential impact.

Current priority areas include:

  • Eye Disease
  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Cancer
  • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

All grants are evaluated on a yearly basis by the CHF’s Grants Committee. This committee is made up of dedicated Collie owners, veterinary professionals, medical doctors and scientists. Their role is to gather, screen and recommend prospective research grants for the CHF board.

To apply for a CHF Research Grant, please contact the Grants Secretary Jenny Satyavelu (grantssec@colliehealth.org) or Grants Committee Chair Dr Nancy Kelso, DVM (nancykelso@colliehealth.org). Grant requests are accepted year-round. More information is available in the following documents:

Funding Canine Health Research since 1987

To provide transparency and highlight the impact of donor contributions, the pie chart below illustrates the distribution of CHF-funded grants across various health focus areas. This snapshot reflects CHF’s commitment to targeted, high-impact research that directly benefits the Collie.

To access further breakdowns of CHF Funding and a list of all CHF-Funded Research, please CLICK HERE.

A pie chart showing the breakdown of research funding provided by the Collie Health Foundation to research on canine health. Autoimmune disease: 23%. Eye disease: 22%. Epilepsy: 15%. Cancer: 10%. MDR1: 9&. Bloat: 3%. Reproductive Health: 2%, Degenrative Myelopathy: 1%, Other: 15%.

Breakdown of CHF Research funding by topic from 1987 to 2025. Data current as of 12/31/2025.