Research before you purchase.
I'm very interested in all aspects of Black Russian Terrier Health. I have no medical or genetic background, however I try to find out all I can about health and breeding. I have attended breeding seminars, passed course instruction and certification on both breeding and structure and movement. At the 2010 BRT Nationals I did a presentation on Hyperuricurosia to try to encourage more owners to participate and gets their dogs tested. While there is still much we don't know about HU, dysplasia, JLLP, or any of the other problems that develop in the breed, we do need to breed responsibly.
I can't begin to tell you how many people are in such a rush to get their BRT that they pick the first one they can find. It's only down the road a few years when health or temperament issues surface that they realize maybe they should have taken their time and done a little more research. Very few people are having a "dog emergency" that would not allow them to take the time, do the research, sit on a few waiting lists and make wise decisions.
So slow down, take your time, read, study, research lines on the OFFA website (www.offa.org), talk to people and by all means, meet some BRTS hands on before you decide.
The chart below is the current state of the BRT reported to the OFFA. There is a lot of room for improvement.
I have included in this section some articles and research on the health topics that interest me most. I am working on the additional subjects of dysplasia and movement.
If anyone does not know how to use the OFFA website to evaluate Black Russian Kennel Health Lines, please contact me and I will walk you through any litter you might be interested in to see not only the sire and dam, but all available offspring, siblings and the health results of the kennel overall. Do not purchase a puppy without through evaluation of all available resources. There is also a resource to evaluate imported dogs, however it is much less reliable or extensive as the OFFA website but better than nothing if you are looking to import.
I can't begin to tell you how many people are in such a rush to get their BRT that they pick the first one they can find. It's only down the road a few years when health or temperament issues surface that they realize maybe they should have taken their time and done a little more research. Very few people are having a "dog emergency" that would not allow them to take the time, do the research, sit on a few waiting lists and make wise decisions.
So slow down, take your time, read, study, research lines on the OFFA website (www.offa.org), talk to people and by all means, meet some BRTS hands on before you decide.
The chart below is the current state of the BRT reported to the OFFA. There is a lot of room for improvement.
I have included in this section some articles and research on the health topics that interest me most. I am working on the additional subjects of dysplasia and movement.
If anyone does not know how to use the OFFA website to evaluate Black Russian Kennel Health Lines, please contact me and I will walk you through any litter you might be interested in to see not only the sire and dam, but all available offspring, siblings and the health results of the kennel overall. Do not purchase a puppy without through evaluation of all available resources. There is also a resource to evaluate imported dogs, however it is much less reliable or extensive as the OFFA website but better than nothing if you are looking to import.