HEALTH MATTERS

As a breeder many of us get the following phrase when puppy shopping - WE ONLY WANT A PET. Why should we spend a lot of money for a PET??? There is an ad for $*** in the paper why are yours so much more? I am going to explain why....like everyone says you get what you pay for. My puppies are from parents who have undergone a physical exam prior to breeding, they have been BAER + Cerf. pior to breeding. Our dogs are all AKC reg'd. and the studs are all DNA certified as well. We take breeding our dogs very seriously and strive to breed from quality dogs. I tell potential buyers to call the ad for $*** and ask what screening the parents have had. You will find the 'breeders' who won't even know what BAER + Cerf. testing is.

Please do some research before you buy a puppy anywhere else. The puppy that might be a bargain now could end up costing more than you think. On my site I expose links on puppymills, bad breeder information, questions to ask breeders, and information on different clubs to give you a chance to be an educated consumer. This breed is healthy overall but there are genetic problems that do occur in this breed. Some of the more serious ones will be listed below with an explanation and links to more information. While no one can see into the distant future and know that a dog may develop a problem. With a dog whose parents have had genetic screening you have a good baseline for knowing what ailments may/may not crop up down the road.

Newsflash - How to Pick a Breeder

Puppy Mills - Where NOT to buy a pup!

AKC Opinons

Please do your homework before you buy a Jack Russell. Take the time to think of your future plans. Jack Russells have been known to live up to 20 years. Will this fit into your lifestyle in the future? Are you ready to housebreak a puppy? If not, contact the rescue groups for each organization. There are a lot of unwanted and misunderstood Jacks in rescue. Please be sure to contact each breed group to get information on the breed. Then you will understand why we are careful who we place our dogs with. They are a great breed but not in every home. Good breeders will screen and interview you before they send the puppy out the door. Puppy mills, pet shops, bad breeders will not be concerned where the puppy goes as long as they get the cash.

When puppy shopping please don't go from facility to facility. This is the number one way puppies end up contracting viruses that could be fatal. NO ONE wants a sick puppy so make appointments for one breeder at a time or maybe two in the same day. DON'T GO TO THE POUND OR PET SHOP AND VISIT A BREEDER. While you may save time because they are near each other you could potentially bring in germs. It can take 2 weeks for Parvo. to show up in a puppy. Even puppies who have had their 1st and 2nd puppy shots ARE NOT totally immune from disease. Don't chance it because you have a timeline to 'find' a dog.

When puppy shopping make sure the pup you are going to purchase has had AT LEAST one vaccination. Read the links below on vaccines. They will explain what they do and why they are important. Puppies should have been de-wormed prior to you picking them up. Parasites are often found in young pups but if left untreated they can debilitate a young pup. We have provided information for you to make an educated purchase. Obviously your heart will lead you but using your head will keep everyone happy and healthy!

Vaccine Info.

Parasites

Kennel Cough

What is BAER testing?

BAER testing is (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) a simple procedure performed on dogs as young as 5 weeks of age. BAER testing generally runs $35-$75 per dog (*depending on location). If a breeder can't afford to do genetic testing then ask why are they breeding? Be sure to click below to find out more about this simple test. Most people know that dalmations tend to have deafness issues. For years JR breeders would get an occasional deaf dog and would find them a home. No one thought the pottential of breeding totally deaf dogs could be a possibility. Most didn't realize that some dogs could be deaf in one ear and never show a sign. This has made the bloodlines hard to know who has deafness behind them. Once breeders started testing a lot of dogs ended up being removed from a breeding program. It was too many years too late and the problem is buried within the breed. Now as breeders it is up to us to correct this as best we can by only breeding tested stock. Bilaterally deaf dogs can make for a poor quality pet, training is more intense and at 2 years they can develop startle response syndrome (which means unprovoked attacks). Unilateral dogs make wonderful companions because they can hear out of one ear and tend to compensate with their other senses. Most breeders who have ever had a deaf puppy tend to know which ones are bilateral right off the bat. The uni's are IMPOSSIBLE to tell unless tested.

BAER TEST SITES

JRT Specific Article

Books for Deaf Dog Training

What is Cerf testing?

Cerf testing is done by qualified opthamologists only. While your regular vet. may pick up on some eye disorders few have the credentials to perform Cerf. testing. We are fortunate to live around the corner from a top board certified opthamologist. He sees our dogs every year for their vision exams. Oh, this breeder who charges $*** doesn't Cerf test - why??? This is a painless test - drops are administered and the dog is examined in a dark room. The total time per dog is usually less than 10 minutes. The vision problems that affect Jack Russells don't tend to show up until later in life so there is no guarantee that a dog who appears fine this year will test clear next. The basic principal is that a good breeder knows their lines and has tested for generations to ensure the dogs will continue to be healthy. PRA, PLL, Cataracts, glaucoma are just a few of the eye disorders that afflict JR's (as well as many other breeds). Most of these disorders are painful for the dogs and can require expensive surgeries in the future.

CERF - The Canine Eye Registry Foundation...

Cataracts and Treatments

Cataract Info.

What is a Luxating Patella?


A luxating patella is when the kneecap slips out of the groove. In humans many would refer to this as a trick knee. Many dogs learn to live with this condition and don't require surgery. A veterinarian will be able to determine the grade (level) of severity and the appropriate course of treatment. While in the JR (and most small/toy) breeds hip dysplasia is uncommon a luxation of the patella is common. Breeding stock should NOT have luxating patellas. A breeder can have the vet perform a simple test or choose to have x-rays done. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is the best choice for having the x-rays read. They will have a panel of vets grade the dog. If you suspect a problem (lameness, skipping on 3 legs etc..) then this is the best source to turn to.

Luxating Patella Info.

OFA Info.

What is Legges Perthes?


Legges Perthes occurs when the ball portion of the socket has a lack of blood supply to it. This is common in many toy/terrier breeds and thought to be hereditary. Dogs who are affected SHOULD NOT be used for breeding stock. This condition causes severe pain and can occur as young as 4 mos. and as late as 11 mos. A x-ray should be done to determine if this is the problem with the dog. Typically one leg is affected and surgery is required usually.

Legges Perthes Info.

OFA Info.

What is a Liver Shunt?


A liver shunt is when the blood by-passes the liver and goes to the heart. Ammonia builds up in the blood stream causing the dog to have convulsions (seizures). This is thought to be hereditary and dogs SHOULD NOT be used for breeding stock. It is hard to predict a liver shunt and it can occur at any age. The typical early symptoms are dogs who appear lethargic, have a poor appetite, convulsions and appear dis-oriented. Surgery does work for some but not all candidates.

Liver Shunt Info.

What is Diabetes?


There are different types of diabetes that have been seen in JR's. Diabetes Mellitus is the inability for the body to regulate their blood sugar levels. Diabetes Insipidus is when the animal has a high volume of diluted urine. Failure to provide treatment can lead to coma and death.

Diabetes Info.

Diabetes Articles

Diabetes Insipidus

What is a Brucellosis?


Brucellosis is a bacteria induced infection that is contagious between people and dogs. The bacteria enters the body through mucous membranes. In female dogs typically it shows up by aborting litters or not getting pregnant at all. In the male it shows up with sterility as an early sign. BREEDING STOCK MUST BE CHECKED PRIOR TO MATING DOGS to rule out that neither dog is affected. Treatment is usually unsuccessful so caution must be taken to avoid this disease. The vet can do a simple blood test which is back in 24 hours.

Brucellosis Facts

What is a Breeder to Do?

We are pleased to say our dogs have contributed to the UC Davis - Canine Genetic Analysis Project. We submitted DNA, a pedigree, BAER + Cerf. test results. We also filled out a brief questionairre on the health and history of the dog and offspring. As a breeder we are hoping they develop a marker which could eliminate most of the ailments listed above. For the sake of the breed if you have a dog and would like to contribute to a healthier future look into the program. Down the road this type of testing will become an essential tool.

UC Davis - Canine Genetic Analysis Program

Other Health Studies for JR's

To Breed or Not to Breed?

Be an educated and informed breeder. The Parson (Jack) Russell always has a full rescue. Don't contribute to the problem of overpopulation. Please read our Spay/Neuter page as well as the breeding page. It may give you more incentive to spay or neuter!

Spay & Neuter

Breeding your JR's