HEALTH INFORMATION
Parent Clubs set health testing requirements for a particular breed, and the American Morkshire Terrier Club has set health testing requirements for the American Morkshire Terrier.
The Health Committee of the American Morkshire Terrier Club is dedicated to help all American Morkshire Terrier owners in understanding health issues that may affect our breed. Although our breed is not commonly afflicted with serious health issues, as with all dogs as well as humans, there are health issues that may arise during the lifetime of the American Morkshire Terrier, some are acquired, while some are genetic in nature.
The American Morkshire Terrier is considered a relatively healthy breed when purchased from a reputable AMTC breeder. Unethical breeders cut corners. Unfortunately, that means some will breed dogs that have a higher likelihood of passing on negative genetic traits. This results in puppies that may inherit debilitating disorders like heart murmurs and eye issues; it's unfair to owners who will see them suffer and have to shoulder the financial burden, and when unregulated, this practice can damage the breed's lineage. One way the American Morkshire Terrier Club accomplish this mission is by ensuring dogs with bad genetics aren't bred, potentially passing on congenital defects.
The American Morkshire Terrier is considered a relatively healthy breed when purchased from a reputable AMTC breeder. Unethical breeders cut corners. Unfortunately, that means some will breed dogs that have a higher likelihood of passing on negative genetic traits. This results in puppies that may inherit debilitating disorders like heart murmurs and eye issues; it's unfair to owners who will see them suffer and have to shoulder the financial burden, and when unregulated, this practice can damage the breed's lineage. One way the American Morkshire Terrier Club accomplish this mission is by ensuring dogs with bad genetics aren't bred, potentially passing on congenital defects.
AMTC BREEDER PROGRAM
All AMTC breeders require the completion of specific health testing of their breeding dogs. The American Morkshire Terrier Club has three levels for breeders: Basic, Silver and Gold Level Breeder. Each breeder that is in good standing with AMTC will be listed on our "Find a Puppy" service thru our member breeder directory link. Those breeders who have completed required health screenings will have a custom logo which includes their name and breeder level.
- Basic Level - this is designated to all breeders who join the American Morkshire Terrier Club.
- Silver Level - this designation is for breeders who have completed a DNA Profile on their breeding parent dogs.
- Gold Level - this designation is for breeders who are recognized for have completed specific health screenings, DNA Breed & Profile clearances on their breeding parent dogs.
- Anyone buying a new puppy should look for one from an AMTC responsible breeder.
- AMTC Breeder Logo will look like the one(s) below.
HEALTH TESTING
Find out what diseases your dog may be affected from and what conditions they may be at risk of passing to their puppies should you ever decide to breed them. Visit Our Health Testing Information.
The Health Committee is working with AMTC Breeders as well as Animal Genetics, GenSol Diagnostics, Viaguard, Wisdom Health, Orthopedic For Animals (OFA) and other top canine health researchers to try and do all we can to identify relevant American Morkshire Terrier health issues, Educate our breeders and owners, Promote pertinent health testing and Breed for a healthier American Morkshire Terrier.
Thank you for your interest in our lovely breed,
The American Morkshire Terrier Club
Health Committee
Thank you for your interest in our lovely breed,
The American Morkshire Terrier Club
Health Committee
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