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 PROGRAMS
Two AMTC breeder programs require the completion of health screenings recommended and required by the American Morkshire Terrier Club:
- AMTC Gold Breeder - this designation is for breeders who put particular emphasis on screening for health issues, genetics, temperament and placing puppies in responsible homes.
- AMTC Silver Breeder - this designation is for breeders who are recognized for responsibility in breeding and placing puppies in responsible homes.
- Anyone buying a new puppy should look for breeders in these programs.
Visit Our Health Information here.
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
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
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