Health Testing

The Australian Terrier Club of America has undertaken a health survey of problems afflicting Australian terriers to determine the incidence of various health issues. According to this survey, the leading cause of problems in Aussies was allergies, with flea bite allergies being listed as the most common. Patellar luxation (an orthopedic condition whereby the patella slips in its groove in the knee joint) was next. Diabetes was third, with various other diseases being reported in small percentages. All of the reported problems are common in other breeds (and often mixed breeds as well). The median age of death for Australian terriers was 11 years of age. All breeding stock will be tested for eyes (C.E.R.F), patellas and hips (O.F.A) prior to being bred. Additional tests for diabetes and thyroid malfunction will be performed as well.  This is done to prevent hereditary diseases from being passed to their puppies. Along with a health guarantee, this ensures that a prospective buyer receives a healthy puppy.

     So now you know the rigorous screening process that goes into selecting dogs for breeding stock. Many hours of planning are still to come, matching pedigrees and evaluating conformation to produce the most correct, sound and healthy Australian terriers possible. Planning the breeding, assisting the whelping and rearing the puppies are all still to follow, with the end result the whelping of a litter that will excel as show dogs and pets. If you agree with my philosophy that only the best are good enough, and are willing to wait for that special puppy, please email so we can begin to get to know each other.

Next: The Girls