This web page is devoted to Bull Terriers and the genetic diseases that can afflict our beloved breed.
Perusing the listings in the internet for Bull Terrier pups for sale, I noticed that many unethical breeders list that they have their Sire & Dam DNA'd. PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS. THIS IS NOT A HEALTH TEST! It is a requirement of the AKC to have the Sire DNA'd. AKC DNA Certification is required for: Frequently Used Sires; dogs whose semen is collected for Fresh-Extended or Frozen use; and for the sires, dam and puppies for Multiple-Sired Litter Registration. To learn more about it go to : http://www.akc.org/dna/index.cfm
There are currently two studies that are ongoing and they need your help,
if you own a Bull Terrier!!! PLEASE
PARTICIPATE!!!! READ DOWN TO THE LAD STUDY AND THE SPINNING STUDY!!!
It is our belief that a responsible breeder will test for health issues in their breeding stock and provide written proof to prospective owners of their pups. Breeding stock should be tested at least yearly. With that being said, BAD things happen to even those who are most careful and selective, but at least the possibility is definitely lowered for those who strive to improve the breed.
BAER Test: Puppies should be tested at the age of 6 weeks for Deafness. Deafness is most commonly found in White Bull Terriers, but is not limited to only whites, coloreds can be afflicted too!
To find a Bear Test Site in the USA, please click here.
Here are some tests that should be performed on breeding stock. Prospective owners should ask to see & get a copy of the results of these tests on the Sire and the Dam:
UPC: Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio- This test should be performed between 6-12 months and up to 4 years. This test will diagnose hereditary nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and age related kidney failure. UPC should be .3 or below. Dogs should be tested every 6 months.
Heart Doppler: This test will confirm if there is a presence of Heart Disease such as :Aortic Stenosis (AS) , Mitral Valve Dysplasia. Ventricular Septal Defect, CANINE DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY AND HEART FAILURE.
Lethal Acrodermatitis: This is a rare condition in which two both Sire and Dam are carriers of this gene, which produce pups that can not metabolize copper. Unfortunately, these pups die a slow death because there is no known cure. There are studies being done. With enough Bull Terriers submitting blood samples, hopefully the gene can be identified! If you have a sibling, Sire, Dam, cousin, aunt, uncle, ancestors in your dog's pedigree who is a known carrier of LAD and would like to contribute by submitting your Bull Terriers Blood please download this form and this form submit them today!
Luxating Patellas: This can be diagnosed by your veterinarian.
Compulsive behaviors, including spinning, tail biting, and flank sucking are being studied by Dr. Alice Moon-Fanelli at Tufts University. Please go to Chris Chisholm's website and learn about these behaviors and how they affect the breed. Please be a participant if you own a Bull Terrier, the more people we have for the study the closer we get to identifying the gene that causes these heartbreaking disorders!
Allergies are all too common. The Sire and Dam should be free of rashes, pimples, pustules, hair loss, gunky eyes, scabs & generally feeling & looking ill. If any of these conditions are present, please think twice, ask questions and research!
PLEASE SUPPORT RESEARCH AND RESCUE BY ORDERING FROM THE BT SHOPPING MALL!!!!!
Please read this about
VACCINES !!!! http://www.dogsadversereactions.com/vKCtestimony.html
Please email us if you have any questions
