The Russian Salon Dog is a rare and developing toy breed with roots in several established small companion breeds. Because of this diverse foundation, the Russian Salon Dog shares certain health considerations with these breeds.

The Russian Salon Dog Club of America (RSDCA) is committed to promoting the health and well-being of the breed through education, responsible breeding practices, and participation in recognized health registries such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

As the breed is still being established, the RSDCA is actively developing recommended testing protocols to guide breeders and owners. Based on the breeds involved in the creation of the Russian Salon Dog, the following health evaluations are strongly encouraged for all breeding dogs:

OFA Health Examinations:

• Patellar Luxation Evaluation
   
• Cardiac Examination
   
• Eye Examination (CAER) by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
   

Genetic Testing (Breed-Associated Concerns):

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Panel
   
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – though less common in toys, advisable due to genetic diversity
  
   

Responsible breeders use health testing to:

• Identify carriers of heritable conditions
   
• Prevent the unintentional spread of genetic disease
   
• Ensure healthier, longer-lived companions for families
   

Testing results submitted to the OFA can be made publicly accessible, providing transparency and reinforcing the breed’s reputation for soundness and longevity.

Because the Russian Salon Dog is a young breed, the RSDCA encourages all breeders and owners to participate in ongoing health research and submit findings to the club. Gathering data on emerging conditions ensures that the breed can continue to thrive and achieve future recognition within major kennel clubs. 

Alongside structural and health considerations, genetic color testing is a crucial component of responsible Russian Salon Dog breeding. Proper use of color testing allows breeders to maintain correct pigment expression and avoid genetic combinations that are considered undesirable for the long-term integrity of the breed.

The two key pigment groups are:

• Phaeomelanin: Responsible for red, gold, cream, and sable shades
   
• Eumelanin: Responsible for black, blue, chocolate, and diluted variants
   

Crossing phaeomelanin and eumelanin bases within the same pairing is discouraged, as it can produce atypical or unstable expressions inconsistent with the developing breed standard. By identifying each dog’s genetic color locus, breeders can:

• Confirm whether a dog carries phaeomelanin or eumelanin as its base pigment
   
• Avoid pairings that blend incompatible pigment groups
   
• Maintain clarity, consistency, and predictability in the breed’s appearance
   
• Prevent dilution or loss of distinct Russian Salon Dog coloration over generations
   

The RSDCA recognizes that consistent and transparent use of color testing is essential to preserving the breed’s unique identity while advancing toward full recognition.

Responsible breeders use health and color testing to:

• Identify carriers of heritable conditions
   
• Prevent the unintentional spread of genetic disease
   
• Ensure healthier, longer-lived companions for families
   
• Protect the integrity and consistency of the breed’s appearance