UPDATES!!
The Research Study by the Canine Genetics Laboratory of the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine has been approved for funding by the Rottweiler Health Foundation! For this study to have a chance to finally identify the cause of seizures in Rottweilers, they URGENTLY need DNA samples from dogs who have experienced seizures, AND their unaffected relatives. Most vets will draw a blood sample for free because it's being used in this research. For instructions on collecting & shipping a blood sample, click HERE. To download the questionnaire that must be submitted with the samples, click HERE. Please, spread the word on every platform possible, by linking to this page, so that we can reach as many as possible.
We have received formal approval from both the 2025 ARC National Specialty, and the Host Site Location, to be on-site for the 2025 Rottweiler National on Thursday June 26 in Wilmington, OH, to collect DNA samples. You can save time by downloading and completing the forms here BEFORE you arrive.
Robert Galusha, President of the American Rottweiler Club, recently communicated his thanks to those at Project SAV, the Rottweiler Health Foundation, and ARC officers, for "the patience and dedication in ensuring this study is conducted through appropriate means." Mr. Galusha also said, "In my opinion, working in an open and transparent environment is essential, and I truly appreciate the collective effort that has gone into making this possible."
Ch. Vintage Savignon ("Savvy")
Project SAV is dedicated to the memory of our sweet Savvy. Our goal is to eradicate idiopathic seizures from the Rottweiler breed by raising awareness, supporting genetic research, and promoting ethical breeding practices.
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Our story
On November 6, 2024, we lost our sweet, sweet Savvy (Ch. Vintage Savignon) due to idiopathic epilepsy. She was just over 3 years old. In almost 40 years of breeding, owning, and showing Rottweilers, I had never personally experienced seizures in any of my dogs. Witnessing her seizures was a horrifying experience, but making the choice to put her down was a kind of pain that I can’t even describe in words. As I processed her death, and grieved, I became determined to search for answers. Why did this happen? Why Savvy? I was determined to make something positive come from something so incredibly and needlessly painful as my Sav's death, and I decided to make this my new mission. I’m on a mission to eradicate this horrible condition from the breed I love.
Will you join me in this mission?
Chris Bova - Founder (Paris, KY, USA)
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SAV = Seizure Awareness & Visibility
Only by bringing awareness and visibility to this issue, and what can be done, can we have any hope of eradicating idiopathic seizures in Rottweilers.
We're encouraging ethical breeding practices among Rottweiler breeders and owners, even before a screening test is developed.
Along with the Rottweiler Health Foundation, we're supporting research to identify the genetic mutation associated with this disorder, and to develop a screening test for use before breeding.
Project SAV
For far too long, there has been a reluctance to discuss the occurrence and prevalence of this disorder in our breed. We encourage breeders and owners of Rottweilers who have experienced idiopathic seizures to join the discussion. We also encourage potential breeders and owners to ask the right questions and investigate any history of seizures before breeding or acquiring Rottweilers. We can only hope to eradicate this devastating disorder by speaking out and leaving no stone unturned.
We encourage ethical breeding practices among Rottweiler owners, to ensure the long-term health of our beloved breed. Before a screening test is developed, breeders are encouraged to do the ethical thing by not breeding dogs known to have either experienced seizures, or to have produced dogs that have. Potential owners are encouraged to do their homework before acquiring a dog. Once a screening test is developed, we will then encourage all Rottweiler breeders and owners to screen their dogs prior to making any breeding decisions, and to do the right thing by not breeding any dog that carries the genetic mutation. Together, we can wipe out this devastating disorder once and for all!
We encourage breeders and owners of Rottweilers who have experienced idiopathic seizures (as well as related dogs that have not experienced seizures) to contribute genetic samples to a research study currently underway at the Canine Genetics Laboratory of the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. We need as many genetic samples as possible in hopes of identifying the specific genetic mutation associated with this disorder. Once the mutation is identified, the goal is to develop a test for screening Rottweilers prior to making breeding decisions. Click here to learn how to participate, or to learn more about the study.
Contact Us
Reach out to us for inquiries about idiopathic seizures in Rottweilers, how you can participate in or support the genetic research, or with questions about ethical breeding aimed at eradicating this disorder. You can also join a public Facebook discussion group that addresses this topic by clicking the Facebook symbol below.
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