Quality.

In Russia and other parts of the former USSR, Russian Spaniels are bred only according to the breeding plan of the local club. It’s required for the dog to be registered with the club, have an exterior grade of “good” or higher, and have earned a field diploma (females not tested in the field but under 4 years of age might be allowed to breed one time).  Males are included into the breeding plan only after earning a field diploma. In addition, the male has to be evaluated at the club’s dog shows no fewer than once every two years. Intensity of use for each male depends on the exterior and field qualities of the dog, his age, quality of his offsprings, and availability of suitable (by type and pedigree) females. Owner has to inform the club of his/her interest to breed in writing in order to be included into the breeding plan. All breedings are done according to an approved plan. There is long-term plan defining the breed development strategy for the following few years. The shot-term plan is usually created for the current year, and contains the list of picked breeding pairs, which ultimately would leads to achieving the long-term goal. All pairs are picked based on the set of characteristics:  pedigree of each dog (blood and family lines), his and her exterior and field qualities.  Breeding planning committee of the club would listen to the owner’s wishes on the choice of a mate if the pairing meets all above criteria, however, it reserves the right to make a different selection. Unapproved breeding and puppies born as the result of those are called “unplanned”, and pedigrees to these puppies are not issued.

Health.

Are there health guarantees on an imported puppy? The status of law in Russia provides us with no enforcing mechanism for any type of guarantee contract. On the other hand, because breedings in Russia are always pre-arranged by the dog club interested in improving the breed, only healthy dogs produce offsprings. Also, the breed is very young, and therefore there are NO genetic diseases specific to these dogs. Imported puppy would be examined by a veterinarian at the age of 4 weeks and prior to the flight. For puppies traveling "live cargo" (see "Process and Costs"), another examination is done at 3 months when shot are administered.

Difficulty (and luck of thereof).
Once a puppy is located and you agree to begin the process, the only task you will have is to pay for your little one via Moneygram or Western Union, and then pick him/her up at the local airport. Although RSC will not be involved in any of the financial transactions as all payment are made directly to the breeder and/or "puppy keeper" (read "Process and Costs" for more details), we assist with the process when necessary. You can read testimonies of our members who imported their dogs through RSC here.

Cost.
Most of expenses, as one would expect, would be associated more with transportation and less with the actual cost of the puppy. Estimated cost of an imported puppy is between $1000 and $1150 depending on where you live within the United States. For more details, please see "Process and Costs" page. Although this is not an insignificant amount, many breeders charge much more for purebred puppies right here in the US. Considering that most purebred dogs on the North American continent are inbred, all other breeds have at least one documented genetic disease, and very few spaniel puppies are available from working parents (much less from 5 generations of working parents) in this country, the cost of bringing a Russian Spaniel puppy across the ocean is a very good investment.