Before breeding from a dog or bitch, the Kennel Club advises breeders to investigate whether there are any possible inherited conditions that may affect the breed.  Breeders can do this by discussing the matter with the breeder of their dog, the relevant breed club or clubs, the Kennel Club Health & Information Department or, possibly, their veterinary surgeon. There are several health schemes currently in operation to assist in the prevention or control of some diseases (including DNA tests), and where they exist, the Kennel Club strongly recommends that both sire and dam are tested.

Screening Schemes

There are several different types of screening schemes that can aid breeders in the detection of some inherited diseases or, in the case of DNA testing schemes, the presence or absence of disease genes. 

1. The Kennel Club runs clinical veterinary screening schemes together with the British Veterinary Association (BVA/KC Health Schemes) which aim to detect the presence of signs of the inherited diseases of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and eye diseases and therefore help breeders to choose breeding stocks that are free of disease.
2. Where a gene based DNA test exists and is available in the UK, the Kennel Club, in conjunction with breed clubs and several centres or laboratories, runs DNA Screening Schemes for breeders which can provide precise information as to the genetic status of breeding stock with regard to certain diseases.  There is a growing number of DNA tests available worldwide, click here for a list of DNA tests currently available in the UK.

DNA Profiling

Please do not confuse these DNA screening Scheme for disease with the DNA Profiling Service that the Kennel Club offers which is for identification and parentage analysis!

Dog to DNA

If the terminology surrounding DNA testing or its application to dog breeding mystifies you, the Kennel Club article entitled Dog to DNA – A beginner’s guide to the molecular genetics of the dog may be helpful.

KC/BSAVA Purebred Dog Health Survey

In 2004, the Kennel Club enabled a major all breeds health survey, the first of its kind in the UK.  Results of this survey.

New list of arranged Health related Seminars

Any breed club or group that is holding a health–related event this year is invited to email the details to the Kennel Club’s Information Department at info@thekennelclub.org.uk so that the event can be listed on our new Events Calendar.  Simply click on the Seminars icon on the right to search our Events Calendar for Health Seminars in your area or by date.

The Kennel Club Health Foundation Fund (KCHFF)

The KCHFF is part of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and was established to help breed clubs fund development of new DNA tests for inherited diseases.

Computer Reports

Listed results of any official Kennel Club disease screening scheme are available from the Information Department.  

Date:

Categories:

Dog Health and DNA, Responsible Dog Breeding 

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