What do DNA tests check for?
DNA tests allow you to better understand your dog’s genetics. These types of tests can tell you if your dog is likely to be affected by specific conditions or whether they may pass on the genes associated with these conditions if they're bred from.
Why test your dog?
If you're thinking of breeding from your dog, then knowing more about their genetics can help you reduce the risk of producing puppies affected by inherited conditions. Understanding whether your dog carries a particular disease-causing gene can help you know what to look for in a similarly DNA-tested mate.
Which DNA tests are recommended for my breed?
Find out which health tests and screening schemes are relevant to your breed on our Breeds A to Z. Alternatively speak to your local breed club or dog breeder.
How to DNA test your dog
Most DNA tests require you to take a simple mouth swab from inside your dog's mouth (usually from their cheek). Some DNA tests may require a qualified person to take a blood sample from your dog, but these are rare.
Find a dog's DNA test results
Our Health Test Results Finder can help you find the results for any dog on our records that has been screened for the DNA tests and screening schemes that we record.
Lists of dogs with clear, carrier or affected status can be found under the health section of each breeds entry on our Breeds A to Z.
Collective results for activity dogs can be found below.
Activity dog results
Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS)
Collie Eye Anomaly/Choroidal Hypoplasia (CEA/CH)
Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL)
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
Familial Nephropathy (FN)
Fucosidosis (Fuco)
Hereditary Cataract (HC-HSF4)
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK)
Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome (IGS)
Multi-drug resistance (MDR1)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA cord1)
Sensory Neuropathy (SN)
Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS)
Breeding advice
Types of test
- Autosomal-recessive conditions
Most DNA tests we record are for autosomal recessive conditions - Autosomal-dominant conditions
Currently these sorts of tests are only recorded by us for HC-HSF4 in the Australian Shepherd and PHPT - Linkage tests
Currently these sorts of tests are only recorded by us for CA. We also record results for a linkage test that can be used instead of the standard DNA test for CEA/CH and prcd/PRA - Risk-based DNA tests (incomplete penetrance)
Currently these sorts of tests are only recorded by us for DM, JADD and PDE
Autosomal-recessive conditions (most DNA tests)
How are results recorded?
- Clear - these dogs do not have any copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are highly unlikely to develop this condition and will pass on a normal copy of the gene to their puppies
- Carrier - these dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are highly unlikely to develop this condition and may pass either one copy of the normal gene, or one copy of the abnormal gene on to their puppies
- Affected - these dogs have two copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs will likely be affected by the disorder and will pass on one copy of the abnormal gene on to any future puppies
Breeding advice for autosomal-recessive conditions
The table below provides guidance on breeding from your DNA-tested dog.
If your dog is clear
Clear dogs can be mated to any dogs without producing affected puppies. If they are bred with a carrier or affected dog they may produce carrier puppies.
If your dog is a carrier
Carrier dogs can be used for mating, so long as they are only mated to clear dogs. Mating a carrier to a carrier, or a carrier to an affected dog is putting the health of future puppies at risk.
If your dog is affected
Affected dogs can only be mated to clear dogs without risking producing affected puppies, however all resulting puppies will be carriers. Mating an affected dog to a carrier, or another affected dog is putting the health of future puppies at risk.
Potentially producing affected puppies
Why breed from carriers and affected dogs?
Breeding only from clear dogs can have a significant impact on genetic diversity within a breed, increasing inbreeding and therefore the likelihood of new inherited diseases emerging.
- With simple autosomal-recessive disorders, a carrier will not be affected by the condition you have tested for, but they could pass on a copy of the faulty gene if they themselves are bred from
- Only when a dog inherits two copies of a faulty gene (one from its mother and one from its father) will it be affected
- When used responsibly, carriers are an important part of any breeding plan and should not be overlooked
- By breeding from carriers, you can keep good, healthy dogs in the breeding population, helping to maintain genetic diversity
- Ultimately, however, over the course of a few generations it would be beneficial to aim to produce only clear puppies, thereby reducing the frequency of the disease-causing variant of the gene in the breed
Similarly an affected dog could still be used in a breeding programme, but this will very much be dependent on the condition and whether the dog's welfare would be affected by the mating/whelping process. They should only be mated to clear dogs, to ensure no affected puppies are produced.
Are clear dogs 100% clear?
Additional cautions about using carriers or affected dogs
Sticking to these rules will mean that you can still use these dogs for breeding, while maintaining genetic diversity within the breed.
- Never overuse a carrier or affected dog for mating. If a dog has one or two copies of a known faulty gene it should never be overused for breeding. Overusing these dog’s risks increasing the frequency of the faulty gene within the population, making it more difficult for future generations to breed without increasing the risk of producing affected dogs
- Do your research. If all breeders decided to use carriers or affected dogs for mating, then there is a possibility that as the frequency of mutant genes increases, then the proportion of 'clear' dogs would decline. You can use carriers and affected, but you always want to make sure you have a big enough supply of clear dogs. You may wish to talk to health representatives at your local breed club who will have access to summary information on the results of dogs that have been DNA tested and can advise you appropriately on the current situation in your breed
- Any possible carrier puppies that go on to be bred from should be DNA tested prior to mating. If you do decide to produce puppies that are potentially carriers, but are concerned that they may be used by their new owners for breeding, then you may wish to consider placing an endorsement on the puppy, or include a statement in your puppy contract that any puppies used for breeding must be tested prior to mating and if the puppy is a carrier, it must only be mated to a clear dog
Autosomal-dominant conditions
How are results recorded?
- Clear - these dogs do not have any copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are highly unlikely to develop this condition and will pass on a normal copy of the gene to their puppies
- Heterozygous affected - these dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs will likely be affected by the disorder and could pass on a copy of the abnormal gene on to any future puppies
- Homozygous affected - these dogs dogs have two copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs will likely be affected by the disorder and will pass on one copy of the abnormal gene on to any future puppies
Breeding advice for autosomal-dominant conditions
The information below provides guidance on breeding from your DNA-tested dog.
If your dog is clear
Clear dogs can be mated to any other clear dog without producing affected puppies. If they are mated to an heterozygous or homozygous affected dog they can produce puppies that are affected too.- Mating to a clear dog: all puppies will be clear
- Mating to a heterozygous-affected dog: each puppy has a 50% chance of being clear and a 50% of being heterozygous affected
- Mating to a homozygous-affected dog: all puppies will be heterozygous affected
If your dog is heterozygous affected
Breeding from this dog could produce affected puppies and is potentially putting their health at risk.- Mating to a clear dog: each puppy has a 50% chance of being clear and a 50% of being heterozygous affected
- Mating to a heterozygous-affected dog: each puppy has a 25% of being clear a 25% chance of being homozygous affected and a 50% chance of being heterozygous affected
- Mating to a homozygous-affected dog: each puppy has a 50% chance of being homozygous affected and a 50% chance of being heterozygous affected
If your dog is homozygous affected
Breeding from this dog has a high risk of producing affected puppies and is potentially putting their health at risk.- Mating to a clear dog: all puppies will be heterozygous affected
- Mating to a heterozygous-affected dog: each puppy has a 50% chance of being homozygous affected and a 50% chance of being heterozygous affected
- Mating to a homozygous-affected dog: all puppies will be homozygous affected
Potentially producing affected puppies
Linkage tests (DNA based)
What is a linkage test?
Most DNA tests look for a particular gene that is known to cause a particular condition. Sometimes scientists are unable to find the exact gene, but are able to know approximately where in a dog’s genome it is located. Genes and other genetic markers are often inherited together because they are near one another on the same chromosome. While it may be difficult to identify the exact gene causing a condition, scientists are sometimes able to find sections of DNA that are usually linked to, and inherited alongside, the unknown gene. By identifying these linked genetic markers, breeders are able to know, with considerable confidence, the genetic status of their dogs.
These DNA tests may not be quite as accurate as tests where the gene is known – they rely on the link between the marker and the disease causing gene being maintained - but can still be highly accurate and laboratories will often estimate how accurate their test is.
Why do laboratories create linkage tests rather than regular DNA tests?
Laboratories may offer linkage tests for three main reasons:
- Sometimes scientists are unable to find the exact gene that causes a disease, but they are able to find sections of DNA that are somehow linked to, and inherited alongside it
- It may be technically difficult to find the mutation and it may be easier and cheaper to look at and determine linked markers instead
- The test for a particular genetic mutation is patented by a specific laboratory and may not allow others to offer this test, or may ask that they pay to offer it. In these circumstances, some laboratories may create a linkage test so that they can offer the test to their clients
How are results recorded?
Breeders should be aware that linkage tests are not always 100% accurate and may not be definitive.
Tested dogs will be recorded on The Kennel Club's systems as “clear”, “carrier” or “affected”.
- Clear - these dogs do not have any copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are highly unlikely to develop this condition and will pass on a normal copy of the gene to their puppies
- Carrier - these dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are highly unlikely to develop this condition and may pass either one copy of the normal gene, or one copy of the abnormal gene on to their puppies
- Affected - these dogs dogs have two copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs will likely be affected by the disorder and will pass on one copy of the abnormal gene on to any future puppies
Breeding advice
The table below provides guidance on breeding from your DNA-tested dog.
If your dog is clear
Clear dogs can be mated to any dogs without knowingly increasing the risk of producing affected puppies. They can produce puppies that are carriers if they are bred with a carrier or affected dog.
If your dog is a carrier
Carrier dogs can be used for mating, so long as they are only mated to clear dogs. Mating a carrier to a carrier, or a carrier to an affected dog is putting the health of future puppies at risk.
If your dog is affected
Affected dogs can only be mated to clear dogs without risking producing affected puppies, however all resulting puppies will be carriers. Mating an affected dog to a carrier, or another affected dog is putting the health of future puppies at risk.
Potentially producing affected puppies
Why breed from carriers and affected dogs?
Breeding only from clear dogs can have a significant impact on genetic diversity within a breed, increasing inbreeding and therefore the likelihood of new inherited diseases emerging.
- With simple autosomal-recessive disorders, a carrier will not be affected by the condition you have tested for, but they could pass on a copy of the faulty gene if they themselves are bred from
- Only when a dog inherits two copies of a faulty gene (one from its mother and one from its father) will it be affected
- When used responsibly, carriers are an important part of any breeding plan and should not be overlooked
- By breeding from carriers, you can keep good, healthy dogs in the breeding population, helping to maintain genetic diversity
- Ultimately, however, over the course of a few generations it would be beneficial to aim to produce only clear puppies, thereby reducing the frequency of the disease-causing variant of the gene in the breed
Similarly an affected dog could still be used in a breeding programme, but this will very much be dependent on the condition and whether the dog's welfare would be affected by the mating/whelping process. They should only be mated to clear dogs, to ensure no affected puppies are produced.
Are clear dogs 100% clear?
Additional cautions about using carriers or affected dogs
Sticking to these rules will mean that you can still use these dogs for breeding, while maintaining genetic diversity within the breed.
- Never overuse a carrier or affected dog for mating. If a dog has one or two copies of a known faulty gene it should never be overused for breeding. Overusing these dog’s risks increasing the frequency of the faulty gene within the population, making it more difficult for future generations to breed without increasing the risk of producing affected dogs
- Do your research. If all breeders decided to use carriers or affected dogs for mating, then there is a possibility that as the frequency of mutant genes increases, then the proportion of 'clear' dogs would decline. You can use carriers and affected, but you always want to make sure you have a big enough supply of clear dogs. You may wish to talk to health representatives at your local breed club who will have access to summary information on the results of dogs that have been DNA tested and can advise you appropriately on the current situation in your breed
- Any possible carrier puppies that go on to be bred from should be DNA tested prior to mating. If you do decide to produce puppies that are potentially carriers, but are concerned that they may be used by their new owners for breeding, then you may wish to consider placing an endorsement on the puppy, or include a statement in your puppy contract that any puppies used for breeding must be tested prior to mating and if the puppy is a carrier, it must only be mated to a clear dog
Risk-based DNA tests (incomplete penetrance)
What is a risk-based DNA test?
Most DNA tests look for a particular gene that is known to cause a particular condition. For some conditions, certain environmental factors, or other genetic influences can also contribute to whether a dog becomes affected. Having copies of the disease-causing genes will therefore not be a guarantee that the condition will occur. Similarly an absence of these genes will not be a guarantee that the condition will not occur.
These risk-based tests are sometimes not quite as accurate as other DNA tests, but can still be highly accurate and laboratories will often estimate how accurate their test is.
How are results recorded?
Tested dogs will be recorded on The Kennel Club's systems as at “minimal risk (0)”, “minimal risk (1)” or “increased risk (2)”. The numbers assigned to each status indicate the number of copies of the DM gene variant a dog has.
- Minimal risk (0) - these dogs do not have any copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are at significantly reduced risk of developing the condition
- Minimal risk (1) - these dogs have one normal copy and one abnormal copy of the gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs are at reduced risk of developing the condition and may pass either one copy of the normal gene, or one copy of the abnormal gene on to future puppies
- Increased risk (2) - these dogs have two copies of the abnormal gene associated with the condition that has been tested for. These dogs have an increased risk of developing the condition
Breeding advice - if your dog is minimal risk (0)
These dogs can be mated to any dogs without increasing the risk of the puppies developing the condition tested for. Your chosen mate should always be tested and your decision should be informed by their results.
Minimal risk (0) x minimal risk (0)
Each puppy born has a:
- 100% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (1) status
- 0% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born will have the lowest chance of developing the condition and will not carry a copy of the gene variant tested for.
Minimal risk (0) x minimal risk (1)
Each puppy born has a:
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (1) status
- 0% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born will have the lowest chance of developing the condition, but will have a 50% chance of carrying a copy of the gene variant tested for. Dogs that are born minimal risk (1) could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies.
Minimal risk (0) x increased risk (2)
Each puppy born has a:
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 100% chance of having a minimal risk (1) status
- 0% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born will have the lowest chance of developing the condition, but will carry a copy of the gene variant tested for and could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies they have.
Breeding advice - if your dog is minimal risk (1)
These dogs can be used for mating, but your chosen mate should always be tested and your decision should be informed by their results.
Minimal risk (1) x minimal risk (0)
Each puppy born has a:
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (1) status
- 0% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born will have the lowest chance of developing the condition and a 50% chance of carrying a copy of the gene variant tested for. Dogs that are born minimal risk (1) could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies.
Minimal risk (1) x minimal risk (1)
Each puppy born has a:
- 25% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (1)
- 25% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born has a 25% chance of possibly being affected by the condition.
Each puppy will also have a 75% chance of carrying at least one copy of the gene variant tested for. Dogs that are minimal risk (1) could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies, while dogs that are increased risk (2) will pass this gene variant on to any future puppies.
Minimal risk (1) x increased risk (2)
Each puppy born has a:
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (1)
- 50% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born has a 50% chance of possibly being affected by the condition.
Each puppy will also carry at least one copy of the gene variant. Dogs that are born minimal risk (1) could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies, while dogs that are born increased risk (2) will pass this gene variant on to any future puppies.
Breeding advice - if your dog is increased risk (2)
These dogs can be used for mating, but your chosen mate should always be tested and your decision should be informed by their results.
Increased risk (2) x minimal risk (0)
Each puppy born has a:
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 100% chance of having a minimal risk (1) status
- 0% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born will have the lowest chance of developing the condition, but will carry a copy of the gene variant and could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies they have.
Increased risk (2) x minimal risk (1)
Each puppy born has a:
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 50% chance of having a minimal risk (1)
- 50% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born has a 50% chance of possibly being affected by the condition.
Each puppy will carry at least one copy of the gene variant tested for. Dogs that are born minimal risk (1) could pass this gene variant on to any possible future puppies, while dogs that are born increased risk (2) will pass this gene variant on to any future puppies.
Increased risk (2) x increased risk (2)
Each puppy born has a:
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (0) status
- 0% chance of having a minimal risk (1)
- 100% chance of having an increased risk (2) status
This means that each puppy born has a 100% chance of possibly being affected by the condition.
Each puppy will carry two copies of the DM risk gene variant and will pass one of these on to any future puppies.
Potentially producing affected puppies
Why breed from carriers and affected dogs?
Breeding only from clear dogs can have a significant impact on genetic diversity within a breed, increasing inbreeding and therefore the likelihood of new inherited diseases emerging.
- With simple autosomal-recessive disorders, a carrier will not be affected by the condition you have tested for, but they could pass on a copy of the faulty gene if they themselves are bred from
- Only when a dog inherits two copies of a faulty gene (one from its mother and one from its father) will they be at increased risk
- When used responsibly, carriers are an important part of any breeding plan and should not be overlooked
- By breeding from carriers, you can keep good, healthy dogs in the breeding population, helping to maintain genetic diversity
- Ultimately, however, over the course of a few generations it would be beneficial to aim to produce only clear puppies, thereby reducing the frequency of the disease causing variant of the gene in the breed
Similarly an affected dog could still be used in a breeding programme, but this will very much be dependent on the condition and whether the dog's welfare would be affected by the mating/whelping process. They should only be mated to clear dogs, to ensure no affected puppies are produced.
Are clear dogs 100% clear?
Additional cautions about using carriers or affected dogs
Sticking to these rules will mean that you can still use these dogs for breeding, while maintaining genetic diversity within the breed.
- Never overuse a carrier or affected dog for mating. If a dog has one or two copies of a known faulty gene it should never be overused for breeding. Overusing these dogs risks increasing the frequency of the faulty gene within the population, making it more difficult for future generations to breed without increasing the risk of producing affected dogs
- Do your research. If all breeders decided to use carriers or affected dogs for mating, then there is a possibility that as the frequency of mutant genes increases, then the proportion of 'clear' dogs would decline. You can use carriers and affected, but you always want to make sure you have a big enough supply of clear dogs. You may wish to talk to health representatives at your local breed club who will have access to summary information on the results of dogs that have been DNA tested and can advise you appropriately on the current situation in your breed
- Any possible carrier puppies that go on to be bred from should be DNA tested prior to mating. If you do decide to produce puppies that are potential carriers, but are concerned that they may be used by their new owners for breeding, then you may wish to consider placing an endorsement on the puppy, or include a statement in your puppy contract that any puppies used for breeding must be tested prior to mating and if the puppy is a carrier, it must only be mated to a clear dog
Making balanced breeding decisions
As well as considering the implications of a dog’s DNA test results, there are other equally important factors to consider when deciding whether two dogs should be mated together, such as temperament, genetic diversity, conformation, other available health test results, the general health of the dogs etc. Your breeding decisions should always be well balanced and take into consideration the qualities and compatibility of both the sire and dam that you are considering.
Understand more about genes and inheritance
Questions and answers
Which tests do The Kennel Club record?
| DNA test | Mode of inheritance | Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| AI/FEH (Amelogenesis Imperfecta/Familial Enamel Hypoplasia) |
Autosomal recessive | Japanese Akita Inu |
| AMPN (Alaskan Malamute polyneuropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Alaskan Malamute |
| AMS (Acral mutilation syndrome) | Autosomal recessive | Cocker Spaniel English Springer Spaniel |
| AON (Adult onset neuropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Cocker Spaniel |
| BBS2-PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy) |
Autosomal recessive | Shetland Sheepdog |
| CA (Cerebellar ataxia) | Autosomal recessive (linkage test) | Italian Spinone |
| CC/DE (Curly coat/Dry eye) | Autosomal recessive | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| CDSL (Chondrodysplasia) | Autosomal recessive | Norwegian Elkhound |
| CEA/CH (Collie eye anomaly/Choroidal hypoplasia) | Autosomal recessive | Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Border Collie Lancashire Heeler Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Rough Collie Shetland Sheepdog Smooth Collie |
| CEA/CH (Collie eye anomaly/Choroidal hypoplasia) | Autosomal recessive (linkage test) | Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Border Collie Lancashire Heeler Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Rough Collie Shetland Sheepdog Smooth Collie |
| CHG (Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter) | Autosomal recessive | Spanish Water Dog |
| CLAD (Canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency) | Autosomal recessive | Irish Red and White Setter Irish Setter |
| CNGA1-PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy) |
Autosomal recessive | Shetland Sheepdog |
| CNM (Centronuclear myopathy) | Autosomal recessive | Labrador Retriever |
| COMMD1 (Copper toxicosis) | Autosomal recessive | Bedlington Terrier |
| Cone degeneration | Autosomal recessive | Alaskan Malamute |
| Copper toxicosis | Autosomal recessive (linkage test) | Bedlington Terrier |
| CSNB (Congenital stationary night blindness) | Autosomal recessive | Briard |
| CU (Cystinuria) | Autosomal recessive | Newfoundland |
| DCM (Dilated cardiomyopathy) | Autosomal recessive | Giant Schnauzer Schnauzer |
| DE (Degenerative encephalopathy) | Autosomal recessive | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
| DM (Degenerative myelopathy) | Autosomal recessive with incomplete penetrance (risk based DNA test) | Chesapeake Bay Retriever French Bulldog Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Rough Collie Smooth Collie |
| EF (Episodic falling) | Autosomal recessive | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| EIC (Exercise-induced collapse) | Autosomal recessive | Clumber Spaniel Labrador Retriever Smooth Collie |
| ENM (Hereditary necrotising myelopathy) | Autosomal recessive | Kooikerhondje |
| FN (Familial nephropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Cocker Spaniel |
| Fuco. (Fucosidosis) | Autosomal recessive | English Springer Spaniel |
| FVIID (Factor VII deficiency) | Autosomal recessive | Beagle |
| FVIIID (Haemophilia A/Factor VIII deficiency) | Autosomal recessive | German Shepherd Dog |
| Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia | Autosomal recessive | Otterhound |
| GM1 (Gangliosidosis) | Autosomal recessive | Portuguese Water Dog |
| GN (Greyhound neuropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Greyhound |
| Gonio (Severe goniodysgenesis and glaucoma risk) | Autosomal recessive | Border Collie |
| GR-PRA1 (Golden Retriever progressive retinal atrophy 1) | Autosomal recessive | Golden Retriever |
| GR-PRA2 (Golden Retriever progressive retinal atrophy 2) | Autosomal recessive | Golden Retriever |
| GSDII (Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe's disease)) | Autosomal recessive | Finnish Lapphund |
| HC-HSF4 (Hereditary cataracts) | Autosomal recessive/ Autosomal dominant | Australian Shepherd Boston Terrier French Bulldog Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
| HCA (Hereditary cerebellar ataxia) | Autosomal recessive | Norwegian Buhund |
| HFH (Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis) | Autosomal recessive | Irish Terrier |
| HNPK (Hereditary nasal parakeratosis) | Autosomal recessive | Labrador Retriever |
| HUU (Hyperuricosuria) | Autosomal recessive | Bulldog Dalmatian Hungarian Wire Haire Vizsla Large Munsterlander Russian Black Terrier |
| ICT-A (Ichthyosis) | Autosomal recessive | Golden Retriever |
| IGS (Imerslun-Gräsbeck syndrome/Cobalamin malabsorption) | Autosomal recessive | Beagle Border Collie |
| IMGD (Inherited myopathy of Great Danes) | Autosomal recessive | Great Dane |
| JADD (Juvenile Addison’s disease) | Autosomal recessive with incomplete penetrance (risk based DNA test) | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
| JE (Juvenile epilepsy) | Autosomal recessive | Lagotto Romagnolo |
| JLPP (Juvenile laryngeal paralysis & Polyneuropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Rottweiler Russian Black Terrier |
| JME (Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy) | Autosomal recessive | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
| L-2HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria) | Autosomal recessive | Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
| Lafora's disease | Autosomal recessive | Beagle Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired) |
| LEMP (Leukoencephalomyelopathy) | Autosomal recessive | Leonberger |
| LOA (Late onset ataxia) | Autosomal recessive | Jack Russell Terrier Parsons Russell Terrier |
| LPN1 (Leonberger polyneuropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Leonberger |
| LPN2 (Leonberger polyneuropathy) | Autosomal dominant | Leonberger |
| LSD (Lysosomal storage disease) | Autosomal recessive | Lagotto Romagnolo |
| MAC (Mycobacterium avium complex) | Autosomal recessive | Miniature Schnauzer |
| MDR1 (Multiple drug sensitivity) | Autosomal recessive | Australian Shepherd Border Collie Old English Sheepdog Rough Collie Shetland Sheepdog Smooth Collie |
| MLS (Musladin-Leuke syndrome) | Autosomal recessive | Beagle |
| MPSIIIB (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB) | Autosomal recessive | Schipperke |
| NAD (Neuroaxonal dystrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Papillon Spanish Water Dog |
| NCCD (Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration) | Autosomal recessive | Beagle |
| NCL5 (Neruronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) | Autosomal recessive | Border Collie |
| NCL8 (Neruronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) | Autosomal recessive | English Setter |
| NCL12 (Neruronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) | Autosomal recessive | Tibetan Terrier |
| OC (Osteochondrodysplasia) | Autosomal recessive | Miniature Poodle |
| Pap-PRA1 (Progressive retinal atrophy - Papillons) | Autosomal recessive | Papillon |
| PCD (Primary ciliary syskinesia) | Autosomal recessive | Old English Sheepdog |
| PDE (Pug Dog Encephalitis) | Autosomal recessive with incomplete penetrance (Risk Based DNA test) | Pug |
| PDP-1 (Pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphate 1 deficiency) | Autosomal recessive | Clumber Spaniel Smooth Collie |
| PFK (Phosphofructokinase deficiency) | Autosomal recessive | American Cocker English Springer Spaniel |
| PHPT (Primary hyperparathyroidism) | Autosomal dominant | Keeshond |
| PLL (Primary lens luxation) | Autosomal recessive | Australian Cattle Dog Bull Terrier Bull Terrier (miniature) Chinese Crested Jack Russell Terrier Lancashire Heeler Parsons Russell Terrier Sealyham Terrier Tibetan Terrier Welsh Terrier |
| POAG (Primary open angel glaucoma) | Autosomal recessive | Basset Hound Norwegian Elkhound Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shar Pei |
| POAG/PLL (Primary open angle glaucoma / Primary lens luxation) | Autosomal recessive | Shar Pei |
| PRA (cord1) (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired) Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired) English Springer Spaniel |
| PRA (crd3) (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Glen of Imall Terrier |
| PRA (rcd1) (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Irish Setter |
| PRA (rcd2) (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Rough Collie Smooth Collie |
| PRA (rcd3) (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Welsh Cardigan Corgi |
| PRA (rcd4) (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | English Setter Gordon Setter Irish Setter Standard Poodle Tibetan Terrier |
| PRA3 (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier |
| PRA4 (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Lhasa Apso |
| PRA5 (Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | Giant Schnauzer |
| prcd-PRA (Progressive rod cone degeneration - Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive | American Cocker Spaniel Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Barbet Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chinese Crested Cocker Spaniel Entlebucher Mountain Dog Finnish Lapphund Giant Schnauzer Labrador Retriever Norwegian Elkhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy) Portuguese Water Dog Spanish Water Dog |
| Prcd-PRA (Progressive rod-cone degeneration, Progressive retinal atrophy) | Autosomal recessive (linkage test) | Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chinese Crested Cocker Spaniel Entlebucher Mountain Dog Finnish Lapphund Giant Schnauzer Labrador Retriever Norwegian Elkhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy) Portuguese Water Dog Spanish Water Dog |
| Raine's synd | Autosomal recessive | Border Collie |
| Retinopathy | Autosomal recessive | Swedish Vallhund |
| Sal-NCL (Saluki Neruronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) | Autosomal recessive | Saluki |
| SCA (Spinocerebellar ataxia) | Autosomal recessive | Jack Russell Terrier Parsons Russell Terrier |
| SD2 (Skeletal dysplasia 2) | Autosomal recessive | Labrador Retriever |
| SLEM (Spongiform leuco-encephalo-myelopathy) | Autosomal recessive | Border Terrier |
| SN (Sensory neuropathy) | Autosomal recessive | Border Collie |
| TNS (Trapped neutrophil syndrome) | Autosomal recessive | Border Collie |
| vWD type I (von Willebrand disease) | Autosomal recessive | Dobermann Manchester Terrier Papillon Poodle (Standard) |
| vWD type II (von Willebrand disease) | Autosomal recessive | German Wirehaired Pointer |
| vWD type III (von Willebrand disease) | Autosomal recessive | Kooikerhondje Shetland Sheepdog |
What is an official Kennel Club DNA testing scheme?
These testing schemes involve collaboration between The Kennel Club, the breed clubs and the DNA testing facility. Under any one of these schemes, the breeder/owner agrees for the result of their tested dog to be sent independently to The Kennel Club by the testing laboratory. The Kennel Club then notes the result on the dog's record in the registration database, and is published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on our Health Test Results Finder
How can DNA tests become official schemes of The Kennel Club?
The Kennel Club is happy to consider a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists and would normally need a formal request from the relevant breed health co-ordinator, or a majority request from the breed clubs. In most cases, the test would need to be run by a laboratory already recognised by The Kennel Club. All DNA tests must be able to record a definitive result for an individual dog, and must be based on robust science. The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs, breed health co-ordinators and canine health professionals in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs.
Are DNA test results published?
The names and results of The Kennel Club's registered dogs that are tested for conditions which are part of The Kennel Club’s official testing schemes will be recorded on The Kennel Club's database and will be made available:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on our Health Test Results Finder
Which laboratories does The Kennel Club record results from?
Alternatively, The Kennel Club also records results for some of the tests offered by the laboratories listed below.
Find out which laboratories offer DNA tests for your breed, please look at the health section of your breed's entry on our Breeds A to Z.
UK laboratories
- Animal DNA Diagnostics (UK)
- Animal Genetics (UK)
- Animal Health Trust (UK)
- Laboklin (UK
- Pet Genetics Lab (UK)
- Pinmoore Animal Laboratory Services (UK)
Overseas laboratories
- Alfort School of Veterinary Medicine (France)
- Antagene (France)
- Auburn University (USA)
- Bochum University (Germany)
- Cornell University (USA)
- Embark (USA)
- Genetic Technologies Ltd (Animal Network) - Australia
- Genindexe (France)
- Genomia (Czech Republic)
- HealthGene (Canada)
- Hospital for Sick Children (Canada)
- Michigan State University (USA)
- MyDogDNA (Finland)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (USA)
- Paw Print Genetics (USA)
- PennGEN Laboratories (USA)
- University College, Dublin (Ireland)
- University of Bern (Switzerland)
- University of California - Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (USA)
- University of Minnesota - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (USA)
- University of New South Wales (Australia)
- University of Pennsylvania (USA)
- University of Utrecht (Holland)
- Van Haeringen (Holland)
- Veterinary Diagnostics Centre (DDC) (USA)
- VetGen (Paw Print Genetics) (USA)
What statistics are known about inherited DNA test results?
Statistics on the number of dogs scored by the scheme and their results can be accessed in our DNA testing breed-specific information.