The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for generalised progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA) in Lhasa Apsos, following consultation with the health coordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.
To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results directly to the Kennel Club, please refer to the Breeds A to Z.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Kennel Club is pleased to announce this new DNA test for Lhasa Apsos, which will make a huge difference to breeders; helping them make informed decisions when it comes to breeding happy healthy dogs. This new test will protect and maintain the health of the breed, and with that potential puppy buyers will be aware of the issues that could affect their chosen breed.
“We are constantly reviewing DNA testing schemes across all breeds, with the help of breed clubs across the country, to make sure that pedigree dogs can continue to be a healthy as possible.
The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs and we are happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists. We would normally need a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs.
Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details, which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, as well as on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.
If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge. Please send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates.
Read more information on what the Kennel Club does for dog health.