The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme
for Cone Degeneration (CD) in Alaskan Malamutes,
following consultation with the Health Coordinator on
behalf of the breed club.
To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record
results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel
Club, please refer to the worldwide DNA testing list at
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/breeding-for-health/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/worldwide-dna-tests/.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "The Kennel Club is
constantly reviewing DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed
clubs to ensure that breeders are supported in breeding healthy
dogs.
"We are pleased to be announcing this new DNA test for Alaskan
Malamutes, which will help breeders make informed decisions when it
comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of
issues which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately
protect and maintain the health of the breed.
"The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed
health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the
health of pedigree dogs. We are happy to accommodate a club's
request to add a new DNA test to our lists and 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, on the registration
certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also 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, Piccadilly, London, W1J 8AB
or scan and email copies of the certificates to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.