New DNA Testing Scheme For Labrador Retrievers

The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) in the Labrador Retriever, following consultation with the Labrador Retriever breed health coordinators.

To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which ones will send results direct to the Kennel Club, please refer to our Breeds A to Z.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said:  "The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in the UK, so ensuring that the resources are available for breeders to make informed breeding decisions is paramount.

"We are pleased to be announcing this new DNA test for the breed, which will assist in responsible breeding and enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of an issue 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 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, 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, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates.