New DNA testing scheme for Giant Schnauzers

The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Giant Schnauzers, following consultation with the breed’s health co-ordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.

DCM is an inherited heart condition which causes the lower chambers of the heart to become swollen and less effective at pumping blood. Signs of this disease can include dogs becoming tired or going off their food, they may develop a cough, find it difficult to breathe or may collapse. The disease is described as an autosomal recessive condition, which means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected.

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 our Breeds A to Z.

The Kennel Club constantly reviews DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are supported with resources which help them to make responsible breeding decisions. 

The Kennel Club works alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs and is happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists. A formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs is normally required to do this.

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.  DNA test certificates should be sent to Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB or scanned and emailed to our health results team.