NEW DNA TESTING SCHEME FOR THE GIANT SCHNAUZER
The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA5) in the Giant Schnauzer following consultation with the breed’s health coordinator on behalf of the breed clubs.

PRA5 is an inherited retinal disease in dogs which worsens over time, sadly leading to blindness. There are multiple forms of PRA which are variable across and within breeds. The genetic mutation causing PRA is often unique to a dog breed, and some breeds have been found to have more than one mutation causing the disease.

As there is no cure for PRA, the availability of DNA tests aims to identify any affected dogs or carriers of this mutation to help prevent more puppies being born with this blinding condition, and to stop it becoming more widespread in the future.

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/worldwide-dna-tests/.

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 health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk.