New DNA Testing Scheme Approved For Irish Terriers

The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis(HFH) in Irish Terriers, following consultation with breed clubs.

Hyperkeratosis (Cracked Pad) is a defect which is very rare in Irish Terriers, the incidence of which has reduced in recent years due to the dedication of responsible breeders.

The laboratories that the Kennel Club is able to record results from can be found by referring to its worldwide DNA testing list at www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/14688/dnatestsworldwide.pdf. From this list, copies of all future test certificate results issued by Laboklin and Animal DNA Diagnostics will be sent directly to the Kennel Club.  Results from the other laboratories mentioned can be recorded upon owner submission.

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 able to continue breeding healthy dogs.

“This particular condition is very rare in Irish Terriers these days because of the hard work of responsible breeders, and we are pleased to announce this new DNA test which will further 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 and we are happy to accommodate a club’s request to add a new DNA test to its 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 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, 1 – 5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Apr 7 2015. Filed under World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.