The Center for Veterinary Genetics at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine is calling for cheek swab samples from distinct populations of dogs with the express purpose of assembling a comprehensive genetic repository that represents all of 'dogdom'. While the current DNA bank adequately reflects the genetic legacy of more than 100 recognized breeds, an additional 400 international canine populations remain unrepresented.
animal picture
If you would like to have your dog represent its breed in this unique biological resource, please request a sample collection kit here:
Request Form
These kits are free, and include a postage-paid envelope for returning the sample to our laboratory at the Center for Veterinary Genetics. The collection protocol is simple and will take less than 5 minutes to perform. (I have collected samples on 25 Boykins so far)
I asked Dr. Neff if any studies on heart conditions were now being conducted. This is his reply:
Dear Pam,
Thank you for your recent inquiry on DNA sample collections of Boykin
Spaniel dogs.
Currently, our efforts are aimed at collecting DNA samples from breeds that
are not adequately represented in our DNA bank (which is the most thorough
repository of canine samples in the world). The samples that we collect
from a broad set of breeds facilitate several types of descriptive studies
on genetic diversity, breed relatedness, and shared ancestry among breeds.
As we discover new causative mutations that produce diseases or interesting
characteristics, we can also use the DNA collection to define breed
distribution and gene frequency. We recently published a paper that used
the DNA bank in this way you can download the manuscript:
here
This does not negate the possibility of a more focused study of a specific
trait or disease within the Boykin Spaniel breed. Indeed, if there are DNA
samples for a complete three-generation family that segregates a heart
defect, we would be interesting in discussing the possibility of pursuing
the gene(s). VetGen is a for-profit company, however, and I would be
surprised if they would provide access to the DNA samples you mentioned.
Alternatively, we could try to collect from additional Boykin lines that
segregate the defect. If it is a disease caused by a single gene, we might
be successful in identifying the mutation with as few as 50 dogs.
In summary, DNA collections from your breed can positively impact our
research on several different levels, all of which are complementary and in
the end could benefit the health and vigor of the breed.
Best regards,
Mark Neff, Ph.D.
Center for Veterinary Genetics
UC Davis
P.S. We also love to hear of seemingly unimportant variation that exists
within the breed, such as 'smiling', differences in vocalization,
variability in hunting style, etc. We might also be able to map the genes
responsible for these traits if we can collect swabs from complete
three-generation nuclear families where these characteristics vary.
Pam's Boykin Spaniel Home Page