Canine Genetics Centre - Research and DNA Testing

21/11/2025

It's been a while since we updated our supporters with our ongoing efforts, sorry about that! But we have been very busy, working hard on all fronts, and hopefully our most recent newsletter will have landed in your inboxes today.

We have had papers accepted or published, grant applications submitted and new disease variants found. If you have 5 minutes to spare, please do take a look at our articles and if there is ever anything you want to know about the work we do, please don't hesitate to ask. The CGC is here to help you and your dogs live their best lives!

http://canine-genetics.org.uk/newsletter/autumn-2025

Finally, massive congratulations too all those people doing the "Paws 4 Paws" challenge this month. We are incredibly grateful for all the funds that you are helping to raise for us... not long to go now!

If you fancy subscribing, pop over to our and you will receive future issues straight to your email inbox - https://canine-genetics.eo.page/2w2jf

18/11/2025

Do you own an Leonberger... 🤔

Did you know that that you can buy ALL the required DNA tests to meet The Kennel Club UK health standard GOOD and BEST practices for breeding your Leonberger right here in the UK through CAGT?

🧬 You can also build your own test bundle—selecting only the DNA tests you need. This flexible approach ensures both value and peace of mind—all in one.

https://www.cagt.co.uk/product/leonberger-bundle/

CAGT in a small DNA testing entity based at the University of Cambridge Vet School that works alongside the researchers at the . 100% of profits are reinvested into future research at the CGC, so please use CAGT where you can for your DNA testing needs!

14/11/2025

Back in June, in partnership with Mydogdna, we launched a new DNA test for the genetic risk for Canine Atopic Dermatitis (cAD) in the French Bulldog and Boxer breeds.

Together with Wisdom, we also presented an online webinar into the research behind the test including an explanation about how the test will be offered by our own DNA testing department, CAGT.

Did you miss the webinar? Or do you want to refresh your memory about this research? Just pop over to YouTube where you can watch the full webinar online.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bETMTqW2MdA&list=PLee-PQ6JfJ9ZwlHuzfqrk6SqoB-YC0gcB&index=1

To purchase the test, please visit our website - https://www.cagt.co.uk/product/canine-atopic-dermatitis/

In this webinar dog breeders can discover more about atopic dermatitis, and how the ground breaking research on genetic risk factors for canine atopy was car...

07/11/2025

Three months ago we brought you the incredibly heart-breaking story about the emergence of a horrific series of cases of sudden death in young Labradors. 😢

https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/the-canine-genetic-centre-investigates-reports-of-sudden-death-in-young-labradors/

Since then we have been received some samples and have been delving into pedigrees to research a possible genetic link. From this research it is looking likely that there is a genetic link which appears to be a simple autosomal recessive inheritance. We would hope this would make the research much more straightforward but we are not able to proceed without more funding and samples.

The Labrador Breed Council launched a JustGiving campaign to help raise the funds needed to whole-genome sequence the genomes of some affected and related Labradors. We need your help to reach their target of £5,000. Once we have the WGS data we will move as fast as we can to try find the causal variant and then develop a DNA test to help the breed move forward from this horrible situation.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/labrador-health-breed-council

The Canine Genetic Centre investigates reports of sudden death in young Labradors Posted on July 4, 2025 | by Canine Genetics Centre Geneticists from the Canine Genetics Centre, along with veterinary cardiologists and neurologists from the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, are becoming increasin...

04/11/2025

Do you own an English Springer Spaniel... 🤔

Did you know that that you can buy ALL the required DNA tests to meet The Kennel Club health standard GOOD and BEST practices for breeding your Springer right here in the UK through CAGT?

🧬 You can also build your own test bundle—selecting only the DNA tests you need—while benefiting from discounted rates on additional tests such as CDDY and PP. This flexible approach ensures both value and peace of mind—all in one.

https://www.cagt.co.uk/product/english-springer-spaniel-bundle/

CAGT in a small DNA testing entity based at the University of Cambridge Vet School that works alongside the researchers at the Canine Genetics Centre. 100% of profits are reinvested into future research at the CGC, so please use CAGT where you can for your DNA testing needs!

31/10/2025

Another week and another paper published!

We have been involved in the worldwide research to identify the causal variant for Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in the Keeshond dog breed for many years. To say it's not been easy is an understatement!

Earlier this week our peer-reviewed paper detailing details of a strongly associated variant was published in the Wiley journal "Animal Genetics". A DNA test based on this research is available to purchase from Canine Genetic Testing (CAGT).

In the paper, and summarised in our latest news article, we delve into a bit more of the nitty-gritty behind this project.

https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/variant-strongly-associated-with-primary-hyperparathyroidism-in-the-keeshond-breed-has-been-published/

27/10/2025

Earlier this year the The Kennel Club published their new health standard for each breed of dog. This standard helps to simplify the process for breeders, and future dog owners, to know which health tests should be used.

CAGT wants to make DNA testing as simple and straight forward as possible and we are very happy to say that we offer the full Good/Best practice set of DNA tests (2 or more) for 14 different breeds of dog as part as a cost-effective bundle.

We are working hard to increase that number and welcome feedback and help from all breeds.

Read more... https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/cagt-offers-full-kc-good-best-practice-bundles-to-14-different-breeds/

17/10/2025

👀 PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA) 👀

This group of inherited eye diseases (IEDs) that are inherited, progressive disorders specific to the retina. PRA presents at a variable age of onset between and within dog breeds.

Here at the CGC we have successfully identified 24 IED variants to date... read this week's article for more ground-breaking news!

https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/progressive-retinal-atrophy-pra/

14/10/2025

Calling all scored Dachshunds… please get involved with our research into IVDD. We are starting to look at finding a link between the number of calcified discs and the genetics.

If you have had your Dachshund IVDD screened you can now help with an investigation into the genetics of IVDD.

10/10/2025

Please watch this short video from Dr Cathryn Mellersh explaining the difference you can make by taking part in Paws 4 Paws this November.

Join the Challenge Facebook group now at https://www.facebook.com/groups/paws4paws100 to find out how to get involved.

Thank you 🐾🐕🐾

09/10/2025

Have you heard about the big DNA dog walk! We'd love you and your four-legged friends to join us!

This November, simply walk 100km with your dog in 30 days and get sponsored to do so. Walk, wag and change lives! Every step taken and every pound raised will help us fight genetic disease in dogs.

When you create your fundraising page and raise your first £25, we’ll send you a free dog bandana for your dog to wear during your challenge!

To join the team, please join our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/paws4paws100

We can't wait to walk with you.

03/10/2025

With the massive wealth of expertise Dr. Cathryn Mellersh has in the field of canine genetics she is not only an asset to the CGC but she is a member of various groups and committees, including the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee (HDC).

Last week she travelled to Rio de Janeiro, alongside her committee compatriots to join over 5,000 members of the veterinary community at the - World Small Animal Veterinary Association congress.

Read more about her role within the WSAVA and their 50th world congress in this week's article - https://www.canine-genetics.org.uk/cathryn-attends-wsava-congress-in-rio/