The
Kennel Club and Weatherbys are pleased to announce they have partnered
to provide a simplified process for canine genetic heath testing which
will benefit both dog breeders and owners, helping to eradicate some of
the most concerning genetic disorders facing certain breeds.
CombiBreed™
health test packages simplify the process of genetic testing by using a
single cheek swab to check a dog’s DNA for markers associated with a
number of different inherited disorders. By making genetic testing more
accessible it will help responsible breeders work towards eradicating
these conditions and will encourage first time breeders to make the
health of the puppies they breed a priority. Results from these tests
will automatically be registered on the dog’s record, and will be freely
available on the Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if
the dog they are thinking of buying has come from health tested
parents.
Currently
available for 13 pedigree breeds, breeders will be able to order breed
specific CombiBreed™ health test packages directly from The Kennel Club
Shop, from the 26th July, as well as at Kennel Club shows and
events, with the product officially launching at the Game Fair today.
CombiBreed™ health test packages for each breed can be ordered by
visiting the Kennel Club Shop via https://www.thekennelclubshop.org.uk/products/combibreed-health-test-packages
Priced
at £135 (with a 10% discount for Kennel Club Assured Breeders at
£121.50), CombiBreed™ allows breeders cost-effective access to the most
impactful genetic health tests without the need to carry out each one
individually, with results that are easy to interpret. At present, the
packages are available for the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog,
Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Golden Retriever, German
Shepherd, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,
Beagle, Border Collie, Rough Collie, Chinese Crested and the Australian
Shepherd.
The
introduction of these new packages follows research, carried out
earlier this year, which revealed that the number of pedigree dogs at
risk of often painful and debilitating inherited diseases is being
dramatically reduced by responsible breeders, thanks to the use of DNA
tests. Researchers from the Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust
found that approximately ten years after each DNA test became available,
the gene mutations that caused the diseases had decreased in each breed
by a staggering 90 per cent or more.
Dr
Tom Lewis, Kennel Club Genetics Research Manager said: “Our partnership
with Weatherbys is a crucial step in improving dog health and will
allow breeders to help positively impact future generations by ensuring
dogs are health tested before breeding.
“The
genetic tests that we have included in the Weatherbys CombiBreed™
packages are the result of work by the Kennel Club and Weatherbys to
identify the most significant genetic diseases in individual breeds.
“The
benefits of providing all relevant tests for each breed mean that puppy
buyers can also feel assured that their puppy has been bred by a
responsible breeder, whilst simplifying the process for breeders
themselves.”
Nick
Craven, Communications Director for Weatherbys, said: “We are delighted
to strengthen our relationship with the Kennel Club through the
development of genetic testing packages to the most popular dog breeds
in the UK.
“Before, breeders had to navigate numerous laboratories to get results and interpret them to make informed breeding decisions.
“Our
CombiBreed™ packages simplify this process. They are easy to purchase
from the Kennel Club, the results are straightforward to understand, and
they cost less than working with multiple labs.”
The
partnership between the Kennel Club and Weatherbys brings together a
combined heritage of nearly 400 years dedicated to animal registration
and animal welfare, and through the provision of CombiBreed™ the two
organisations are strengthening their legacy by continuing to improve
the health and welfare of animals.
For more information on CombiBreed™ health tests packages visit the Kennel Club website: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/combibreed.
