The Schnauzer Forum

Hello! I’m new here and in the process of researching to welcome a Miniature Schnauzer into my family home.
I’m a little confused with the difference between the MAC test results I have seen on the KC health test results pages for the dogs I am looking at. Some are listed as Hereditary Clear and others as Clear.
Please would someone be able to explain the difference to me?
Thanks so much. X

Hello Rene and welcome to the Forum

If a dog is DNA tested and does not carry the gene for MAC it will be listed as ‘clear’. This means it is neither affected nor a ‘carrier’ of the gene for MAC. If a ‘clear’ dog is mated with a ‘clear’ bitch then their offspring will be automatically listed as ‘hereditary clear’ since neither of their parents carry the gene. The puppies of such a mating would not need to have a DNA test themselves.

However, if one or both of the parents were a ‘carrier’, even though not themselves affected by the disease, the puppies would require a DNA test to confirm their status.

There are more details re MAC testing on the Miniature Schnauzer Club website:

https://www.schnauzerclub.co.uk/documen ... July17.pdf

Hi Zeta! Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the info that is all clear and really comprehensive. I really appreciate your help xxx