Kennel Club DNA testing for Giant Schnauzers

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The Kennel Club are re-launching their DNA testing services using an improved product and to be carried out by Weatherby’s Scientific in Ireland . The DNA service covers various health conditions in dogs of many different breeds and, in some cases, a ‘package’ of tests are on offer to cover more than one condition and including a DNA profile. The Giant Schnauzer is one of those dogs for whom several DNA tests are available including Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) and Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA5).

Although this is likely to be of most interest to breeders rather than those who have a GS as a family dog, it is available to anyone and it does give prospective puppy seekers a good idea of potential health issues and something to check out with any breeders they visit as to the results of the tests on the parent dogs of their planned/expected or current litter of pups.

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/shop/h ... schnauzer/

Health testing is mandatory for Assured Breeder Scheme members but all responsible breeders will want to do all they can to preserve the health of the breed and the DNA tests are useful in being a one-off test as compared to the eye screening tests for miniature schnauzers where the results are only applicable to the time of testing and repeat tests are advised annually in the first 5-6 years and even later if a dog is being used at stud.