The Kennel Club has approved three new official DNA testing schemes in Jack Russell Terriers, following consultation with the breed health coordinator on behalf of the breed club, for late onset ataxia (LOA), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) and primary lens luxation (PLL).
To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, please refer to our Breeds A to Z.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Jack Russell in various forms has been around for years but was only recognised by the Kennel Club a couple of years ago, so we are pleased that we can get a good start in helping to protect its health.
“These DNA tests will help breeders make informed decisions when it comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of issues which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately protect and maintain the health of the breed.”
The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs and we are happy to accommodate a club's request to add a new DNA test to its lists and would normally need a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs.
Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.
If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge. Please send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates.
Read more information on what the Kennel Club does for dog health.
