DNA test - CHG (Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter)

Details about the disease

Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) is a condition which prevents the body from effectively producing thyroid hormones, which are required for development and growing. A delay in growth may be noticed around 2 weeks of age, when unaffected puppies undergo a growth spurt.

Clinical signs

Affected puppies may suffer from fits or may die at a very young age. Puppies that are carefully nursed may have a delay in the age at which their eyes and ear canals open, while hearing and brain development may be affected. The thyroid gland can become enlarged and will often appear as a swelling on the throat, known as a goiter. Puppies that survive may have irreversible dwarfism.

How is it inherited?

The disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.

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Which laboratories do we record and publish the results from?

To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which laboratories will send results directly to The Kennel Club, please refer to our website.

Please be aware, The Kennel Club has a set of criteria that we request DNA testing laboratories to meet to enable us to record their results, helping to maintain and protect the integrity of results that appear on a dog’s record. We strongly advise that customers ensure their chosen laboratory is included on our list if they wish The Kennel Club to record and publish the results. Results from laboratories not included on this list will not be recorded.

Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean

If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.

How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested

The Kennel Club’s on the Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on the The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.