K^B homozygosity test

There is a DNA test available that is usable for possible carriers. The Canadian company HealthGene located in Toronto Ontario Canada, has had this test available for some time now. Initially, I had trouble making contact with them regarding this test for Weimaraners. Eventually, I was able to have some discussions with one of the founders of the test.

This particular test is not designed to identify any of the recessive genes responsible for allowing tan points/marks to appear in the phenotype. Some are known, some are being studied at this point in time. K^B allows only solid colours of black, brown, grey. Since grey Weimaraners should be homozygous K^B/K^B, this test will identify whether the dog is homozygous K^B/K^B, and that is all. This should be enough, at the present time, to allow those who may have had tan points/marks appear in individuals in a litter, to test littermates being considered for breeding. This is very good news for the small number of litters that have this ancestral trait appear; they no longer have to face not using the lineage or stock due to uncertainty or test breeding on this autosomal recessive trait. There has been, however, a small group of suitable dogs tested and it was proven for its intended use (homozygous K^B/K^B). This is a limited, but useful test, and another new tool we now have available to us.

HealthGene puts their support behind reputable breeders, purebred dogs and their applicable standards. They will not advertise testing for colours that are not recognized. Hence, the Weimaraner is not listed and will not be listed in their group of dogs eligible for this test.

However, in my discussions with one of the founders of the test and conferring with HealthGene, they have agreed to perform this test on Weimaraners - by special request only. They also agreed that I could make this announcement. They want to ensure that reputable breeders are using this test in support of the breed standard. I now understand their initial hesitancy in broaching this subject and gained good insight into their Corporate ethics.

Special request will require that Weimaraner breeders make contact with the HealthGene first, describing the test you want and why before submitting any samples. Please be prepared to comply with questions or concerns they may have for you and recognize it for what it is, concern for the breed.

My gratitude to Sheila Schmutz, Ph.D, Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada for her assistance and support of this endeavour.

HEALTHGENE INFORMATION:

Please cut and paste Link(s) to your browser to VISIT:

Website:

www.healthgene.com

Page for this test:

http://healthgene.com/canine/C128.asp

Contact information Page:

http://www.healthgene.com/canine/contact.asp

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KB homozygosity test

K^B homozygosity test