.
ANNOUNCEMENT
January 17, 2007
I am pleased to announce that a DNA test for coat length has been proven
for Weimaraners. Whether you are breeding toward, or away from, a longhair coat,
this is a valuable tool for future breedings. Test will determine Clear,
Carrier, Affected. Carrier of course being of great interest.
I put together a research group of dogs and worked with a company that had
proven the test for a few other breeds. My gratitude goes out the the Canadian
breeders that were both eager and willing to submit buccal swabs & pedigrees to
me for the required research group of dogs in impressive turn-a-round time. The
breed is in your debt. For the test group, I created a vertical-type pedigree
document of these family related dogs included with the test group. The company
was very impressed at our knowledge and confirmed through their testing, that we
were 100% accurate in our prediction of every dog on the pedigree submitted for
research testing.
These are exciting times we live in. A simple buccal (cheek) swab of a dog of
any age can be submitted and test results can be both e-mailed immediately with
the original, signed hardcopy then sent back to you within 10 days. Tests can be
done at home, no veterinarian required. The test kits are free from the company.
You pay for the test and test result. Therefore, it would be prudent to order
kits and organize a clinic at specialties as there is a reduced fee for 5 or
more tests submitted together.
I explained to the company that in future, we will need to work out a method to
expedite test results for this breed in the case of a mixed litter where we dock
tails at age 2-3 days. They are happy to report that whelps can be swabbed at
that age, and that mother's milk does not interfere with the test result. The
possibility exists where a breeder can prepare (order test kits) and never again
be faced with docking a longhair in error. The results can be submitted to the
OFA for their website also.
Whether you breed for, or away from, the longhair coat, this is a very valuable
test we now have available to us. As a new breeder, I am thrilled to have been a
part of this breakthrough. I'm also thrilled to have the first set of test
results for my dogs!
My website is being updated now and a page for DNA test results will appear
shortly. Flint and Ellie's results will be added to my site.
The following kennels participated in the research group and I am grateful for
their co-operation:
Kennebank Perm. Reg'd - Nova Scotia, Canada - provided longhair sample
Greydove Reg'd, Nova Scotia, Canada - provided possible longhair carrier samples
Zweilicht Reg'd, Nova Scotia, Canada - provided known longhair carrier sample
and longhair samples
Forester's Reg'd, Ontario, Canada - provided possible longhair carrier sample
and short coat sample Winoka Reg'd, Ontario, Canada - co-owner of the
shortcoat.
To contact the company for free test kits their website is below. I spoke with
their research department today. They had completed the research test group
yesterday, the test was proven and they e-mailed my test results this morning.
They are in the process of adding the Weimaraner to their list of dogs eligible
for coat length testing to their website, but you can certainly call their 1-800
number or e-mail them to request the free test kit now.
Yours in Weims,
Bethany Manderson
Forester Reg'd (Weimaraners)
London Ontario Canada
www.foresterweimaraners.com
Company: Veterinary Diagnostics Center, Ohio, USA
website: www.vetdnacenter.com
Toll free: 1-800-625-0874