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Optimal Selection™ Canine Genetic Breeding Analysis

PRICE: $129.99

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***THIS IS NOT A BREED DETECTION PRODUCT.***

Description+

Wisdom Health, makers of the Optimal Selection™ Breeder Analysis have partnered with Genoscoper Laboratories® of Finland to provide breeders with the most comprehensive test of its kind. Wisdom Health has taken the latest scientific research on dog population genetics and developed a simple at –home swab test that screens for multiple diseases and traits while also evaluating genetic diversity. This kind of testing can provide advantages over traditional techniques such as pedigree analysis and help breeders to develop proactive, sustainable breeding programs. Additionally, disease test results are accepted by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) listing.

The Optimal Selection Breeder Analysis provides:

Results for 180+ genetic diseases, reported in terms of known relevance to the specific breed evaluated.
Testing for more than 20 traits including coat colors, coat types, and morphology.
Genetic diversity information for the tested dog, the overall breed population, and related breed groups.

Optimal Selection also provides:

A customizable profile for each dog on the international online breeder portal that can be shared, transferred to a new owner, or kept private.
Access to the Breeder Tool, a cutting-edge program that allows breeders to find compatible mates for their dog based on testing information.
Tools to connect breeders with other fanciers of their breed worldwide, that may expand their breeding options.
Continuously updated research and breed information based on the discoveries from the Optimal Selection database of genetic submissions.

To see a sample report, click here.

Traits+

COAT COLOR

E locus

Melanistic mask
Grizzle/domino
"No Effect" E allele
Recessive red/yellow (clear red/yellow)

K locus

Dominant black/brindle
Non-Black

A locus

Sable/Fawn
Agouti/Wolf Gray
Tan points (Black-and-Tan)
Recessive black

S locus
White spotting, Piebald

B locus

Brown, two variants (Liver/Chocolate)
Black

H Locus
Harlequin

C Locus
Albinism

Color Pattern

Saddle Tan
Merle

COAT TYPE

Coat furnishings, two variants (moustache and eyebrows)

Coat length (FGF5 allele, five variants)

Curly coat

Hairlessness

BODY SIZE & MORPHOLOGY

Bobtail (T gene)

Ear erectness, one variant

Snout/skull length (BMP3)

Size, seven variants (IGF1, IGFR1, GHR1, GHR2, HMGA2, STC2, FGF4) including chondrodysplasia caused by the FGF4 variant

Diseases+

Optimal Selection™ is a unique multipurpose test. Instead of series of one-off tests for diseases and individual mutations, Optimal Selection delivers a comprehensive set of results for more than 180 genetic diseases. However, because not all gene variants cause disease in each breed, and most disease variants have not been investigated in all breeds, detailed information about the test results are provided in three categories:

Disorders known to be relevant to the tested breed
New potential disorders
Other disorders, usually ones not found to be significant in the breed

As genetic samples are collected and new potential disorders become known, they are listed only after certain criteria have been met to suggest they may be of significance in the breed:

The result is verified by a secondary technology
Clinical confirmation is obtained

Once these criteria have been met the condition is listed as a new potential disorder in the breed and additional follow-up and analysis is performed. In this way, Optimal Selection users—through their sample submissions—help with ongoing research, and help to provide early surveillance for disorders that may be spreading in the population.

Following is a list of diseases that are covered by Optimal Selection. Note that not every disease is applicable to every breed. Please be aware that, due to differences in laws by country, this test list applies to US customers only. For international inquiries, please contact us for more information.

Acral Mutilation Syndrome, (AMS)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, (ARDS); mutation originally found in Dalmatian Dog
Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy, (AHE)
Alexander Disease, (AxD); mutation originally found in Labrador Retriever
Amelogenesis Imperfecta, (AI)
Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis, (ARCI); mutation originally found in American Bulldog
Autosomal Recessive Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, (ARSCID)
Bandera's Neonatal Ataxia, (BNAt)
Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy or Remitting Focal Epilepsy
Bleeding disorder due to P2RY12 defect
Canine Cyclic Neutropenia, Cyclic Hematopoiesis, Gray Collie Syndrome, (CN)
Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD), type III; mutation originally found in German Shepherd Dog
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1, (CMR1); mutation found in Mastiff-related breeds
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 2, (CMR2); mutation originally found in Coton de Tulear
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 3, (CMR3); mutation originally found in Lapponian Herder
Canine Scott Syndrome
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Muscular Dystrophy, (CKCS-MD)
Centronuclear Myopathy, (CNM); mutation originally found in Great Dane
Centronuclear Myopathy, (CNM); mutation originally found in Labrador Retriever
Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration, (CCD); mutation originally found in Vizsla and Wirehaired Vizsla
Cerebellar Hypoplasia; mutation originally found in Eurasier
Cerebral Dysfunction; mutation originally found in Frisian Stabyhoun
Chondrodysplasia; mutation originally found in Norwegian Elkhound and Karelian Bear Dog
Cleft Lip and Palate with Syndactyly; ADAMTS20 gene mutation originally found in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Cleft Palate; DLX6 gene mutation originally found in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Complement 3 (C3) Deficiency
Cone Degeneration, (CD) or Achromatopsia; mutation originally found in Alaskan Malamute
Cone Degeneration, (CD) or Achromatopsia; mutation originally found in German Shepherd Dog
Cone Degeneration, (CD) or Achromatopsia; mutation originally found in German Shorthaired Pointer
Cone-Rod Dystrophy 1, (crd1); mutation originally found in American Staffordshire Terrier
Cone-Rod Dystrophy 2, (crd2); mutation originally found in American Pit Bull Terrier
Cone-Rod Dystrophy, Standard Wirehaired Dachshund, (crd SWD)
Congenital Eye Disease; mutation originally found in Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Congenital Hypothyroidism; mutation originally found in Tenterfield Terrier
Congenital Hypothyroidism; mutation originally found in Toy Fox and Rat Terrier
Congenital Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca and Ichthyosiform Dermatosis, (CKCSID)
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome, (CMS); mutation originally found in Jack Russell Terrier
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome, (CMS); mutation originally found in Labrador Retriever
Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome, (CMS); mutation originally found in Old Danish Pointing Dog
Craniomandibular Osteopathy, (CMO); mutation associated with terrier breeds
Cystinuria Type I-A; mutation originally found in Newfoundland Dog
Cystinuria Type II-A; mutation originally found in Australian Cattle Dog
Degenerative Myelopathy, (DM)
Dental Hypomineralization; mutation originally found in Border Collie
Dilated Cardiomyopathy, (DCM); mutation originally found in Doberman Pinscher (USA)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy, (DCM); mutation originally found in Standard Schnauzer
Dominant Progressive Retinal Atrophy, (DPRA)
Duchenne or Dystrophin Muscular Dystrophy, (DMD); mutation originally found in Golden Retriever
Duchenne or Dystrophin Muscular Dystrophy, (DMD); mutation originally found in Norfolk Terrier
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa; mutation originally found in Central Asian Ovcharka
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa; mutation originally found in Golden Retriever
Early-Onset Progressive Polyneuropathy; mutation originally found in Alaskan Malamute
Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis
Episodic Falling Syndrome, (EFS)
Exercise-Induced Collapse, (EIC)
Factor IX Deficiency or Hemophilia B; mutation Gly379Glu
Factor IX Deficiency or Hemophilia B; mutation originally found in Airedale Terrier
Factor IX Deficiency or Hemophilia B; mutation originally found in Lhasa Apso
Factor VII Deficiency
Factor VIII Deficiency or Hemophilia A; mutation originally found in Boxer
Factor VIII Deficiency or Hemophilia A; mutation originally found in German Shepherd Dog
Factor VIII Deficiency or Hemophilia A; mutation originally found in Havanese
Factor VIII Deficiency or Hemophilia A; mutation originally found in Old English Sheepdog
Factor VIII Deficiency or Hemophilia A; p.Cys548Tyr mutation originally found in German Shepherd Dog
Factor XI Deficiency
Fanconi Syndrome
Fetal Onset Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, (FNAD)
Focal Non-Epidermolytic Palmoplantar Keratoderma, (FNEPPK); mutation originally found in Dogue de Bordeaux
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Type I, (GT); mutation originally found in Great Pyrenees
Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Type I, (GT); mutation originally found in Mixed breed
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy or Krabbe Disease, (GLD); mutation originally found in Irish Setter
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy or Krabbe Disease, (GLD); mutation originally found in Terriers
Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia, (GSD Ia)
Glycogen Storage Disease Type II or Pompe Disease, (GSD II)
Glycogen Storage Disease Type IIIa, (GSD IIIa); mutation originally found in Curly Coated Retriever
GM2 Gangliosidosis; mutation originally found in Japanese Chin
GM2 Gangliosidosis; mutation originally found in Toy Poodle
Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 1, (GR_PRA 1)
Hereditary Ataxia or Cerebellar Ataxia; mutation originally found in Old English Sheepdog and Gordon Setter
Hereditary Elliptocytosis
Hereditary Footpad Hyperkeratosis, (HFH)
Hereditary Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets Type II, (HVDRR)
Hyperekplexia or Startle Disease
Hyperuricosuria, (HUU)
Hypocatalasia or Acatalasemia
Hypomyelination; mutation originally found in Weimaraner
Ichthyosis; mutation originally found in Great Dane
Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption or Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome, (IGS); mutation originally found in Beagle
Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption or Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome, (IGS); mutation originally found in Border Collie
Juvenile Encephalopathy; mutation originally found in Parson Russell Terrier
Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy, (JLPP, POANV); mutation originally found in Black Russian Terrier and Rottweiler
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, (JME); mutation originally found in Rhodesian Ridgeback
L-2-Hydroxyglutaric aciduria, (L2HGA); mutation originally found in Staffordshire Bull Terrier
L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria, (L2HGA); mutation originally found in West Highland White Terrier
Lagotto Storage Disease, (LSD)
Lamellar Ichthyosis
Ligneous Membranitis
Long QT Syndrome
Macrothrombocytopenia; disease-linked variant originally found in Norfolk and Cairn Terrier
May-Hegglin Anomaly, (MHA)
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA, (MPS IIIA); mutation originally found in Dachshund
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII, (MPS VII); mutation originally found in Brazilian Terrier
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII, (MPS VII); mutation originally found in German Shepherd Dog
Multi-Drug Resistance 1, (MDR1)
Muscular Dystrophy, Ullrich-type; mutation originally found in Landseer
Muscular Hypertrophy or Double Muscling
Musladin-Lueke Syndrome, (MLS)
Myeloperoxidase Deficiency; mutation originally found in Italian Hound
Myotonia Congenita; mutation originally found in Australian Cattle Dog
Myotubular Myopathy; mutation originally found in Rottweiler
Narcolepsy; mutation originally found in Dachshund
Narcolepsy; mutation originally found in Labrador Retriever
Nemaline Myopathy; mutation originally found in American Bulldog
Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration or Cerebellar Abiotrophy, (NCCD)
Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures, (NEWS)
Neuroaxonal Dystrophy; mutation originally found in Spanish Water Dog
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 1, (NCL1); mutation originally found in Dachshund
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 7, (NCL7); mutation originally found in Chinese Crested Dog and Chihuahua
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8, (NCL8); mutation originally found in Alpine Dachsbracke
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8, (NCL8); mutation originally found in Australian Shepherd
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8, (NCL8); mutation originally found in English Setter
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 10, (NCL10); mutation originally found in American Bulldog
Osteochondrodysplasia; mutation originally found in Miniature Poodle
Osteochondromatosis; mutation originally found in American Staffordshire Terrier
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, (OI); mutation originally found in Beagle
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, (OI); mutation originally found in Dachshund
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia, (PxD); mutation originally found in Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome, (PMDS); mutation originally found in Miniature Schnauzer
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency or Glycogen Storage Disease Type VII
Polycystic Kidney Disease, (PKD); mutation originally found in Bull Terrier
Prekallikrein Deficiency
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, (PCD)
Primary Hereditary Cataract, (PHC); mutation originally found in Australian Shepherd
Primary Hyperoxaluria, (PH); mutation originally found in Coton de Tulear
Primary Lens Luxation, (PLL)
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Lens Luxation, (POAG/PLL); mutation originally found in Shar-Pei
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, (POAG); mutation originally found in Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, (POAG); mutation originally found in Beagle
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, (POAG); mutation originally found in Norwegian Elkhound
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, (POAG); mutation originally found in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Progressive Early-Onset Cerebellar Ataxia; mutation originally found in Finnish Hound
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cone-Rod Dystrophy, (cord1-PRA / crd4)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Type III, (PRA type III); mutation originally found in Tibetan Spaniel and Tibetan Terrier
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, (CNGA1-PRA); mutation originally found in Shetland Sheepdog
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, (PAP1_PRA); mutation originally found in Papillon and Phalène
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, (PRA); mutation originally found in Basenji
Progressive Retinal Atrophy; mutation originally found in Swedish Vallhund
Protein Losing Nephropathy, (PLN); NPHS1 gene variant
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 (PDP1) Deficiency
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency; mutation originally found in Beagle
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency; mutation originally found in Pug
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency; mutation originally found in West Highland White Terrier
Renal Cystadenocarcinoma and Nodular Dermatofibrosis, (RCND)
Rod-Cone Dysplasia 1, (rcd1); mutation originally found in Irish Setter
Rod-Cone Dysplasia 1a, (rcd1a); mutation originally found in Sloughi
Rod-Cone Dysplasia 3, (rcd3)
Sensory Ataxic Neuropathy, (SAN)
Sensory Neuropathy; mutation originally found in Border Collie
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, (SCID); mutation originally found in Frisian Water Dogs
Skeletal Disease; mutation originally found in Karelian Bear Dog
Skeletal Dysplasia 2, (SD2)
Spinal Dysraphism
Spinocerebellar Ataxia or Late-Onset Ataxia, (SCA, LOA)
Spinocerebellar Ataxia with Myokymia and/or Seizures, (SAMS)
Spondylocostal Dysostosis
Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia, (SDCA1); mutation originally found in Belgian Shepherd Dog and Malinois
Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome, (TNS)
Van den Ende-Gupta Syndrome, (VDEGS)
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 1; mutation originally found in Doberman Pinscher
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 2; mutation originally found in German Wirehaired Pointer
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 3; mutation originally found in Kooiker Hound
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 3; mutation originally found in Scottish Terrier
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) Type 3; mutation originally found in Shetland Sheepdog
Xanthinuria, Type 1a; mutation originally found in Mixed breed
Xanthinuria, Type 2a; mutation originally found in Toy Manchester Terrier
Xanthinuria, Type 2b; mutation originally found in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel
X-Linked Ectodermal Dysplasia, (XHED) or Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
X-Linked Hereditary Nephropathy, (XLHN); mutation originally found in Navasota Dog
X-Linked Hereditary Nephropathy, (XLHN); mutation originally found in Samoyed
X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy; mutation originally found in Labrador Retriever
X-Linked Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2, (XLPRA2)
X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, (XSCID); mutation originally found in Basset Hound
X-Linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, (XSCID); mutation originally found in Cardigan Welsh Corgi
X-Linked Tremors; mutation originally found in English Springer Spaniel

Diversity+

Why genetic diversity? Genetic diversity is essential for survival of a species, and can be thought of as the breed’s "tool kit" for this purpose. Breeding for genetic diversity may help to:

Decrease the incidence of puppies affected with recessively inherited diseases and diseases influenced by multiple genes.
Increased litter sizes.
Provide defense against diseases of unknown or complex genetic basis that cannot be otherwise addressed, until research finds the genetic cause.

Breeding for genetic diversity is an investment in the future health of the breed. Optimal Selection provides information on the diversity in three ways:

Diversity of the individual dog tested.
Diversity of the overall breed population.
Diversity of the overall breed population compared to the diversity of other related breed populations.

Breeder Tool™

To help breeders navigate the complexities of breeding for type, health and diversity, Optimal Selection offers breeders the world's first matchmaking tool. The Breeder Tool distills all the results information on the health, traits and diversity of the dogs from each breed population in the Optimal Selection database and provides a scientifically-calculated compatibility score for possible mates. The score helps to identify the breeding pairs that are most likely to produce the healthiest, most diverse puppies.

Breeders can use this information, in addition to criteria like hip scores, conformation of the dog, etc. in making mating decisions. Unlike pedigree analysis or coefficient of inbreeding analysis, the Breeder Tool considers each dog as an individual, evaluating more than 1,877 data points to generate the compatibility scores. This may have advantages over traditional techniques like pedigree analysis.

FAQs+

Can the results be transferred to my breed registry?

DNA profiling is the primary type of DNA testing offered by breed registries in the US. DNA profiling is for the purpose of permanent identification of a dog (similar to a microchip) and for parentage testing; it does not screen for genetic diseases or genetic diversity. DNA profiling typically uses 13 microsatellite markers (often called STRs) to identify each dog, which are a different type of DNA marker than the one used in the Optimal Selection™ DNA test. Because different markers are used, in significantly greater numbers, and at different locations than those used in DNA profiling, results are not equivalent or transferrable. While Optimal Selection™ was not designed for DNA profiling for the purposes of verifying parentage or dog identity, it does identify every dog tested as a unique and recognizable individual.

Can I use my results for listing with OFA’s CHIC?

Yes! We are recognized by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as an authorized DNA laboratory, and Optimal Selection results can be used for results listing on the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). Instructions for submission of those results to OFA can be found on the Optimal Selection web portal under each dog’s account.

Can I test puppies?

Yes! Puppies can be tested, as their DNA results do not change with age. However, care must be taken that the dam’s or littermates’ DNA does not contaminate the sample. The process of nursing seeds the puppy’s mouth with DNA from the dam’s skin and the cells in the dam’s milk, so we do not recommend testing puppies who are still nursing. However, as soon as puppies are weaned, they can be safely tested following the usual guidelines. Optimal Selection dog profiles and accompanying results are designed to be easily shared or transferred to new owners when needed, free of charge, so an entire litter can be listed with Optimal Selection before they leave their birth home.

What breeds do you test for?

All breeds can be tested using an Optimal Selection DNA test and receive results about individual diversity and genetic health. However, certain breed statistics will not become available until a minimum number of individuals of that breed have been tested, in order to provide statistically significant population results.

Should I test my mixed-breed dog using Optimal Selection?

No. Optimal Selection is intended for purebred dogs only. If you have a mixed-breed dog and are interested in genetic health, we encourage you to test your dog using a Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA Test available on our website, or speak with your veterinarian about breed and genetic disease testing through Royal Canin® (Genetic Health Analysis™) or Banfield® Pet Hospitals (Canine Genetic Analysis™).

How is the Optimal Selection Genetic Health Index result different than coefficient of inbreeding or haplotypes?

The Optimal Selection Genetic Health Index (GHI) describes the relative health level of an individual dog’s genetic makeup in relation to previously tested dogs in the Optimal Selection database. This single number takes into account disease test results, the severity of the disease findings, as well as measured genetic diversity for that individual, obtained by examining over 1,800 locations spread over all chromosomes. The average dog has a GHI value of 100 - the healthier the dog, the higher the index.

NOTE:: The GHI value of a dog should not be used for breeding selections by itself, as mating of two dogs with a high GHI will not necessarily lead to healthier offspring. The Breeder Tool is designed to evaluate the genetic match between individuals, and provides a calculated projected GHI of the offspring to give breeders an easy way to compare possible mates to optimize the health and diversity of the litter.

Coefficient of inbreeding (COI), also known as coefficient of relationship, is a method of evaluating the degree of relatedness of two individuals based on pedigree records, not DNA testing. As a result, the COI is exactly the same for all puppies from a particular mating. Although genetic recombination in mammalian breeding is unpredictable, COI does not take into consideration the actual DNA inherited by an individual or variation between individuals within litters, nor does it correct for inaccuracies or unknowns in pedigree. DNA testing for diversity is individual-specific and can therefore be more sensitive, identifying opportunities for gains in diversity that could not otherwise be discerned by COI calculations.

Haplotype diversity refers to a form of DNA testing wherein sets or patterns of DNA markers are considered in breeding. This is popularly used in humans for the Y, or male chromosome, and is sometimes used in dogs. We believe evaluating genetic diversity across all markers and chromosomes is a more holistic, comprehensive approach to genetic diversity, although there are certainly conditions in which haplotype testing is more appropriate. The Optimal Selection Genetic Health Index provides all the information derived from an individual’s diversity and health evaluation in one easy to understand value, and in combination with the Breeder Tool, can allow breeders to make smarter breeding decisions. Unlike most haplotype testing, it does not require consultation with a genetics expert for result interpretation.

Are results shared with registries or other breeders?

No. Wisdom Health takes client confidentiality seriously, and does not share testing information. Identities of submitting owners, as well as individual testing results, are not visible to anyone but the submitting owner, unless the owner chooses to share that information. In order to use the Optimal Selection Breeder Tool to find potential mates for breeding, the dog’s results must be made visible (public) to the global Optimal Selection community to see available dogs of the same breed. If an owner wishes to share his or her dog’s test results with another person, they can easily do so. The tested dog’s results will be visible to the submitting owner and with any person with whom they are shared, even if the dog does not participate in our Breeder Tool.

Can I upgrade my results?

At this time, testing upgrades are not available. If you have previously tested with us using a different product, such as Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA Test, or if new mutations or features become available for Optimal Selection for which you wish to test your dog, you must resubmit a new test. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Is Optimal Selection the same thing as MyDogDNA?

Wisdom Health partnered with Genoscoper® Laboratories of Finland to offer a global breeder testing service, combining the knowledge and features of both companies’ prior products. This test and service is called Optimal Selection in the United States, offered by Wisdom Health, and MyDogDNA™ in Europe, through Genoscoper Laboratories. Breeders in the US, Europe, and anywhere else these tests are offered can all communicate on the global web portal, which is ideal for breeds with an international following.

Can I submit semen from a deceased stud?

Yes. The Optimal Selection Genetic Breeding Analysis test is typically performed on cheek swab DNA samples. However, semen samples are also an excellent source of DNA if the dog is not available for swabbing. Note that a small additional laboratory processing fee is required for semen samples.

The preferred semen sample is in the form of semen straws. However, pellets, vials or tubes of semen are also acceptable. A minimum of 50 microliters of semen is required for testing, although we recommend sending at least 100 microliters to ensure a sufficient quantity for testing. The volume contained in a semen straw varies, but any fully loaded straw will have more than the minimum 50 microliter volume.

Please contact Customer Service for a step-by-step guide to submit this sample type at info@wisdomhealth.com or 888-K9 Pet Test (597-3883) and they would be happy to help you.

Do you analyze Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) types?

Dog Leukocyte Antigens (DLA) are the canine equivalent of major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) in humans; these are cell surface proteins expressed by cells of the immune system (white blood cells, or leukocytes). DLA types have received considerable attention in recent years, as they are suspected to play a critical role in autoimmune diseases, and we are aware of this research. However, because DLA types reflect a functional portion of the canine immune system, and its ability to fight infectious disease and cancer, until DLAs are better understood, we do not feel it prudent to select for or against certain DLA types, as there may be benefits or reasons for the presence or commonness of certain DLA types that are not known, and unforeseen consequences could occur that would impact the health of those dogs. Optimal Selection contains markers in the DLA region and incorporates these data into the dog’s diversity analysis, but does not actively select for DLA types in isolation. By emphasizing overall diversity in breeding, we feel similar benefits in immune health can be obtained. More research is certainly needed on this subject.