Bearded Collie DNA Database

The Bearded Collie Breed Liaison Committee BEARDED COLLIE DNA DATABANK – INFORMATION SHEET On behalf of the Bearded Collie community, the Joint Breed Liaison Committee has made arrangements with the Animal Health Trust to collect and archive the DNA from live dogs in the KC registered breed population.

What is a DNA Archive?

A DNA Archive or Databank is a collection of DNA samples from different individuals that can be stored for an indefinite period of time with a view to it being used in the future for research purposes.

Which dogs should have their DNA stored?

We welcome samples collected from every dog in the breed. However, as our main focus is on breeding stock, we need DNA from all dogs currently used for breeding and all dogs that will be used for breeding later. Additionally, we are very interested in dogs known to have inherited health conditions or are closely related to affected dogs.

What can stored DNA samples be used for?

The stored DNA serves multiple valuable purposes. It can be used to identify mutations responsible for inherited diseases, whether these conditions are already known in the breed or may emerge in the future. In genetic studies, the ability to reference the DNA of relatives who are no longer alive is an invaluable resource. Furthermore, stored DNA enables broader general breed studies, such as estimating the breed's overall genetic diversity or determining the frequency of specific genetic mutations within the Bearded Collie population, as demonstrated by the recent CEA study.

How can the DNA sample be collected?

DNA is most often collected using a buccal (cheek) swab. The instructions provided with the swabs must be closely adhered to in order to yield a sufficient, high-quality sample. Alternatively, if your dog is scheduled to have a blood sample taken by the veterinarian for another purpose, it is considered ethically acceptable to request that a further small amount of blood be drawn concurrently for the DNA bank.

What information is required?

A DNA sample on its own is of little value. You will need to supply the following:


  1. The dog’s registered name

  2. The dog’s breed

  3. Kennel Club registration number

  4. Date of Birth

  5. Coat colour

  6. Copy of the dog’s five-generation pedigree


Any clinical information regarding the dog’s health, e.g., for a dog that may be used for research into an inherited disease, whether the dog is clear, affected, or a carrier, is important information if known.


It is important to keep the AHT informed of any changes in the health status of the dog during its lifetime, and from time to time, you should update the AHT with this information.

Good news is as important as the reverse, and they will be just as interested to hear that the dog was healthy throughout its life. Unless requested, new DNA samples will not be required at the time of the health update.

How is the information kept confidential?

Both owner and dog information is kept in the strictest confidence, although from time to time, a list of the names of dogs whose DNA is stored may be released to breed club representatives. No information other than the name is released.

What does it cost?

If the DNA is to be stored for future, unspecified purposes, the AHT asks for a one-off donation of £5.00 per sample to help cover administrative costs. This charge is the responsibility of the dog owner. Swabs and submission forms are available from the Animal Health Trust email – canine.genetics@aht.org.uk (also the email address for updating the health information on your dog).


Other pages:

This is the text-only version of this page. Click here to see this page with graphics.
Edit this page | Manage website
Make Your Own Website: 2-Minute-Website.com