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 are interested in storing DNA from any dogs but it would be especially useful to collect DNA samples from all dogs which have or will be used for breeding purposes. In addition we are particularly interested in those dogs that are known to have or be closely related to dogs affected with inherited conditions.

What can stored DNA samples be used for?

The stored DNA can be used for a variety of purposes. For example it can be used to identify mutations responsible for inherited diseases that are either already known about in the breed or ones that might appear in the future. In such cases the ability to refer to the DNA of relatives who may no longer be alive is a valuable resource. Stored DNA can also be used for general breed studies such as estimating the genetic diversity of the breed or the frequency of genetic mutations in the general Bearded Collie population such as was carried out in the recent CEA study.

How can the DNA sample be collected?

DNA can be collected by means of the use of a buccal (cheek) swab. The instructions available with the swabs should be closely adhered to provide an adequate high-quality sample. If your dog is having a blood sample taken by the vet for some other purpose, it is ethically acceptable to request a further small amount of blood to be drawn for this purpose.

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.
7) 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.

Confidentiality.

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 ask for a one off donation of £5.00 per sample to help to cover administrative costs. This charge is the responsibility of the owner of the dog. 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).