Canine genetic research

If you have a purebred dog, with papers or not, you can help with the research into canine genetics and diseases by contributing your dog's DNA to the University of California at Davis' Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Go here for more information and instructions on how to order a (free) DNA sample kit.

I'm doing this with two of my dogs, both purebred rescues. One of them is even a dog that they don't have a lot of samples from, so he's very valuable to them! There's a list, so you can check to see if your dog is on their highly desired list, but it's important to contribute any DNA, even from more common breeds.

Since one of my dogs has an eventually fatal genetic disease, I think it's very important to further any research that might help indentify the genetic underpinnings of canine disease. I hope you do, too!

If your dog is a purebred, please consider participating! If your dog isn't, but you know someone who has a purebred dog, please pass this along. Thanks!