Focus on Diversity
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL), in collaboration with Dr. Niels C. Pedersen and staff, has developed a panel of short tandem repeat (STR) markers to determine genetic heterogeneity and diversity across the genome and in the Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) class I and II regions for specified dog populations. This test panel is useful to dog breeders who wish to use DNA-based testing to track and distribute genetic diversity as a supplement to in-depth pedigrees. Information on genetic heterogeneity and diversity, along with DNA testing results for desired phenotypes and health traits, can aid in informing breeding decisions in order to improve the overall genetic health of a breed.
Genetic diversity testing in the Newfoundland has been established, and almost all existing alleles at the 33 STR loci and 7 DLA class I and II regions have potentially been identified. As of October of 2022, 102 Newfoundlands from the United States (n = 94), Canada (n = 7), and Mexico (n = 1) were tested at the VGL to assess genetic diversity in the breed. Allele and DLA haplotype frequencies will be updated as more dogs are tested.
DLA or Dog Leukocyte Antigen

Is breeding with an eye on DLA, the region of the genome that controls the immune system of the dog, the answer to these issues? In short, not likely.

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www.betterbred.com
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Dog Breeds Using...

Domestic dogs are important for many economic and social reasons, and they have become a well-known model species for human disease. According to research, dog breeds exhibit significant levels of inbreeding and genetic diversity loss, decreasing ...

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www.mdpi.com
AKC Breeder Toolkit
Kelli Klosowski, CS Training & QA Manager at AKC, will host another live webinar on AKC Breeder Toolkit—your free go-to resource for all things breeder! This is the second webinar in the AKC Breeder Toolkit series and will primarily focus on the Manage Litters card.

The Manage Litters card allows you to maintain your official AKC litter records, access puppy registrations records and so much more! We’ll cover topics like:

• Where to find the PIN codes for your new puppies
• Prepaid registration: How to purchase, initiate a transfer, and register the puppies in one centralized place
• Electronic Litter Kits: Where to purchase one and how to complete them
• An overview of Limited Registration
• Dedicated time for live Q&A

Sign up for our live webinar and learn all about how AKC Breeder Toolkit can help you!
Poll - How Do You Learn Best?
Which type of Educational Offering would you most likely participate in?
Online Seminar
In-Depth Article
Hands-On Seminar
1:1 or Small Group Discussion
Multi-Session Online Course
Continuing Education: Newfoundland Breeder Panel Discussion
CHIC - What Is It?
The CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) program works as a partnership between OFA and AKC breed parent clubs. The OFA has established a recommended protocol for breed specific health screenings. Dogs that are tested in accordance with that protocol, and whose results are released to the public domain, are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.
The CHIC number will now appear on AKC documents such as Certified Pedigrees, Registration Applications, and Registration Certificates. This will make it clear to potential puppy buyers and fellow fanciers that the recommended tests and screenings have been performed on a breeder’s dogs.
If you think you should see a CHIC number on your documents, please contact OFA. They provide information to the AKC.
You can provide puppy buyers with instructions on how to easily see that the health screenings have been done. It’s a good starting point for discussion on why health testing is so important.
The CHIC number does not imply normal test results, only that all required breed specific tests were performed, and that the results are made publicly available. It may be necessary to explain how some dogs have clearances for genetic diseases by heredity, and in other cases you may need to explain to a potential buyer why it is okay to breed a dog who is a carrier to one who is not.
Classic Reference

In Control of Canine Genetic Diseases, renowned authority George A. Padgett, DVM, provides an expert road map to help dog breeders everywhere avoid the pitfalls they are almost destined to encounter. For anyone whose goal is to produce healthy, functional and beautiful dogs, this is the book they need. Dr. Padgett provides clear explanations of modes of inheritance, how to conduct and analyze test matings and how to lower the chances of producing affected animals. Numerous tables, diagrams and graphs further enhance the text to facilitate the breeder's understanding.

Studies Enrolling Participants

Canine Genetic Diversity Project

The canine genome was built on one dog, a boxer. As technology improves and becomes more affordable, more and more canine genomes can be generated to add to our knowledge. The AKC DNA Program’s Genetic Diversity Project is an exciting new initiative to develop the world’s premier database of canine genomic information. This database will generate whole genome sequences of 4000 dogs, representing all AKC-recognized breeds. Using AKC’s rich historical pedigrees, these dogs will represent the genetic diversity of breeds today.
Puppy Referral System

The NCA has a Puppy Referral System. This program allows any NCA member to list a planned litter, puppies available or an adult needing placement. Listings are now available to all NCA members. If you have questions or suggestions about the program, please let us know.