Overview
The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL), in collaboration with Dr. Niels C. Pedersen and staff, has developed a panel of short tandem repeat (STR) markers that will determine genetic heterogeneity and diversity across the genome and in the Dog Leukocyte Antigen (DLA) class I and II regions for specific dog populations. This test panel will be useful to dog breeders who wish to use DNA-based testing to track and increase genetic diversity as a supplement to in-depth pedigree records. DNA-based information on genetic heterogeneity and diversity, along with genetic testing results for desired phenotypes and health traits, can aid in informing breeding decisions.
Genetic diversity testing of Cardigan Welsh Corgi is currently in the preliminary results/research phase. During this phase, we will continue to test more registered dogs to build the genetic database necessary to provide an accurate assessment of genetic diversity within the breed. This report is based on genetic data of 35 registered Cardigan Welsh Corgis from the USA (n=28), Denmark (n=3), Australia (n=2), and New Zealand (n=2). Although results reported herein are preliminary, this selection of individuals should provide a reasonable picture of genetic diversity in the breed. Allele and DLA haplotype frequencies will be updated as more dogs are tested. It is anticipated that new alleles at the 33 STR loci and additional DLA class I and II haplotypes will be identified in the future for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, but these will tend to be of much lower incidence than those detected in this initial population. We will continue to add new alleles and haplotypes if they are found in the breed, and their respective frequencies will be updated if necessary.
Price
$50 one test per animal
This is the cost for the dogs that will be tested in the research phase. Once the research phase is complete, the test will be offered at the regular rate of $80.
Results reported as:
Short tandem repeat (STR) loci: A total of 33 STR loci from carefully selected regions of the genome were used to assess genetic heterogeneity and existing genetic diversity within an individual as well as across the breed. The alleles inherited from each parent are displayed graphically to highlight heterozygosity and genetic diversity in individuals and breed wide.
DLA haplotypes: Seven STR loci linked to the DLA class I and II genes were used to identify genetic differences in a region that regulates immune responses and self/non-self-recognition. Problems with self/non-self-recognition, along with non-genetic factors in the environment, are responsible for autoimmune disease, allergies, and susceptibility to infectious agents.
Internal Relatedness: The IR value is a measure of the genetic relatedness of an individual's parents. The value takes into consideration both heterozygosity of alleles at each STR loci and their relative frequency in the population. Therefore, IR values heterozygosity over homozygosity and uncommon alleles over common alleles. IR values are unique to each dog; two individuals from different sources may have identical IR values, but a quite different genetic makeup.
Report issued December 2021. Daily updated statistics are here.
