Cross Posted:

NEW DNA TEST FOR DILUTION COLOR IN LABRADOR
RETRIEVERS.
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We live at the age when genetic science makes big
steps in uncovering new secrets hidden in our genes.
Animal genetics has always been a "transitional"
step to understanding the human body. This is why any
new discovery in animal
genetics allows us to predict how it would reflect the
human body. We
learn
more about processes controlled by different genes
that turn on or off various functions of the
organism. But most importantly, we now have a tool to
control genetic makeup of the next generation. Using
this tool has a lot of ethical questions and can
lead to positive as well as negative consequences.

DNA testing for coat and nose colors helps to
identify carriers of genes responsible for various
colors in dogs. New DNA test for Dilution gene
in Labrador Retrievers, that is now available from
HealthGene Laboratory, can serve in helping breeders
to satisfy standards.

It is important to note that diluted colors such as
"Blue" and "Silver" are not recognized by the
standards of Kennel Clubs around the world. Only three
colors are accepted - Black, Chocolate and Yellow.
Genetics of these three colors is described by two
alleles (genes) - E and B. Various combinations of
these genes and their associated colors can be found
on
http://healthgene.com/canine/C128_retriever_labrador.asp

Gene D is responsible for "diluting" the main color -
Black to a so called "Blue" and Chocolate to
"Silver". As with other genes, there are three
possible combination - DD (no dilution), Dd (carrier
of dilution gene, main color is not diluted), and dd
(dilution is present). Ideally, in order to satisfy
standards,
the breeding pair should have at least one
parent with DD. Any
other
combination will lead to a chance of having a (dd)
puppy with diluted color.

Dilution colors in Labrador Retrievers bring up the
controversy and divide breeders into two camps. One
group stands behind the standards and does not
allow any other color in the breed. This group can
benefit by DNA testing for D locus by screening the
breeding pairs and eliminating any possibilities
of mating carriers. The other group accepts the
dilution in Labrador Retrievers and will like this
test as well, so as to set up breeding programs.
HealthGene
specializes in DNA testing, and we are not in a
position to judge the rightness of different views. We
provide information that helps make decisions in one
way or another for the breeder to achieve satisfying
results.

To learn more about this test, please visit
http://healthgene.com/canine/C128_retriever_labrador.asp

A DNA test for dilution color is available also for
the following breeds:
- Australian Shepherd;
- Doberman Pinscher;
- Great Dane;
- Newfoundland.

Isnt there a test as well now that can test whether a "lab" is truly a prue labrador retriever, and can find several generations back whether another breed was introduced to the DNA (ie weim)

Interesting to note that those who want to indentify the DD and not allow dilute to interfer with "standards" breeding may want to use this test. Ha what a joke! Since the dilute gene is NOT found in the general population of Labradors, it is very simple to avoid the dilute gene. The dilute gene is found going back to just one line of Labradors! Avoid that line, which is easy to do since none of these dogs EVER get any Championship titles. Also stay with known bloodlines and you won't have any need for this test.

Looks like they are just catering to the wants of those silver breeders looking to know whether or not their next litter will contain silvers! SAD.

As for testing for breeds, no DNA testing is not that advanced. DNA can only determine the PARENTS of a puppy in question, not the breed (s) involved. That is why many silver breeders get around the breed responsible for introducing dilute gene because it happened a few to many generations ago.

Dianne

Actually, I do remember reading an article about a company that had developed a DNA test that could tell you the breed makeup of your mixed breed dog. It's called a Canine Heritage test and the company is Metamorphix, Inc. I don't know anyone who has done the test or how accurate it is, but I do know of a silver breeder who is a member of another forum I belong to that inquired about the test. He was willing to have his silvers tested. However, when he contacted the company, they told him they only have genetic markers for 38 breeds currently. Although a Labrador Retriever is one of them, a Weimeraner is not. He also spoke with someone at the company who said that the test can currently only go back about 4 generations.

yep Melissa you are right:

http://www.metamorphixinc.com/products3.html