About the DNA 'Fluff' (long coat) Test For Cardigans
When this test was in development, Wyntr, and a number of other breeders were approached by Dr. Donna J. Housley and P. J. Venta to participate in their research which identified a specific marker gene for the long or 'fluff' coat in cardigans and several other breeds. This marker gene had been previously identified in several other breeds and Dr Housley has co-written a paper with P. J. Venta which was published in the peer reviewed journal, Animal Genetics.
View an abstract of the paper: The long and the short of it: evidence that FGF5 is a major determinant of canine 'hair'-itability
DNA tests are now available through several genetics testing facilities to identify the genetic marker for long (fluff) coat.
Here are the results on the Wyntr dogs that were tested during the research phase:
Bolt: Carrier
Shade: Clear (non-carrier)
Rah Rah: Clear
Quick: Carrier
Bastion: Carrier
Beautiful: Clear
Celeste: Clear
Cowboy: Clear
Also Tested:
Troy: Carrier
These results, and further generations of the Wyntr family of Cardigans who have been tested, or have a known status, have this included with their other health information on each dog's pedigree page. Although fluff coats are not a health issue, they can be a concern to Cardigan breeders who wish to ethically conform to the breed standard, or who wish to know what they can expect in a breeding decision. Having a way to test genetic status for fluff coats is just one tool available to breeders.
When this test was in development, Wyntr, and a number of other breeders were approached by Dr. Donna J. Housley and P. J. Venta to participate in their research which identified a specific marker gene for the long or 'fluff' coat in cardigans and several other breeds. This marker gene had been previously identified in several other breeds and Dr Housley has co-written a paper with P. J. Venta which was published in the peer reviewed journal, Animal Genetics.
View an abstract of the paper: The long and the short of it: evidence that FGF5 is a major determinant of canine 'hair'-itability
DNA tests are now available through several genetics testing facilities to identify the genetic marker for long (fluff) coat.
Here are the results on the Wyntr dogs that were tested during the research phase:
Bolt: Carrier
Shade: Clear (non-carrier)
Rah Rah: Clear
Quick: Carrier
Bastion: Carrier
Beautiful: Clear
Celeste: Clear
Cowboy: Clear
Also Tested:
Troy: Carrier
These results, and further generations of the Wyntr family of Cardigans who have been tested, or have a known status, have this included with their other health information on each dog's pedigree page. Although fluff coats are not a health issue, they can be a concern to Cardigan breeders who wish to ethically conform to the breed standard, or who wish to know what they can expect in a breeding decision. Having a way to test genetic status for fluff coats is just one tool available to breeders.