Dog DNA Tests, Testing to Learn the Breed of Your Canine

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American Brittany Rescue, Inc. (ABR) is working with the Canine Genetics and Genomics Group at the UC Davis Center for Veterinary Genetics to collecting as many DNAs as possible from Brittany dogs for several, synergistic research efforts. The samples are being gathered by ABR volunteers across the country, from Brittanys the organization has rescued, and from the volunteers’ own Brittanys as well. The study was spearheaded by Gordon Theilen, Director of the American Brittany Club (ABC).

The DNA sampling project actually began in August 2006 with the first batch of 450 DNA cheek swab kits. The DNA testing coordinator had to place a second order of kits, because of an overwhelming response from Brittany owners across the country. The swab kits have been free to the owners. Sampling has taken less than five minutes per dog, with four swabs being taken per dog.

There will be a time in the future where ABR’s efforts in the collection of DNA for the UC Davis Brittany DNA Study will help eliminate inherited health issues in the Brittany breed. Numerous samples are the key to successful DNA studies with the continuous submission of new pups and non-sampled dogs.

Besides the DNA study, ABR is also actively working on solutions for senior Brittanys who need new homes. The first of two solutions is the Senior Companion Program: Active adopters aged 65 years and older, who are willing to adopt a senior Brittany, aged 8 years and older, would have their adoption fee waived. Younger adopters are encouraged to adopt these wonderful seniors too, but they will be asked to make a donation which generally covers the dog’s expenses while in foster care.

ABR believes the Senior Companion Program can benefit not only our older rescued dogs, but also older owners who want to provide companionship and a home for one of these special dogs. Foster space is always at a premium. Senior dogs (eight years and older) may stay in foster care for a long time; sometimes spending the remainder of their days in foster care, which may mean losing a space that could
be available to other dogs. We believe that matching older adopters with older dogs can only benefit them both, and it’s a way to continue to save more Brittanys that might otherwise not find forever homes.

In 1999, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published a study, demonstrating that seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental well being than those that do not.

They’re more active, cope better with stress, and have better overall health. A 1997 study showed that elderly pet owners had a significantly lower blood pressure overall than their contemporaries without pets.

These senior dogs can offer years of companionship and happy memories. They’re calmer, and often just as active as their younger counterparts. The average lifespan of a Brittany is 12-13 years. Anyone interested in joining the Senior Companion Program should contact ABR at 1-866-BRIT-911 or at info@americanbrittanyrescue.org.

The second solution for seniors is the Senior Brittany Retreat. This retreat has long been a goal of ABR. In 2007, the Senior Retreat Committee has set a five year goal for creation of the retreat. The committee consists of three state coordinators, a builder, an architect, a grant writer, a financial analyst, an attorney and 2 business consultants.

ABR plans to have a location where senior Brittanys can come when there is no available foster space for them. Some will still be available for forever homes, while other will spend their remaining days at the retreat. Some of these senior dogs will be qualified as ‘Therapy Dogs.’ For more information about the Senior Brittany Retreat, please contact Terry Mixdorf, Iowa state director, at terrymixdorf@gmail.com.

BioPet Vet Lab Canine DNA Test Pet Product 
I recommend you go to the BioPet Vet Lab Canine DNA Test website for more information

Doggy DNA Tests for the Canine Curious
The questions have stoked my curiosity to the point that I’m dying to give my dog a DNA test, but is it worth it? The Canine Heritage Breed Test kit sells for $119.95 on their website and will test for over 100 different breeds.

Get Your Dog DNA Questions Submitted
We’ve used all the different places that do the canine DNA and we prefer the DNA Diagnostics Center.

Canine Heritage Breed Tests Roll Out
MetaMorphix, Inc. is a life sciences company that uses DNA to improve animal wellness. Its wholly owned subsidiary, MMI Genomics, has more than a decade of experience in the area of canine DNA research.

How well do you know your dog breeds?
So you know you can tell a poodle from a collie and you think you can tell a corgi from a dachshund, but how well do you really know dog breed characteristics? And how good are you at determining the possible breeds for a mutt?

The Most Aggressive Dog Breeds
Identified locations in a dog’s DNA that contain genes believed to contribute to behavior, trainability and longevity, as well as body and skull shape, weight
By: American Brittany Rescue

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www.AmericanBrittanyRescue.org

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