DNA Certification
1. What information does the DNA testing provide?
It provides unique identification and a yes or no answer as to whether a given litter has been produced by Sire 'X' and Dam 'Y.'
2. Why is the AKC getting involved in DNA?
DNA offers the AKC the possibility of ensuring the accuracy of the registry in a way never before possible.
3. What is the DNA Certification Program?
The DNA Certification Program is a voluntary program the fancy can use to strengthen their breeding programs. Participants receive a Certificate of DNA Analysis with the dog's registration information, owner's name, DNA Profile Number, and genotype.
4. Will the DNA information appear on Registration materials?
Yes. After the Certificate of DNA Analysis has been issued, all subsequent Registration Certificates and Pedigrees will include the DNA Profile Number for that dog (including those for sire and dam, grandparents, etc., if their Profiles are on record).
5. What is a genotype?
The genotype is the genetic constitution of the dog. It is represented by a series of pairs of letters, such as: AB FF AA CG BE DE AD BE BB CD A genotype is unique to each dog. Comparison of genotypes can determine if a dog is the offspring of a sire or dam tested, thus verifying parentage.
6. How much does the DNA Certification Program cost?
The cost per dog is $40.00, which includes the Certificate of DNA Analysis. The DNA Test Kits can be ordered for free.
7. How is the sample collected?
A small bristle brush (Cheek Swab), little more than half an inch long, is inserted in the dog's mouth and swirled against the inside of the cheek to collect the sample. It is this simple collection process that makes it possible to use DNA on a large scale, ensuring the accuracy of the AKC registry.
8. How are the samples processed?
The owner of the dog collects the sample. The Cheek Swab is placed in an envelope, which is then sealed and mailed to the AKC. The sample information is entered into the database, bar-coded for reference, and batched for shipment to the laboratory (PEAgGen). After processing, PE AgGen sends the results to AKC on diskette along with the DNA Certificates. The AKC verifies the information on the certificates and then mails them to the dog owner.
9. Who owns the DNA samples?
All samples collected become part of the AKC DNA program and database, and they will be used for AKC identification and parentage verification only.
10. Can DNA testing determine the breed of a dog?
No. DNA certification can determine parentage and unique identity, but not the breed.
11. How can I order a DNA Test Kit?
The DNA Test Kits are free.
To order kits, call (919) 854-0108, email dna@akc.org, or write to
DNA Test Kits
American Kennel Club
5580 Center view Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606.
Be sure to indicate the number of dogs you wish to test.
For further information follow this link for the AKC DNA Articles
http://www.akc.org/registration/dna/articles.cfm
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