Disease Research and Surveys

Update on Genetic Testing Kits

At the ASC’s request, the Foundation reviewed the major DNA test kits on the market and consulted multiple canine genetic researchers about their usefulness in breeding programs.

What we learned is that while companies such as Embark and Wisdom often promote their tests as “accurate,” many veterinarians and geneticists are not ready to endorse these kits for breeding decisions. The core issue is the lack of industry standards, but an even bigger concern is the type of testing used. Many commercial kits rely on linkage-based testing, which looks for genetic markers near a mutation rather than the mutation itself. This approach can produce results that are not fully predictive of a dog’s true genotype.

Embark and Wisdom both use linkage testing. Embark, for example, analyzes a dog’s DNA across thousands of known canine markers and reports potential associations. These results can be interesting, but they are not equivalent to identifying a specific mutation. Embark’s website is transparent about its primary focus: breed identification and ancestry, which reflects the needs of most of its customer base.

The geneticists we consulted generally preferred Wisdom over Embark for linkage testing. Still, they strongly favored laboratories that perform mutation‑specific ASSAY testing, which directly identifies known variants of interest to breeders.

Among the ASSAY-based testing companies are Optigen, GenSol, and Paw Print Genetics.

  • Optigen (owned by Mars) specializes in tests for numerous inherited eye diseases and was the top choice among the geneticists we surveyed. It also holds the most accreditations and maintains extensive DNA archives.

  • Paw Print Genetics (now part of Neogen) offers only mutation‑specific ASSAY tests and is highly regarded for its scientific leadership and accreditation.

  • GenSol provides ASSAY testing targeted to breeders, veterinarians, and pet owners.

Foundation Position:
For breeders seeking to identify potential hereditary disorders or health risks in their dogs, the Foundation recommends careful consideration. It suggests using laboratories that offer mutation‑specific ASSAY testing rather than relying solely on commercial linkage-based DNA kits.

 Foundation  Health Survey Results

The 2023 survey intended to identify health-related issues our Cocker companions may experience. Understanding the health issues faced by our Cocker Spaniels and their owners will allow the ASC Foundation to focus its research and other efforts toward improving the health of our Cocker Spaniels.

To refresh your memory, a general list of Canine health issues was used to construct this survey, not necessarily those unique to Cockers. Similar surveys by other parent breed clubs were reviewed for information when constructing the survey. The American Kennel Club assisted the ASC Foundation by distributing a link to the survey to anyone who had registered a Cocker Spaniel with the American Kennel Club in the last approximately 20 years. 

A total of 1,558 survey responses were received. Data on 3,425 males and 4480 bitches were received for a total of 7905 individual Cockers. General areas or conditions present the results in the same manner as the survey was constructed. 

If you have questions, please send them to askthefoundation@gmail.com. Click on the heading below to access the report.

Foundation Health Survey Final