Yes! Optimal Selection™ Canine is available to all Canadian customers (except those in the province of Quebec, due to packaging requirements). Canadian kits ship via UPS to reduce customs delays. Shipping is $15 USD for the first kit and $5 USD for each additional kit per order. All prices are listed in USD but converted to CAD upon payment.
Most Optimal Selection™ results arrive around 2-3 weeks after our lab receives your dog's DNA sample. That said, extended times sometimes occur due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., volume at the lab, holidays, illnesses, natural disasters). You'll get an email notification when your results are ready. Please note—results are digital and available in your online account only. No physical report will be mailed, but you may download a printable technical report from your account.
Not to worry! Transit times vary throughout the year due to several factors (e.g., holidays, weather, natural disasters) and may take anywhere from 5-10 business days. When samples arrive at our lab, we check them in individually to avoid contamination or mix-ups. Once we begin processing your sample, the status will change to "Sample Received," and you will be alerted via email. If you would like to track your sample while it's in transit to our lab, please note the USPS tracking number on your kit’s prepaid shipping label before putting it in the mail.
Weather is unlikely to impact sample quality. Cheek cell samples are a very stable way to collect DNA for testing, and they can withstand normal ambient temperature changes.
You can track the progress of your sample online by signing into your account.
The USPS tracking will show when the package gets delivered to the post office in Lincoln, NE. From there, the kits travel via courier to the lab on the next business day. Each kit is then checked in individually to avoid any risk of contamination. For these reasons, there will sometimes be a delay of a few days between delivery and sample processing. Rest assured, this additional time has not been found to affect sample quality at all.
DNA testing can be performed on a dog of any age, and Optimal Selection™ results will not change with age. Blood samples may be taken from puppies as soon as they are large enough for a veterinarian to obtain 1-2 mLs of blood (less than one teaspoonful) safely. Swab samples can also be taken from young puppies, but it’s best to wait until the puppy is weaned (to prevent contamination from the dam’s milk or skin) or nursing infrequently enough that a cheek sample may be taken three hours after last nursing or food.
The swab will only become contaminated if it comes into contact with other dogs, people, or dirty surfaces. So, you should dry the swab with the bristles in the air (not touching any surface). Both swabs should be air-dried for at least five minutes and then reinserted into the protective
sleeve, ensuring the bristles are completely covered. (Very important: do not reseal the sleeve, as this can promote bacteria/fungus growth.) Ship the samples at your earliest convenience, and rest assured that they will not be affected by extremes in temperature.
Yes, we accept purified archived DNA and frozen semen for deceased dogs. (A minimum of 50 microliters is required for semen samples, so used semen straws do not provide adequate DNA.) Special shipping requirements and charges apply for non-traditional samples, and no refunds are provided in the event of sample failure. Please contact our customer service team for details at breeder@wisdompanel.com or 855-619-1884.
In the absence of cheek swabs, a variety of samples types may be used—including:
Special shipping requirements and charges apply for non-traditional samples, and no refunds are provided in the event of sample failure. Please contact our customer service team for details at breeder@wisdompanel.com or 855-619-1884.
The sample ID is located on the short side of your Optimal Selection™ kit.
On older versions of the kit, it may be located elsewhere. If you have a legacy kit, please contact customer service at breeder@wisdompanel.com or 855-619-1884.
If this is your first kit, simply go to https://optimal-selection.com/ , select “Activate” in the upper right, and follow the prompts. If you already have an account for any test (Optimal Selection™ Dog or Cat, MyDogDNA, MyCatDNA, or Wisdom Panel™ tests), select “Sign In” and, once in your account, select “Testing a new family member.” After you activate your kit, you’ll be able to track your sample and get updates throughout the test analysis process.
We may be able to help. Please contact our customer care team at breeder@wisdompanel.com or 855-619-1884.
We try to avoid having food particles on the swabs, as they may encourage bacterial growth in transit. Your sample is likely fine. But if there are obvious food particles on the swab or if you have concerns, please reach out to our customer service department at breeder@wisdompanel.com
ISAG 2020 Profiling and Parentage testing service is available with Optimal Selection™ Canine testing as an add-on or bundle! To learn more about our DNA profiling check here, and for information about our parentage service check here. Samples that were processed on or after January 1, 2021 are eligible for upgrade. Older samples were run on older technology so a new sample would be needed in order to obtain parentage and profiling results.
While we understand this will be an inconvenience to some, in order to maintain the integrity of the report and its contents, we need to put a level of security behind the edibility of the name/sex. If you need to make a change to the name or sex please reach out to our team at breeder@wisdompanel.com with the requested change and any supporting documentation you may have so that we may verify the information and make the change on your behalf.
Yes. We offer discounts for partner clubs that use Optimal Selection™ or MyDogDNA™. Multi-kit discounts are available for all breeder product purchases of four (4) kits or more.
We have a strict privacy policy that requires written consent from the pet owner (assigned during kit activation) before we may share any information about a specific test with someone who is not on the account. For this reason, reports are emailed only to the email address on file, and we can’t accept changes to account information unless requested by the listed owner.
We are considering this feature for future development. For the time being, you can use the share functionality to share the results with the new owner.
The Technical Report feature is available at the bottom of your dog’s Summary page. Select the “Download Technical Report” button to access your printable report.
Breed-specific results in the web and technical reports are only provided if you designated your dog’s breed in their profile. You may enter this information during kit activation or at a later time by visiting the dog’s profile in your account and selecting a breed. This will also update the technical report, which you can then download. If your dog’s breed does not have any known disorders, the full list of disorders tested will still be displayed.
You may download a printable Technical Report from the Summary page of your results for submission to OFA.
No. DNA profiling is only available bundled with MyDogDNA™ or Optimal Selection™ Canine, or as an upgrade to MyDogDNA™ or Optimal Selection™ reports submitted after Jan 1, 2021.
DNA profiling is $49 as an upgrade, or purchased as a bundle for $179.99.
Not necessarily. Dogs tested after Jan 1, 2021 are eligible for upgrade. Older tests lack the necessary markers to be compatible with the current ISAG 2020 testing panel. An upgrade option will appear under the Reports tab as “Unlock DNA Profiling” if your dog is eligible.
Log in to your account at https://www.wisdompanel.com/app/ and click on the dog you wish to upgrade. Under the “Reports” tab, if your dog is eligible for an upgrade without retesting and does not already have a current DNA profile with Wisdom, an “Unlock DNA Profiling” section will appear with instructions to upgrade. Wisdom Panel™ ancestry tests are not eligible for DNA profiling at this time.
Dogs must be tested with Optimal Selection™ or MyDogDNA™ after Jan 1, 2021 to be eligible to upgrade to DNA profiling. Upgrade instructions will appear under the “Reports” tab. Wisdom Panel™ ancestry tests are not eligible for DNA profiling at this time.
We are working on a solution for those who chose the wrong test type to convert to a Wisdom breeder test type for DNA profiling, but it is not available at this time.
DNA profiling is available exclusively for Wisdom breeder test types (Optimal Selection™ or MyDogDNA™).
Wisdom is proud to use the most advanced internationally recognized profiling and parentage panel recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG), ISAG 2020, which utilizes 2 panels of 232 SNP markers total. ISAG is the animal genetics governing body responsible for standardization of domestic animal DNA profiling and parentage.
Wisdom takes pride in the accuracy and repeatability of our results. Wisdom breeder DNA profiling utilizes the ISAG 2020 panel, the newest profiling and parentage panel recommended by International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). We consistently receive top-of-class genotyping accuracy rank when our performance is tested by ISAG.
Yes. Wisdom geneticists are members of ISAG and helped develop and validate the newest internationally-recognized panel currently recommended by ISAG, ISAG 2020. We consistently receive top-of-class genotyping accuracy rank when our performance is tested by ISAG.
Our profiles are compatible with testing labs using ISAG 2020, the newest SNP panel recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics.
AKC does not use an ISAG approved panel and does not accept any DNA profiles not processed by them on their proprietary profiling panel.
Registries vary in their requirements, so please check with them. Ask if ISAG 2020 profiling is accepted, and if there are any requirements for sample collection, such as veterinary verified collection and chain of custody for the sample which must be followed for results to be recognized.
Yes, DNA profile samples collected during pregnancy are accurate as the amount of circulating fetal DNA present in a blood sample is negligible, and not present for cheek swab samples.
Cheek swab (buccal mucosal) samples and whole EDTA blood are considered standard sample types for DNA profiling. Non-traditional samples such as semen, solid tissue (dewclaws, skin samples), and other soft tissue samples can be submitted. Requirements are minimum 50 microliters semen (used semen straw does not provide adequate DNA, must be unused straw/pellet), and frozen, not fixed, approximately sugar cube size soft tissue samples. Please contact us in advance for arrangements. Special shipping requirements and charges apply for non-traditional samples, and no refunds are provided in the event of sample failure. Please contact our customer service team for details at breeder@wisdompanel.com
DNA profiling if ordered with your Optimal Selection or MyDogDNA kit should be available in 2-3 weeks after receipt at the laboratory. You should get an email notification when your sample has arrived at the lab, and again when results are ready. You can also log into your account to check the status and view the DNA profile certificate when completed.
Please note—due to the digital nature of our product your results will be available in your online account only. No physical report will be mailed.
In order to ensure the highest quality, there is no way to expedite the lab process at this time. This means that if you need DNA profiling right away, please be sure to give plenty of time for shipping and processing. Once received at the lab samples generally take 2-3 weeks for processing.
We consider the owner of the DNA profiling results to be the person submitting the sample of the dog. Please ensure you have obtained all necessary permissions prior to submitting a sample for DNA profiling if it is not legally your dog.
Yes. A minimum of 50 microliters is required for semen samples, so used semen straws do not provide adequate DNA; it must be an unused straw/pellet. Please contact us in advance for arrangements. Please contact us in advance for arrangements. Special shipping requirements and charges apply for non-traditional samples, and no refunds are provided in the event of sample failure. Please contact our customer service team for details atbreeder@wisdompanel.com
Cheek swab (buccal mucosal) samples and whole EDTA blood are considered standard sample types for DNA profiling. Non-traditional samples such as semen, solid tissue (skin samples, no dewclaws), and other soft tissue samples can be submitted. Soft tissue samples must be frozen, not fixed, and approximately sugar cube size samples. Please contact us in advance for arrangements. Special shipping requirements and charges apply for non-traditional samples, and no refunds are provided in the event of sample failure. Please contact our customer service team for details at breeder@wisdompanel.com.
No. Account owners are responsible for sharing results with their registry if needed. We have a strict privacy policy that requires written consent from the dog owner (as submitted during kit activation) before we may share any information about testing with anyone who is not listed on the account, including registries and clubs. For this reason, reports are emailed only to the email address on file. If the sample was submitted through your registry, and you gave permission to share results as part of that submission process, we may share the results to your registry.
Yes, we accept purified, archived DNA and frozen semen for deceased dogs. A minimum of 50 microliters is required for semen samples, so used semen straws do not provide adequate DNA; it must be an unused straw/pellet. If using archived DNA from another lab, please contact us in advance to arrange the sample transfer. Special shipping requirements and charges apply for non-traditional samples, and no refunds are provided in the event of sample failure. Please contact our customer service team for details at breeder@wisdompanel.com
Veterinary collection and veterinary verification are not required to submit a sample for DNA profiling and receive results. However, results may not be accepted by all registries without specific sample collection and handling. Please check with your registry in advance for their requirements. Wisdom breeder products do not currently support vet verified samples.
We can offer parentage testing if your dog has had ISAG 2020 profiling performed by Wisdom. Dogs tested on Optimal Selection™ or MyDogDNA™ after Jan 1, 2021 are eligible for upgrade. Older DNA profiles and samples lack the necessary markers to be compatible with the current ISAG 2020 testing panel. An upgrade option will appear under the Reports tab as “Unlock DNA Profiling” if your dog is eligible. If your dog is not eligible for a DNA profile upgrade, a new sample must be submitted.
We cannot accept DNA profiles from other laboratories at this time, regardless of type.
Yes! Historically, DNA profiles for both parents were required to complete the analysis. However, due to the size and robustness of the new ISAG 2020 panel, single-parent or one-sided parentage analyses can be performed if necessary. For highest confidence, we still recommend testing both parents, and if the mating is in a very low genetic diversity breed or the breeding was of closely related dogs, single-parent analysis is not advisable.
We do not! Historically, DNA profiles for both parents were required to complete the analysis. However, due to the size and robustness of the new ISAG 2020 panel, single-parent or sire-only parentage analyses can be performed if necessary. For highest confidence, we still recommend testing both parents, and if the mating is in a very low genetic diversity breed or the breeding was of closely related dogs (e.g. dual sires that are siblings), single-parent analysis is not advisable.
Our system does not currently support parentage analysis if the DNA profile is under a different account. We hope to add this feature in the future.
There are two common submission errors. The most common is that there was a typo or an update that must be made regarding your dog’s information (e.g. from “Unregistered Puppy #1” to “Registered Name”). Some fields cannot be edited except by Customer Service, in order to reduce risk of fraud. Please email us your request at breeder@wisdompanel.com if you need this information updated.
Another type of error is that the sample as it was submitted was activated or labeled as another dog. This usually occurs at home, most often swapped with another dog sampled and submitted at the same time. If you suspect this is the case, contact Customer Service at breeder@wisdompanel.com to determine the nature and scope of the problem so it can be corrected.
If you realize there is a problem after generating parentage testing reports and suspect a different sample error, please contact Customer Service to discuss and determine a plan to correct the problem.
If you realize after parentage testing that your pedigree is incorrect, please notify Wisdom prior to contacting your registry if you will need to update your dog’s pedigrees, so we can answer any questions you might have and conduct a secondary analysis if needed. There is a rare exception in which parentage testing provides a conflicting result called chimerism, in which the parent has more than one set of DNA in their body, and the DNA in their sperm/ova does not match the DNA in their blood or cheek swab sample.
Updates to dog name will automatically update in the parentage report if you contact customer service to correct. We currently do not support editing of manually-entered breeder or owner name associated with parentage report generation once that particular parent-offspring parentage combination analysis has been completed.
Parentage testing is no additional charge!
Parentage analysis typically takes less than 1 minute. When the report is ready, you will receive an email and also find it archived in your “Reports” tab for viewing or download.
No. We recommend always testing the dogs that will be bred. It is best to rely on "Clear by parentage" for pets or dogs that won't be bred.
Though they offer various levels of health and trait testing, Wisdom Panel products focus on ancestry testing for pet owners. Our breeder products, on the other hand, are tailored for breeders. So, ancestry testing is not included, but we do include the most extensive health, trait, and diversity reporting available. For example, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (prcd-PRA) are only reported in our breeder products—and at no additional charge. Optimal Selection™ Canine is offered exclusively on https://www.optimal-selection.com (it cannot be purchased on wisdompanel.com) for less than Wisdom Panel Premium because it does not include ancestry testing.
The most common cause for discrepancies between parents and offspring tested with us is that they were analyzed on different versions of our tests, such that the sire or dam were screened for a slightly different set of disorders or traits compared to the offspring. Looking closely at all results will generally indicate if the test(s) in question were actually performed for both parent and offspring. Another common cause is that the sample was mislabeled before submission—usually when more than one dog’s sample was collected at the same time. Genetic results are rarely inconsistent due to pedigree errors or true laboratory errors, but if you have concerns, we encourage you to purchase parentage and profiling for the dog(s) in question. We care deeply about the accuracy and quality of our results. If you have a concern, please contact us at breeder@wisdompanel.com. Our specialists will review the data and recommend an appropriate course of action.
To confirm that the same test was actually performed at both labs, we first recommend a close comparison with help from the testing laboratories. At this time, there are limited national or international standards for veterinary genetic testing. So, test nomenclature, type, quality, reproducibility, and procedure varies from laboratory to laboratory. Wisdom Panel follows recommended best practices, has been offering veterinary genetic testing for over 15 years, and has built a reputation for high testing standards to mitigate risk of error. We care deeply about the accuracy and quality of our results. If you have a concern, our specialists will review the data and recommend an appropriate course of action. Wisdom Panel cannot vouch for the accuracy of other laboratory results but will provide counsel to owners based on the information available.
Breed-specific tests may change with testing panel updates, which occur on a regular basis. Rarely, testing panel updates may cause a particular test to fail our rigorous reporting quality standards. And new research sometimes suggests additional discovery work is necessary before reporting on a particular gene variant. In such cases, we may remove a disorder from our test offerings for a time.
The old reports are still available in your account and should have all the tests that were available when the panel was originally processed. To find the original (legacy) report select “manage pet profile” under the dog in question and scroll down to the bottom of the page; the PDF link for the legacy report can be found there. When older tests were migrated to the new platform, only tests that are performed in the same manner now as they were then could be moved over; otherwise the specific test information on the details page would be incorrect. Some of the tests in question are dilute variant 1 (d1) and furnishings (f).
No. Although mutations can occur within individual cells throughout life, a dog’s DNA does not change with age. Some specific tests may be added or removed as technology changes.
Bringing research to publication can take several years depending on the nature of the disorder or gene variant under study. The Wisdom Panel team partners with many veterinary research groups to accelerate research on behalf of dogs. In cases where the pre-publication data strongly suggest association with a disorder or trait—or when a partnering breed group indicates high interest in a genetic test (and understands potential limitations)—we may choose to provide pre-publication testing information early to breeders to inform breeding decisions. When we do this, we provide as much information as we can about the gene variant. We also share what we do not know so that the result’s significance may be interpreted properly. We encourage our research partners to publish their findings—and we do the same ourselves—so that the breeder and research communities can benefit.
No. A new sample will be needed in the event you wish to update results on a previously tested dog, as all new genotyping will need to be performed.
Linked marker tests identify a gene or variant by a nearby marker that is almost always associated with the mutation. Specific patterns of markers are used to predict the likelihood of the presence or absence of a specific disease mutation with high confidence. On the other hand, direct mutation tests detect the presence or absence of the exact mutation that results in a particular disorder or trait. Both types of testing approaches provide information about the genetic status of an individual animal with high reliability.
The first Wisdom Health (formerly Mars Veterinary) canine breeder DNA test launched in 2010 under the name Optimal Selection™. It was a blood-based test designed to determine which mating pairs would maximize genetic diversity in the offspring. In 2015, Wisdom Health partnered with Genoscoper Laboratories and began offering the combination of extensive genetic disease, trait and diversity testing that you know today.
All dog breeds can be tested on Optimal Selection™ and receive disorder, trait, and diversity results. If there are known disorders for the breed, they will be highlighted in the report. Diversity information specific to your dog’s breed will be provided once we’ve tested enough dogs of the particular breed. Until then, their diversity score will be relative to all purebreds in our database.
You are welcome to select “Other breed” and enter the name. You may also email our customer service team at breeder@wisdompanel.com to nominate your breed for addition. (We update our breed list every 6-12 months.) In your email, please provide some background information on your breed. If the breed is rare, the Wisdom Panel team may be able to support early adoption of health testing in your breed.
On Nov 2nd, 2023 we added 4 important tests for the Dobermann Pinscher to our canine breeder products. DCM 1, DCM 2, DCM 3, and DCM 4. For more information about these tests, please see our blog post. At this time we have made the decision to report DCM 1-4 only if the dog is of Dobermann Pinscher ancestry. The reason for this is that while these markers may show up in other breeds, the affect on DCM risk has only been established in the Dobermann Pinscher at this time.
In short, the development of protein losing nephropathy is complex and additional research is needed to understand the various factors involved.
Although it is not fully conclusive, scientific evidence suggests the PLN NPHS1 gene variant has a complex mode of inheritance which is thought to most closely follow an autosomal recessive pattern with partial penetrance, making dogs with one copy at some level of an increased risk and dogs with two copies at a higher risk of being diagnosed with this condition during their lifetime. And, while there is scientific evidence to suggest one copy of the PLN variant may increase the risk of a dog developing this condition, the risk level has not been fully determined. This is because PLN has a complex background and several different genes and environmental factors are likely to contribute to the onset of symptoms.
Therefore, the PLN NPHS1 variant’s mode of inheritance will report as autosomal recessive within Optimal Selection results. However, the disorder page content will clearly reflect the complex nature involved in the development of this condition regarding dogs who inherit 1 or 2 copies of this particular gene variant.
The three separate variants, A, B, and C, in combination, influence the risk of developing DMS in Collies and Shelties. Optimal Selection tests include the A and B variants, which are key for determining risk. Research has shown that 97% of clinically affected Shelties and Collies have at least one copy of variant A (also known as A locus or PAN2), and 88% of affected Shelties and 39% of affected Collies have at least one copy of variant B (also known as B locus or MAP3K7CL).
While risk variant C does have an influence on DMS risk, the main drivers of risk are the A and B variants. As defined by the original research, a dog with two copies of the risk variant C can be found in all risk categories, whereas dogs with two copies of risk variants A and B are considered high risk. In addition, risk variant C (also known as C locus or variant DLA-DRB1*002:01) is extremely common in Collies and present in a high proportion of Shelties. That means excluding carriers of C from breeding could be detrimental to the gene pool.
Furthermore, dog leukocyte antigen, or DLA, encodes genes included in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which is critical in the immune response system of dogs. As the role of specific DLA complexes is poorly understood, it is worthwhile to view them as likely having both unknown benefits and risks depending on the situation. And in general, DLA diversity is thought to benefit the immune response.
Note that this test is only found on MyDogDNA and Optimal Selection panels and is only reported to dogs with Collie and/or Shetland Sheepdog ancestry indicated.
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) risk is caused by a retrogene insertion on chromosome 12 (CFA12-FGF4RG). This is not to be confused with breed-defining chondrodysplasia, which—though caused by the same retrogene insertion on chromosome 18—is not associated with increased risk of IVDD. We have added the CDDY/IVDD test in June 2023.
New research constantly reveals new genetic discoveries associated with disease predisposition among dog breeds. Wisdom Panel’s team of researchers and scientists actively contribute to this body of knowledge and review the findings of our colleagues to provide best-in-class testing to breeders. If we note a pattern of genetic disorder results in a certain breed and see adequate evidence of clinical significance, we will add to the list of known disorders for the breed to elevate breeder awareness. Breed-specific disorders can also change with testing panel updates, which occur on a regular basis. Rarely, testing panel updates may cause a particular test to fail our rigorous reporting quality standards. And new research sometimes suggests additional discovery work is necessary before reporting on a particular gene variant. In such cases, we may remove a disorder from our test offerings for a time.
Wisdom Panel’s team of scientists contributed to the discovery of both the genetic variant in RPGRIP1—which has been referred to as the primary risk gene for crd4—and a gene variant in MAP9—which has been shown to cause an early-onset form of the disorder in Dachshunds when present in combination with RPGRIP1. For unknown reasons, dogs with two copies of the risk variant in RPGRIP1 do not always develop abnormal vision. And recent research suggests at least one more gene variant (currently called L3) likely contributes to disease development risk. Based on this research, and to provide the most informative result for breeders, we decided to halt reporting of this disorder; however we were happy to bring it back in April of 2023.
Wisdom Panel is committed to providing trustworthy results to breeders. Because this particular genetic variant is challenging to detect using Optimal Selection™ technology, this test is not available as part of the Optimal Selection™ testing panel.
To ensure we’re providing the most trustworthy results to breeders, we have temporarily paused reporting on this disorder until an updated reporting process has been fully validated.
To ensure we’re providing the most trustworthy results to breeders, we have temporarily paused reporting on this disorder until an updated reporting process has been fully validated.
To ensure we’re providing the most trustworthy results to breeders, we have temporarily paused reporting on this disorder until an updated reporting process has been fully validated.
Wisdom Panel is committed to providing trustworthy results to breeders. Due to recent updates to our testing process—and because this particular genetic variant is challenging to test for using Optimal Selection™ technology—we have chosen to pause reporting on this disorder until an alternative testing protocol can be offered.
To ensure we’re providing the most trustworthy results to breeders, we have temporarily paused reporting on this disorder until an updated reporting process has been fully validated.
Quality is a priority at Wisdom Panel, and we know this test is important to Border Collie breeders globally. However, to ensure the quality of our results, we have temporarily paused reporting on Goniodysgenesis and Glaucoma (Discovered in the Border Collie) until an updated reporting process can be fully validated.
Optimal Selection™ Canine screens for over 50 traits. View the complete list of coat color tests here.
No, Optimal Selection™ Canine tests for the presence or absence of the merle SINE insertion in the SILV gene. The length requires a secondary, specialized test (fluorescent fragmentation analysis). Dogs that have no visible merle coloration but show a positive result upon testing are likely carrying a shortened (truncated) merle allele. Tilia Laboratories in Europe offers confirmatory testing for the presence or number of truncated merle alleles and for m/Mc/Mc+/Ma/Ma+/M/Mh determination.
Optimal Selection™ Canine tests for the presence or absence of the merle SINE insertion in the SILV gene. Often found in breeds that have carried merle for many years, the insertion can become shortened (truncated) due to copying errors that occur when gene information is passed down to offspring. Mutations within an individual can also result in that dog carrying two or more merle allele lengths. This is called “mosaicism.” Shorted merle insertions usually:
Optimal Selection testing will detect all lengths of merle alleles and report presence of these as “merle” without further details. There are also rare cases in which the merle insertion has little effect on coloration in that individual, but is not shortened. Offspring that inherit this variant from a parent can show normal merle coloration, even though their parent doesn’t. To rule out cryptic or atypical merle, a secondary, specialized test (fluorescent fragmentation analysis) is required. Tilia Laboratories in Europe offers confirmatory testing for the presence or number of truncated merle alleles and for m/Mc/Mc+/Ma/Ma+/M/Mh determination.
Optimal Selection™ Canine detects four chocolate variants: variant 1 (bc), variant 2 (bs), variant 3 (bd), and variant 4 (basd). Variants 1, 2, and 4 replace the dominant black allele. But variant 3 is unique in that it can also occur on a chromosome that is already carrying another chocolate variant from the same parent. To show chocolate, a dog must inherit at least one chocolate variant from both parents. Dogs that inherit two copies of chocolate from one parent and no copies from the other parent will produce black pigment—even though they have two copies of chocolate. Additional rare unknown variants are possible, and Cocoa, in French Bulldogs, is not caused by the chocolate locus.
Cocoa was added to the panel in June 2023.
Yes, we test for three forms of dilution in Optimal Selection™: dilution type 1 (d1), dilution type 2 (d2), and dilution type 3 (d3). Dilution type 1 is the most common, and we detect it via a linkage test. Dilution types 2 and 3 are direct tests but are much less commonly observed because they are breed-specific. Please note that rare, yet-to-be-discovered genetic variants are also known to cause dilution. If your dog is dilute but was not reported as carrying two copies of one or more dilution variants, we encourage you to reach out to our customer service team so we may include your dog in future research.
Breed-specific results in the web and technical reports are only provided if you designated your dog’s breed in their profile. You may enter this information during kit activation or at a later time by visiting the dog’s profile in your account and selecting a breed. If you have a rare breed for which we have fewer than 30 individuals in our database, your dog’s diversity score will be relative to all purebred dogs until we’ve collected enough reference samples.
Since 2010, preserving and monitoring diversity has been a fundamental part of our breeder products. We’ve redesigned diversity reporting to be as user-friendly as possible for all breeders and to make it available in the new web experience.
We are exploring new and better ways to convey the information in the Genetic Relationships graphs (also known as the MDS graphs). But for the time being, they are not available.
To provide a better experience for all customers, we’re consolidating our products onto the same web platform. Due to the technical complexity of supporting the Breeder Tool for our large breeder base, it will not be available in the immediate future. But we are exploring ways to bring this functionality to our customers in future updates and will inform you when more details are available.
The genetic diversity measurement found in Optimal Selection™ is based on genotyping specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genome and calculating the times a same (homozygous) or different (heterozygous) variant was inherited from the parents. All heterozygosity calculations in our products have been calculated based on the same SNP panel maintained on our custom microarray chip. This is notable because calculations from different sources can differ slightly due to differences in the marker sets used.
COI is typically based on recent pedigrees and is associated with the probability of inheriting two copies of the same allele (or sometimes a haplotype, being a large genomic chunk of inherited alleles) from common ancestors. Diversity (or heterozygosity) scoring is based on genetic testing at a number of genomic locations that are informative of overall variability within a population.
It’s worth noting that measuring genetic diversity is measuring an association with inbreeding, rather than directly measuring inbreeding. In addition to recent family inbreeding, Optimal Selection™ diversity score reflects long-term population “inbreeding” which can be very important in dogs - especially for breeds that have had small, relatively closed populations for many generations. This genetic diversity measurement is most useful when comparing the score against the provided population's score as both were created using the same method and genetic marker set.
