Brief History of the DNA Program

The Australian Shepherd Club of America started its pilot DNA program in 1994 after a presentation to the Board of Directors given by Dr. Jerry Caldwell of ImmGen, Inc. The purpose of the program was to develop a DNA genetic database to create and maintain an accurate registry. The program began with processing of 130 samples from members who volunteered their dogs blood.

In 1996, the Board of Directors announced there would be a 3-year phase-in of mandatory DNA profiling for parentage verification of all breeding stock. However, there were a lot of misconceptions among the membership about what DNA profiling would accomplish and what kind of information could be obtained from such profiling. The phase-in of mandatory DNA profiling of all breeding stock was later rescinded in an official announcement in the November/December 1996 Aussie Times, however, the voluntary program would continue for those members who wanted their dogs profile added to ASCAs growing DNA database. In the same issue of the Times an announcement regarding the establishment of the DNA Committee was made. The mandate of the committee was to formulate policy regarding the voluntary DNA program for parentage verification of all breeding stock and to educate the membership on the benefits of DNA by writing articles for the Aussie Times.

By the summer of 1997, the members of the Committee had been chosen and work had already begun. In the Committee report in the June/July 1997 Aussie Times, the Committee stated it had prioritized several issues of immediate concern regarding the DNA Program. Later that year, the Aussie Times featured advertisements promoting the DNA Parentage Verification Program.

Why is DNA Parentage Verification important for ASCA and you?

DNA technology is one of the fastest growing scientific areas today. DNA profiles for dogs and many other animals can be obtained fairly easily at an affordable cost. By submitting DNA samples of ASCA registered Australian Shepherds we ensure and maintain the integrity of the registry. Such integrity is not only of great importance to ASCA but also to the breeders whose breeding program largely depends on accurate records in order to make future breeding decisions. With each submission to the database our registry grows stronger.

DNA Designations after your dogs name:

DNA-CP: DNA-Certified Profiled An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd who has been DNA profiled in an ASCA approved laboratory but one or both of whose parents have NOT been DNA-profiled at an ASCA approved laboratory.

DNA-VP: DNA-Verified Parentage An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd who has been DNA profiled with an ASCA approved laboratory and whose parents have also been DNA profiled with an ASCA approved laboratory.

The ASCA Registry Rules contain specific directives about DNA parentage verification every breeder, owner and member should be aware of and are available on this web site.

How Does It Work?

We process our DNA samples through Therion International, LLC in Saratoga Springs NY, our US approved Lab. Our German/European members can have DNA profiling done through Biopsytec, our approved Lab in Germany. Kits can be purchased by printing the Request for DNA Kit form from the Forms section of this website and faxing it with credit card info or mailing it with a check (U.S. Funds only) to the ASCA Business Office. The most efficient, reliable and recommended way to provide samples for DNA profiling is the collection of a tube of whole blood, although another alternative, the blood card, is available for the same price.

Animals (like humans) inherit half of their DNA material from their dam and half from their sire. DNA profiling does not use genes but DNA sequences between genes which are inherited from the parents just like actual genes are. By comparing the pattern of these sequences in the dog to the pattern in the sequences from the probable parents, parentage verification is possible.

The technology used in processing and DNA profiling does NOT distinguish between breeds at this time and does NOT provide information about genetic (inherited) diseases. However, in conjunction with Therion, ASCA maintains a Gene Bank Program to which you can submit a sample of your dogs blood. When DNA profiling your dog (blood tube (whole blood) method only) you need only fill out a submission form available on this website and your dogs blood will be held indefinitely for use in any future health studies the owner selects to transfer the dogs sample to. This is a completely confidential service and by this one act you are offering hope to those few Aussie owners whose dog may be afflicted with some form of as yet incurable inherited disease. The cost of shipping the blood to the owner-designated facility is the responsibility of the owner.

The DNA and Genetics Committee is happy to answer questions about our DNA Program. If you are interested in serving on the Committee, send a resume to the Executive Secretary at jo.kimes@imsday.com.