DNA Program

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 The phase-in of mandatory DNA profiling of all breeding stock was later rescinded in an official announcement in the November/December 1996 Aussie Times, however, the voluntary program would continue for those members who wanted their dogs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. Submitting DNA samples taken from ASCA registered Australian Shepherds ensures the integrity of the registry. Registry integrity is of great importance to ASCA and to the breeders whose breeding programs depends on accurate records to support breeding decisions. With each submission the registry database integrity grows stronger.

DNA Designations after your dog’s name:

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

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

The ASCA Registry Rules contain specific directives about DNA parentage verification. They are available on this web site.

How Does It Work?

UC Davis is ASCA’s approved Laboratory processes DNA samples for U.S. and Canadian samples. Kits can be purchased directly through UC Davis.  German/European ASCA members can have DNA profiling done through Certagen GmbH, our approved Lab in Germany. The cost of the kit is included in the 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 among breeds at this time and does NOT provide information about genetic (inherited) diseases.

Below is the contact information for both of the ASCA approved labs:

UC Davis in the USA:
Contact the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory
Email: [email protected]
Messages will be answered in the order they are received. Please note that multiple phone or email inquiries may cause delays in response time.

Telephone: (530) 752-2211
Fax: (530) 752-3556

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Certagen GmbH – ein Unternehmen von VHLGenetics in Europa
(+49) 02226 871600
[email protected]
www.certagen.de
Marie-Curie-Str. 1, D-53359 Rheinbach

Members currently experiencing issues or delays with existing DNA cases should contact [email protected] for assistance.
We also have a Case Management Help Request Form available here: https://forms.gle/jz5yCqsVNhATvrgD7