DNA FAQ

DNA is the genetic blueprint found in every living cell. A DNA sample smaller than a grain of sand can accurately establish and verify any dogs:

A. Identity. Every dog has a unique genetic pattern. This is what we call the DNA Profile. Once a dog has been profiled, this evidence of its identity can never be changed. Your dogs DNA profile is absolutely unchangeable.

B. Parentage. Each dog inherits his genetic profile from his parents and cannot have any pattern that is not inherited from his Sire or his Dam. Genes come in pairs with each parent contributing one of the genes in each pair.

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

Paw Print Genetics in the US:
Direct: (509) 483-5950
Toll-Free: (855) 202-4889
lshaffer@pawprintgenetics.com – www.pawprintgenetics.com/
220 E Rowan Ave Suite 220 Spokane, WA 99207

Certagen GmbH – a VHLGenetics Company in Europe
Marie-Curie-Str. 1 ¨ D-53359 Rheinbach ¨ Tel: (+49) 02226 871600 ¨ www.certagen.de
Registergericht Bonn HRB14504 ¨ Geschäftsführer: Dr. Daniël Mioch

To prepare a DNA Profile, multiple different genetic locations are identified in your dog. If, for example, the first location identified on a dog has genes labeled A and B, that means that the dog inherited an A gene from one parent and a B gene from the other. When the parents are tested, that exact same location will be examined. To continue this hypothetical example, assume the Sire is AJ and the dam is BK. These two parents could have produced the four possible combinations in the table below:

A J
B| AB | JB
K| AK | JK

Since AB appears in the above list, there is a match. Just one match is not enough to be certain that this Sire and Dam produced this dog, but each time there is a match, the odds increase that these two are the parents of the dog. Suppose now, that the Sire had tested JM and the Dam BK. It is immediately obvious that neither parent could have contributed an A gene to your dog. The Sire is excluded as a possible parent but the Dam is still included as a possible parent.

When analyzed in the laboratory, a dogs DNA reveals a unique pattern-its DNA profile. DNA profiles allow a breeder to:

a) Establish a permanent record of identity for any dog.
b) Determine individual paternity for separately sired siblings.
c) Provide bitch owners with guaranteed stud service.
d) Verify artificial insemination.
e) Resolve breeding disputes.
f) Guarantee puppy buyers a verifiable pedigree.

ASCA DNA profiling is for parentage verification and genetic identity purposes only. It does not provide information regarding genetic health, conformation, performance ability, coat color, etc. It also cannot determine any crossbreeding that may have occurred by accident or design.
The ASCA DNA Program is a program the membership can use to strengthen their breeding programs. Participants receive an ASCA DNA Profile with the dog’s actual genotype. ASCA also issues the dog a certificate stating this dog has been DNA profiled and is entered as such in ASCA’s registry database which will in turn ensure the integrity of the ASCA registry.
ASCA’s DNA Program was started in order to offer breeders, puppy buyers and the ASCA registry an accurate source of pedigrees.
No. DNA profiling can verify parentage and determine genetic identity, but cannot identify the breed. It also cannot determine any crossbreeding that may have occurred by accident or design.
ASCAs DNA program is set up for parentage verification only. There are independent labs that are conducting research on inherited canine diseases and some tests have been developed. You would need to contact these independent labs for such tests.
Yes, once your dog is DNA profiled, a DNA-CP or DNA-VP is added behind your dog’s registered name. A new registration certificate will not be issued unless
requested and paid for by the owner. All subsequent pedigrees issued by the Business Office will include the DNA designation for that dog (including ancestors, if applicable).
To get started all you need to do is place your order on PawPrint Genetics website or call them, toll free, 1-855-202-4889 and they can help you with your order. There must be an order placed before sending them any samples. **In addition, the completed and signed authorization form must accompany the samples.** Any dogs involved in a dual or multi-sired breeding can be sent to PPG now. For those parentage verifications, you will need to place an order prior to sending in the samples. Include the completed and signed ASCA authorization form so that PPG knows to send your results to the ASCA office.
You should receive your dog’s DNA profile and ASCA DNA Certificate approximately 3-5 weeks after the lab receives the DNA sample.
All sire and dams must be DNA profiled with an ASCA approved lab prior to the registration of their first litter (effective January 1, 2011)
Yes, there is. ASCAs approved lab in Germany is “Certagen GmbH“. Please contact one of the European affiliates.
It is not a problem for the parentage verification program. Once your dog’s DNA test is run to completion, your dog’s DNA profile is stored in ASCA’s DNA database and is used to verify parentage.
No. ASCA’s DNA database uses a unique set of genetic markers, developed by our lab. All genotypes in the ASCA database can be compared and used for an individual dog’s profile or for parentage verification. Other labs (not ASCA approved) use different markers and cannot be compared to profiles in our database.
No. A DNA profile is forever. Once a dog has been DNA profiled, it is not necessary to repeat the process. A dog’s DNA does NOT change during its lifetime
If you have questions about the sample and process please contact PawPrints 1-855-202-4889. If you have questions about the certificates please contact the ASCA Business Office at (979) 778-1082; FAX (979) 778-1898. Or email the manager.