Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the permanent genetic blueprint that determines every heritable trait of a living organism. The exception  to this trait would be that of identical twins,  otherwise each individual has its own unique DNA code.
 

          DNA analysis allows us to determine your dog's unique genetic pattern. This pattern, called a genotype, is digitally analysed using computer systems. The test results are then professionally analysed and can be documented on a certificate of analysis, forming a unique record of the animal's identity.

    The major provider of this service in the UK is "Rosgen Ltd". "Zoogen" provide a similar service in the USA and such identification is now being called for as compulsory for all breeding stock by the German SV.

Rosgen operate a service - the genetic DogPrint - which means dog owners in the UK can now use DNA analysis to determine a dog's unique genetic pattern. It is easy, and the most accurate way to check a dog's pedigree.

          This service and others like it, offer a new level of quality assurance  for breeders and of protection for the dog buyer.

          Breeders,  will be able to state on the sales contract that the dog's pedigree and identity have  been validated using DNA analysis, so the dog is of  greater value to the buyer.
          It also offers a new level of protection when a dog becomes lost or stolen, as the DNA identification can indisputably link a dog to its' owner. The test can also be carried out at a distance, so if a dog is found in another part of the country, or even abroad, its identity can be proved before you travel to be reunited. The sample remains accurate several weeks/months aftercollection has taken place allowing for testing to take place in other countries where it may be required.

•            For the first time it is possible to be sure of the pedigree of a dog  It is possible to identify which dog sired each puppy in a mixed litter
•            If a dog is lost or stolen it will be able to re-identify it - without any doubt
•            Protected  can be afforded to  both breeder and buyer - and add value to the dog

The following are 2 articles which appeared in the July '98 issue of the UK GSD National Magazine indicating how the use of DNA testing could have prevented major irregularities in the breeding of certain German Shepherd Dogs origination in this country.

Crown V Malcolm Leslie Griffiths.

At the Swansea Crown Court Malcolm Griffiths PLEADED GUILTY to
11 out of 13 charges referring to:
Knowingly and with intent to evade Quarantine Regulations
Knowingly supplied goods to which a false trades description had been applied.

Note that this was a PLEA of GUILTY and not the result of trumped up charges. Carmarthen County Council conducted over a period of 2 years a most thorough but expensive investigation, during which time Mr. Griffiths declared his innocence. When this investigation became public knowledge statements were taken from Breeders and Purchasers alike. Some were made voluntarily and others under oath. Throughout the 2 years aggrieved and disgusted parties assisted in the enquiries by reporting factual evidence to me which I forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
For this the authorities extend their sincere thanks to all who contributed, hopefully, in bringing this most distasteful episode to an end.

At the time of going to press, the Court has sentenced Mr. Griffiths to Community Service plus he must pay expenses, the exact amount to be set at a later date. Mr. Griffiths punishment should be of little concern to the GSD world and I use the word "World" advisedly, as the shock waves from this act of false description is being felt on foreign shores. Rather our concern should be directed at the damage inflicted on our breed and embark upon a course of damage limitation. As this case did not go to trial but rather decided on plea bargaining it means that the true extent of the damage will never be known. Pedigrees throughout the world must come into question with the ruination of many a breeding program. Had the case gone to a full trial it is my opinion that dogs other than Bedwins Lesko would have their pedigree altered to read "Sire or Dam unknown". If Mr. Griffiths has an ounce of remorse in his body he should sit down with the Kennel Club and declare all his transactions of false
description. That way at least we could salvage something from this unholy mess.

When the KC were first informed that the irregularities were appearing within the Bedwin Breeding, they stated (rightly so) they could not take action until definite proof was provided. I now say to them, what more proof do you need?

Malcolm Griffiths had it all: Good looks, charm, and eye for a dog a flair for the mating of Shepherds that would produce top class off spring time and time again, and a deep knowledge of this breed gained over the years since he showed Shepherds as a young boy. He was very much in demand as a judge both at home and overseas and his critiques and articles were informative and easily understood. Now it has all turned to ashes.

There are some who feel sorry for Malcolm Griffiths but do not waste your sympathy. Instead you should be sorry for the people like Clarissa and Roy Allen who over the years have produced a long line of Champion bitches and were running on another hopeful only to find that she has but half a pedigree, the KC having removed the pedigree of her sire "Bedwins Lesko". The Allans bitch is now serving with the police instead of being part of their future Showing and Breeding plans. Be sorry too for the breeders of the other 26 litters sired by Lesko and be sorry for the people who purchased the 143 puppies contained in these litters.

Be sorry for the overseas enthusiasts in many different countries who spend much money importing "Bedwins" stock or stock with "Bedwins" lines.

Be sorry for the breeders who value their good name but who may now, in the eyes of the public, be tarred with the same brush.

Even be sorry for the Kennel Club who have egg on their face for Griffiths' Cruft's appointment this year.

Be sorry for all those who have the affix "Bedwins" on their pedigree, no matter how far back, for we will never know when it all started and the KC will need to rule on what may be considered genuine and what may not. But whoever you feel sorry for, do NOT feel sorry for Malcolm Griffiths. Benjamin Nolan who defended him said that "He was a victim of his own success". A victim of his own avarice might be more accurate.

Griffith defence also said that "he has a very impressive career profile within a difficult and challenging industry" INDUSTRY?  Unhappily the breeding and exhibiting of German Shepherds may have become an industry to some people and there may be some who are tempted to emulate Griffiths methods in the belief that this is the way to the top. "Breeders Charters" and "Codes of Ethics" are all very well but they are useless when there is lack of integrity. The way forward is obviously through DNA testing, a subject which I, in common with many others, know nothing.

DNA testing is not cheap, Rosgen (UK's leading provider in services of animal DNA analysis) Introductory Offer costs £30.00 per test. This is the discount price but it does include VAT and £30.00 is very little compared to a stud fee or the value of a brood bitch. I understand that the SV are making DNA testing compulsory for breeding stock (which may indicate they have problems too)  and I am of the opinion that the UK KC should do likewise. Maybe the Breed Council should approach Rosgen to continue the discount for members of Member Clubs, perhaps even paying a little towards the cost of DNA testing an animal that has been through the Breed Council Survey?

As far as the Griffith case is concerned compulsory DNA testing for breeding stock is shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but for the sake of the breed and the Breeders that come after us let us ensure that there can never be a repeat Griffiths case.