Information provided by The Kennel Club, Health & Information Dept, 1-5 Clarges St, Piccadilly , London.

How does the parentage analysis service work?

Parentage analysis involves the comparison of the DNA profiles of related dogs, usually to rule out the possibility of one or more of the dogs being a sire to a puppy or puppies. The dam is usually not in question. Any dog or bitches that need to be included in parentage analysis must, therefore, be DNA profiled first (unless there is already a KC DNA profile record for them) and a separate DNA profile request form should be completed for each dog to be profiled before parentage analysis can take place.

How long will it take?

DNA profiles are currently taking approximately 4 weeks to be completed.

If in doubt, check the parentage before registration!

Breeders should be aware that if multiple matings of a bitch during the same season have occurred, then it is possible for more than one dog to be the sire of different puppies from the same litter. Therefore, for KC registration purposes, it is necessary to include all puppies in the parentage analysis in order to ensure correct parentage (KC Rule B16)

What happens next?

On completion of parentage analysis, the KC will inform, in writing, the person who has applied for the analysis.
Certificates of DNA profiling will be issued for each dog that has been profiled to enable the parentage analysis, providing that there is clear evidence of individual identification eg. It would be advisable to have the litter micro chipped for example, to ensure that the correct DNA profile is assigned to the correct dog.

Owners should be aware that throughout this process, the issue of trust is a major factor, as owners may take and submit DNA samples without a dog being positively identified. The Kennel Club has to assume that the dog owners are taking and providing samples from the correct dogs and certificates are issued with this proviso. If misrepresentations are made, however, the situation should be self-limiting as it is highly likely that these will be revealed when subsequent generations are DNA profiled!

If you have any questions, or would like to talk to KC about DNA Profiling or parentage analysis, then please contact KC Health & information Dept (email: info@the-kennel-club.org.uk )