Weatherbys has partnered with The Kennel Club to provide a simplified process for canine genetic health testing, benefitting both dog breeders and owners, helping to eradicate some of the most concerning genetic disorders facing certain breeds. 

CombiBreed™ health test packages simplify the process of genetic testing by using a single cheek swab to check a dog’s DNA for markers associated with a number of different inherited disorders.

This type of accessible genetic testing, helps responsible breeders work towards eradicating conditions and encourages first-time breeders to make the health of the puppies they breed a priority. Results from these tests are automatically registered on the dog’s record, and will be freely available on the Kennel Club website, allowing puppy buyers to check if the dog they are thinking of buying has come from health-tested parents.

The introduction of these packages follows research, which revealed that the number of pedigree dogs at risk of often painful and debilitating inherited diseases is being dramatically reduced by responsible breeders, thanks to the use of DNA tests. Researchers from the Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust found that approximately ten years after each DNA test became available; the gene mutations that caused the diseases had decreased in each breed by a staggering 90 per cent or more.

Weatherbys and Kennel Club have collaborated to bring a quality and trusted service in a largely unregulated industry.

The tests are currently available for 13 pedigree breeds, Australian Shepherd, Beagle, Border Collie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Crested, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, French Bulldog, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Rough Collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These were selected because they are popular and have several different DNA tests. We selected these breeds to encourage breeders to health screen their dogs and therefore maximise the number of healthy puppies bred from DNA tested parents. In time, it is likely that more breeds will be added to CombiBreed™. 

Priced at £135 (with a 10% discount for Kennel Club Assured Breeders at £121.50), CombiBreed™ allows breeders cost-effective access to the most impactful genetic health tests without the need to carry out each one individually, with results that are easy to interpret. 

Breeders can order breed specific CombiBreed™ health tests packages directly from the Kennel Club Shop here, as well as at Kennel Club shows and events. 

The partnership between the Kennel Club and Weatherbys brings together a combined heritage of nearly 400 years dedicated to animal registration and animal welfare, and through the provision of CombiBreed™ the two organisations are strengthening their legacy by continuing to improve the health and welfare of animals. 

For more information on CombiBreed™ health tests packages visit the Kennel Club website.

The Kennel Club refers to its Terms and Conditions of Sales, which are applicable to all engagements Weatherbys performs. These General Conditions can also be reviewed at www.thekennelclub.org.uk