The broad aim of the Kennel Club Genetics Centre is to investigate the genetic basis of inherited diseases that affect dogs and identify genetic variants that underpin those diseases.
Our research focuses on diseases that are painful, blinding, require surgical or medical intervention or otherwise reduce the quality or length of life of affected dogs. A longer-term aim is for our findings to improve our understanding of disease aetiology in dogs and other species.
The KCGC research team, lead by Dr. Cathryn Mellersh, have identified more than 30 genetic variants associated with inherited diseases that affect around 50 different breeds of dog. Hundreds of thousands of dogs have been screened for these mutations globally, and thousands of dogs have subsequently been born that are free of these associated disorders.
We enjoy collaborating with other experts and welcome discussions with researchers, veterinary surgeons and other stakeholder groups regarding new or existing research projects, please get in touch with us.
Our Current Research Areas
- Inherited Eye Diseases – such as Glaucoma, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) etc. These fall under the Consortium to Research Inherited Eye Diseases in Dogs (CRIEDD).
- Neurological Disorders – such as Idiopathic Epilepsy, Paroxysmal Dyskinesia
- Primary hyperparathyroidism in Keeshonds
- Congenital hepatic fibrosis in Skye Terriers
- Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) in Border Terriers
