The Saarlooswolfdog Genetic Research Project
Genetic research helps to keep the Saarlooswolfdog breed healthy and strong, preserving the breed’s unique traits and overall genetic diversity for future generations. By identifying inherited diseases, we can prevent genetic conditions and sick dogs in future.
Past
25 years ago Saarlooswolfdog blood was donated for a research project on PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy at the Ruhr University of Bochum, Germany.
10 years ago Saarlooswolfdog blood was donated for a research project on Cataract at the University of Helsinki, Finland.
5 years ago the previous research was revived in a new project on PRA - Progessive Retinal Atrophy, Cataract, Retinal Dysplasia and Epilepsy at the University of Bern, Switzerland.
2 years ago the genetic mutation for PCYT2-Deficiency was found, a first succes !
Present
Right now, scientists from the University of Bern are studying the DNA of Saarlooswolfdogs, together with the universities of Helsinki, Finland and Utrecht, the Netherlands.
The goal is to develop reliable DNA tests that will support healthier breeding practices and reduce the frequency of these conditions in the breed.
Project Team
The universities are supported by a group of dedicated people: Alexandra Windl, Lisa van Hoof, Gosling Mast, Sabrina Sass and Claudia Schröder.
They work for the general welfare of the Saarlooswolfdog breed and as such also participate in meetings of umbrella organisation Saarlooswolfdog International (SWDi).
They act as a spokesperson for the Bern team, help organize blood sample collection and communicate with breed clubs, owners and breeders.
Blood collection
Every Saarlooswolfdog counts. Scientists need blood samples from many Saarlooswolfdogs to study DNA, find patterns, identify genetic markers and develop tests.
You can help too!
Ask your vet to take a 5ml blood sample and send it to the University of Bern.
Future
For more updates, join the facebook group Saarlooswolfdog Genetics & Research !
Contact us: forschung@dvswh.be
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- gPRA - genetic Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye disease that causes vision loss. Dogs will have more difficulty seeing with less light, at dusk or at night. In general it does not reduce the quality of life or age.
- Cataract causes cloudiness in the eye lens, impairing vision. While some cases are age-related, inherited forms can appear early and progress rapidly.
- Retinal Dysplasia affects how the retina (the part of the eye that sees light) grows. It can cause vision problems or blindness. It may be inherited or caused by environmental factors.
- PCYT2-Deficiency is a severe neurological disorder that affects nerve and brain cells. Symptoms include vision loss, coordination issues, behavioral changes, and seizures, which affect quality of life and end up in early death. Luckily, there is a genetic test since 2024.