Test for Coat Length

Variation in the gene FGF5 has been shown by researchers at Michigan University to determine coat length in dogs. Long coats show a recessive mode of inheritance: two copies of the long-hair form of the gene are necessary for a dog to have a long coat - dogs with one copy of the long-hair form and one copy of the short-hair form have short coats but can pass the long-haired trait on to their offspring.

Currently this test applies to Weimeraners, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds, and Alaskan Malamutes

Samples should be submitted as mouth swabs, available free of charge from the AHT. Samples for testing should be sent, together with a completed DNA Testing form and payment of £34 inc VAT for each sample to Genetic Services, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU.

DNA testing forms can be downloaded by clicking here.

Enquiries or requests for swab kits should be made to Symone Ingram
Telephone +44 (0)1638 555621, Fax +44 (0)1638 555643 or via e-mail to swabrequest@aht.org.uk.

A description of the research underlying this test can be found in:

Housley,D.J.E. and Venta,P.J. (2006) The long and the short of it: evidence that FGF5 is a major determinant of canine 'hair'-itability. Animal Genetics 37, 309-315