DNA Testing Requirements

Current Testing Requirements

As we move forward in the preservation of this wonderful animal, the McNab Shepherd Registry will be requiring genetic proof for all dogs prior to their acceptance into the registry. Anyone can apply for membership to the registry but registration of a dog must meet certain criteria since we are diligently working on creating a viable database.

All dogs are required to have a Wisdom Panel Essential Test and a DNA profiling test from DDC Veterinary with the following exceptions: Pups acquired from a MSR Certified DNA Breeder or those whose Sire/Dam are DNA registered with the MSR. Again, all dogs that do not meet this exception are required to do the DDC Profiling Test.

As the McNab Shepherd Registry moves forward with DNA testing it has become apparent that the only way to preserve the McNab without further diluting the genetics is to test all dogs for several generations to come.  While your dog may phenotypical* look like a McNab and you’ve been told it is a McNab, it may very well genotypically**  NOT be a McNab.

Since the DNA testing is something that has not occurred in mass prior to the Registry, very few of us know the genetic makeup of our dogs.

* Phenotype: What an organism looks like because of the interaction of its genotype and the environment

** Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism or group of organisms with reference to a single trait, set of traits, or an entire complex of traits.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance in helping us to preserve this special breed!