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“Willow”
Rocky Desert's Little Miss Willow

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Registration

American Kennel Club (AKC): TS41068705

Genetic Breed Result

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an indoor companion that loves people and should not be left alone for long. They're loved for their sweet temperaments, and make wonderful dogs for families with children or anyone looking for a dog who will stick to them like Velcro.

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Health Summary

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Willow is at increased risk for one genetic health condition.

And inherited one variant that you should learn more about.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (Type I)

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Willow inherited both copies of the variant we tested

How to interpret this result

Willow has two copies of an FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12. In some breeds such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds (among others) this variant is found in nearly all dogs. While those breeds are known to have an elevated risk of IVDD, many dogs in those breeds never develop IVDD. For mixed breed dogs and purebreds of other breeds where this variant is not as common, risk for Type I IVDD is greater for individuals with this variant than for similar dogs.

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease (Type I)?

Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a back/spine issue that refers to a health condition affecting the discs that act as cushions between vertebrae. With Type I IVDD, affected dogs can have a disc event where it ruptures or herniates towards the spinal cord. This pressure on the spinal cord causes neurologic signs which can range from a wobbly gait to impairment of movement. Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) refers to the relative proportion between a dog’s legs and body, wherein the legs are shorter and the body longer. There are multiple different variants that can cause a markedly chondrodystrophic appearance as observed in Dachshunds and Corgis. However, this particular variant is the only one known to also increase the risk for IVDD.

ALT Activity

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Willow inherited one copy of the variant we tested

Why is this important to your vet?

Willow has one copy of a variant associated with reduced ALT activity as measured on veterinary blood chemistry panels. Please inform your veterinarian that Willow has this genotype, as ALT is often used as an indicator of liver health and Willow is likely to have a lower than average resting ALT activity. As such, an increase in Willow’s ALT activity could be evidence of liver damage, even if it is within normal limits by standard ALT reference ranges.

What is ALT Activity?

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a clinical tool that can be used by veterinarians to better monitor liver health. This result is not associated with liver disease. ALT is one of several values veterinarians measure on routine blood work to evaluate the liver. It is a naturally occurring enzyme located in liver cells that helps break down protein. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream.

Breed-Relevant Genetic Conditions

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Dry Eye Curly Coat Syndrome (FAM83H Exon 5)

Identified in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A)

Identified in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Muscular Dystrophy (DMD, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Variant 1)

Identified in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Episodic Falling Syndrome (BCAN)

Identified in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Additional Genetic Conditions

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Traits

Explore the genetics behind your dog’s appearance and size.

Coat Color

Coat Color

Other Coat Traits

Other Coat Traits

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Performance

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Through Willow’s mitochondrial DNA we can trace her mother’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that her ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

A1d

Haplotype

A26a/305

Map

A1d

Rocky Desert's Little Miss Willow’s Haplogroup

This female lineage can be traced back about 15,000 years to some of the original Central Asian wolves that were domesticated into modern dogs. The early females that represent this lineage were likely taken into Eurasia, where they spread rapidly. As a result, many modern breed and village dogs from the Americas, Africa, through Asia and down into Oceania belong to this group! This widespread lineage is not limited to a select few breeds, but the majority of Rottweilers, Afghan Hounds and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons belong to it. It is also the most common female lineage among Papillons, Samoyeds and Jack Russell Terriers. Considering its occurrence in breeds as diverse as Afghan Hounds and Samoyeds, some of this is likely ancient variation. But because of its presence in many modern European breeds, much of its diversity likely can be attributed to much more recent breeding.

A26a/305

Rocky Desert's Little Miss Willow’s Haplotype

Part of the large A1d haplogroup, we have not yet detected this haplotype in any of our village dogs. Among the 6 breeds we see it in, it appears most frequently in Newfoundlands, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and soft coated Wheaten Terriers.

The vast majority of Rottweilers have the A1d haplogroup.

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The Paternal Haplotype reveals a dog’s deep ancestral lineage, stretching back thousands of years to the original domestication of dogs.

Are you looking for information on the breeds that Willow inherited from her mom and dad? Check out her breed breakdown.

Paternal Haplotype is determined by looking at a dog’s Y-chromosome—but not all dogs have Y-chromosomes!

Why can’t we show Paternal Haplotype results for female dogs?

All dogs have two sex chromosomes. Female dogs have two X-chromosomes (XX) and male dogs have one X-chromosome and one Y-chromosome (XY). When having offspring, female (XX) dogs always pass an X-chromosome to their puppy. Male (XY) dogs can pass either an X or a Y-chromosome—if the puppy receives an X-chromosome from its father then it will be a female (XX) puppy and if it receives a Y-chromosome then it will be a male (XY) puppy. As you can see, Y-chromosomes are passed down from a male dog only to its male offspring.

Since Willow is a female (XX) dog, she has no Y-chromosome for us to analyze and determine a paternal haplotype.

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