DNA Certification

Certification will be required for all National entries starting in 2008

December 2005

The American Kennel Club Delegates’ Canine Health Committee and the Delegates’ Parent Club Committee have joined in asking that all Parent Clubs launch an initiative to increase the use of DNA for parentage identification of all breeding stock. It is their belief that ALL breeding stock (not just fresh-extended, frozen, multiple-sired litters, frequently used sires or imported breeding stock) should be DNA profiled.

The GSCA Board of Governors has voted that, effective with the 2008 National Specialty and the 2008 National Championship, all entries MUST be DNA certified. The certification will be provided by the DNA number that will be required on all entries to National events.

The cheek swabs for AKC DNA profiling are easy to use and reasonably economical. For more information, go to www.akc.org and click on “Registration” and then on “DNA.” It is also the hope of the Board that DNA clinics will be offered at upcoming GSCA events.

The Gordon Setter Club of America will now join other breed clubs who have already taken this step forward to maintain the integrity of our AKC pedigrees, and we will provide a model for all breeders.