A new DNA test for dilated cardiomyopathy in the giant schnauzer has been approved by the Kennel Club.

Test approved following consultation with breed health coordinator

A new DNA test for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the giant schnauzer has been approved by the Kennel Club.

An inherited condition of the heart, DCM causes the lower chambers of the heart to swell, resulting in inefficient blood pumping.

Signs of the disease can include tiredness, going off food, coughing and difficulty breathing. To inherit the disease, a dog must receive two copies of an abnormal gene - one from its mother and one from its father - before its health is affected.

In a press release, the Kennel Club said the new testing scheme has been approved following consultation with the breed’s health coordinator, on behalf of the breed clubs.

‘Test results will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement,’ it said.

‘The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.

'Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.’

Image (C) Kennel Club.