Scientific Committee

DNA, index and X-ray

The Scientific Committee currently has three sub-committees. They are assigned to handle issues related to DNA, index and X-ray.

Index group

The NKU index group works among the issues around estimated breeding values (EBV). The group consists of geneticists and veterinarians working with EBVs in the Nordic kennel clubs. The aim is to share information and experiences.

Members

Hanna Kaasalainen	The Finnish Kennel Club
Sofia Malm Persson	The Swedish Kennel Club
Helle Friis Proschowsky	The Danish Kennel Club
Frode Lingaas	The Norwegian Kennel Club

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X-ray panel

The NKU x-ray panel consists of hip dysplasia, HD, and elbow dysplasia, ED, scrutineers from the Nordic kennel clubs DKK, FKK, NKK and SKK. The panel handles all official Nordic HD/ED appeal cases. 
The X-ray panel assembles regularly to handle matters regarding hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs and works toward equilibration of scorings.

Read more about how the Nordic kennel clubs work together on issues related to radiography: X-ray evaluation

 Members

Hege Kippenes Skogmo	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Anu Lappalainen	The Finnish Kennel Club
Liisa Lilja-Maula	The Finnish Kennel Club
Veronica Näslund	The Swedish Kennel Club
Marte Ottesen	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Vilma Reunanen	The Finnish Kennel Club
Magnus Rørvik	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Eiliv Svalastoga	The Danish Kennel Club
Cathrine Trangerud	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Kami Turunen	The Finnish Kennel Club
Tanja Vedel Jensen	The Danish Kennel Club

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DNA group

The aims of the Nordic Kennel Union DNA group is to share information and discuss the use of different DNA tests and other DNA tools in the Nordic kennel clubs. The group consists of geneticists and veterinarians.

Members

Kim Bellamy	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Tomas Bergström	The Swedish Kennel Club
William Bredal	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Hanna Kaasalainen	The Finnish Kennel Club
Frode Lingaas	The Norwegian Kennel Club
Sofia Malm Persson	The Swedish Kennel Club
Helle Friis Proschowsky	The Danish Kennel Club
Kirsi Sainio	The Finnish Kennel Club
Renate Sjølie	The Norwegian Kennel Club

Read more about DNA-testing strategy

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Meeting minutes

Here you can find meeting minutes from the Scientific Committee.

2024

Scientific Committee 17-18.4.2024

Minutes (in swedish) from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting, held april 17 and 18, 2024.

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2023

Scientific Committee 22-23.3.2023

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting, held march 22 and 23, 2023.

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2022

Scientific Committee 30-31.3.2022

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting, held march 30 and 31, 2022.

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2021

Scientific Committee 12.4.2021 & 14.4.2021

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting held digitally, April 12 and 14, 2021.

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2019

Scientific Committee 30.9.2019

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting in Oslo, Norway, 30 September 2019. 

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2018

Scientific Committee 21-22.3.2018

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting in Helsinki, Finland, 21-22 March 2018. 

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2017

Scientific Committee 2017

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, 31 may-1 june 2017. 

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2016

Scientific Committee 2016

Minutes from the NKU Scientific Committee meeting in Uppsala, Sweden, 1-2 june 2016. 

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Information and policy regarding HD

General statement regarding HD screening

Based on the information in the document “Information and policy regarding HD”, the Scientific Committee of the Nordic Kennel Union, NKU/VK, would like to make the following general statement regarding HD screening:

The Nordic HD screening programmes are comprehensive, transparent and unique with respect to harmonisation and calibration. NKU/VK would like to emphasise that the primary aim of HD screening is to use the screening records as basis for selection of breeding animals in order to gradually reduce the proportion of dogs showing clinical signs of HD. Research indicates that dogs with moderate and severe HD at screening have markedly increased risk of clinical problems related to HD, compared with dogs assessed as free or mild. Hence, the breeding programme should first and foremost aim for a decreased prevalence of dogs graded as D and E.

Although HD screening gives an indication of hip joint quality, it is not possible to determine the individual’s clinical hip status based on the radiographic status alone. The strength of this kind of screening is the possibility to screen a large number of dogs, in relatively simple and cost-efficient way, thereby providing a reliable basis for genetic evaluation of breeding animals and of the breed as a whole. Screening programmes for HD have successfully reduced the prevalence of HD in many breeds. However, for continued progress application of breeding indices offer a more accurate tool for evaluation and selection of breeding animals. Therefore, when available selection should be based on breeding indices rather than screening records for individual dogs. For improved accuracy of breeding indices, screening a large part of the population is of great value.

Hip dysplasia is one of many traits to consider in the overall breeding programme. Measures against HD should be prioritised with respect to other traits and breed-specific needs and conditions. 

Download information and policy document regarding HD

Information regarding estimates of inbreeding

Information from the Scientific Committee of the Nordic Kennel Union, NKU/VK, regarding pedigree-based versus DNA-based inbreeding estimates.

Inbreeding in dogs refers to the mating of individuals that are related, which will lead to an increase in homozygosity, i.e., that an individual inherits two identical copies of a gene, one from each parent. Inbreeding and genetic variation are two sides of the same coin. The level of inbreeding can be estimated using pedigree information or by DNA analysis, the latter often referred to as genomic inbreeding.

A pedigree based inbreeding estimate will only capture the inbreeding that has occurred in the generations included in the calculation, typically a few generations back. Pedigree-based calculations of inbreeding can, nevertheless, be very useful in practical breeding, for the purpose of breeding planning with respect to specific combinations. Regardless of the level of genetic variation in the breed or in an individual, the risk of disease and inbreeding depression in a specific litter will increase if the parents are closely related. Avoiding these high-risk combinations will also help to limit the rate of increased inbreeding in the population. However, to estimate the accumulated, total level of inbreeding in a breed, one must either use complete pedigrees, or DNA-based methods. Since the former can be difficult in practice due to lack of data, DNA analyses are often the best option.

In DNA-based analyses of genetic variation and inbreeding (genomic inbreeding), the dogs’ DNA is examined directly. Genomic inbreeding is estimated by examining whether the dog is homozygous, i.e., lack genetic variation, in a larger proportion of their genes compared to other dogs. The methods used for calculation of genomic inbreeding may vary between different commercial providers. Consequently, results for dogs tested by different test providers are not directly comparable and implementation of genomic inbreeding in breeding planning is not straightforward. For individual dogs, breeding recommendations related to genomic inbreeding are still lacking and are difficult to develop due to the lack of standardisation regarding definition and calculation. DNA-based inbreeding tools are currently useful primarily to monitor and compare breeds at the population level, to assess the degree of genetic variation in the breed. Higher levels of inbreeding are associated with increased risk, but there is currently not sufficient evidence to define “how much is too much”. However, based on the precautionary principle, actions to increase diversity should be seriously considered in breeds where the levels of inbreeding are high.

For more extensive information regarding pedigree-based versus DNA-based inbreeding estimates, please see the document below, developed by the Scientific Committee of the NKU.

Download Pedigree document - based vs DNA based inbreeding final 

Statements from the NKU Scientific Committee

2023

Limitations in breeding with respect to coat colour (item 11, 2023)

Statement: NKU/VK would like to stress the expressed view from March 2018 that our general opinion is that the negative effects of small populations should be taken into consideration when recognizing new breeds. The first choice should always be considering the new breed as a variety of an existing breed or permitting crossbreeding with related breeds.When new breeds (non-FCI recognized breeds) are recognized by NKU/AU on national basis, crossing with closely related breeds should be considered.

In addition to this statement, NKU/VK would like to emphasize the that the negative effects of small populations should be taken into consideration also when dividing already existing breeds into sub-populations. It is highly desirable to maintain a gene flow (exchange of breeding animals) between sub-populations.

Clear by parentage (item 23a, 2023)

Statement: NKU/VK recommends a harmonised procedure with respect to clear by parentage (hereditary free dogs) in all the Nordic countries, implying a limitation of three generations. All Nordic countries have experienced several cases where parentage turned out to be wrong, test results have been wrong or dogs have been mixed up at the clinic or laboratory. These cases are very time consuming and often affect many dogs and dog owners. In addition, these inaccuracies imply a risk of affected offspring. So far, this procedure has been implemented in Sweden and Finland.

DNA tests to determine breed ancestry (item 23b, 2023)

Statement: Molecular genetic analyses of breed ancestry can be of scientific value to study the genetic makeup of a breed and the relationship between breeds. However, the tests currently offered cannot be applied to determine with certainty whether a dog meets the FCI's requirement of three generations of the same breed and should not be used as basis for definition of a breed. Breed affiliation is traditionally based on phenotype and should not be equated with the individuals in the pedigree not showing any traces of any other breed based on DNA analyses.

Recently created breeds, breeds with an open studbook or breeds where crosses have been made in the recent past can be expected to exhibit genetic variation from more than one breed. Moreover, NKU/VK would like to emphasize that breeding of pedigree dogs is facing challenges related to closed stud books and low genetic variation. This should be taken into account when applying new molecular genetic tools. In the case of suspected fraud, it is advised to use parentage testing to verify parentage when possible, rather than applying tests for breed ancestry.

2022

Limitations in breeding with respect to coat colour (item 16, 2022)

Statement: NKU/VK would like to emphasise that improper coat colour should not be considered an eliminating fault that excludes dogs from breeding. Except for colours associated with health issues, e.g. merle.

Genetic diversity (item 17, 2022)

Statement: NKU/VK would like to emphasize the importance of genetic diversity in dog breeding. Selection for desired traits as well as management of genetic diseases require enough genetic variation in the gene pool of each breed. Hence, genetic diversity is a prerequisite for long-term sustainable breeding and considered by the NKU/VK to be the single most important issue in dog breeding.

Recently published scientific studies, based on analyses of molecular genetic information, indicate that levels of genomic inbreeding are very high in many breeds. In addition, several breeds suffer from welfare problems related to inbreeding, such as impaired fertility or health issues. This highlights that shortage of genetic diversity is a highly relevant topic in many breeds.

The committee has identified a need to develop recommendations and strategies related to management of genetic diversity, e.g. guidelines for application of new tools such as genomic inbreeding coefficients and estimates of average relationship (släktskapsindex). Moreover, NKU/VK would like to stress the importance of breed clubs working together to broaden the gene pool and exchange experiences and information.

Breed crosses and open studbooks (item 18, 2022)

Statement: Breed crosses and open studbooks is an important topic considering the low genetic diversity and health issues in some breeds. Many dog breeds could potentially benefit from having new genetic material added to their gene pool, either to increase genetic diversity in general, and/or to improve the situation with respect to specific diseases or morphological traits that are hard or impossible to improve within the existing population. Inter-breed matings have been used throughout the history of dog breeding. Despite this, outcross projects are considered very controversial by some breed clubs and breeders. Even in breeds where the potential for improvement is obvious, outcrossing is avoided. NKU/VK intends to continue work with this matter to support breed clubs and increase the acceptance for controlled and well-planned inter-breed matings and open studbooks, aiming at improved health and longevity in dog breeds.

2019

DNA-testing and Nordic Biobanking (item 7, 2019)

Statement: During the last years, the Nordic kennel clubs have been approached by various commercial interests regarding sampling, storing and analysis of DNA and tissues, as well as collection of phenotypical data. The NKU DNA group, composed of scientists as well as kennel club staff, have recognized the complexity of the issue, and want to emphasize the importance for the kennel clubs to maintain the ownership of these resources. The kennel clubs should be cautious and aim to protect the long-term interest of the dogs, owners and breeders. They should ensure that the DNA, tissues and phenotypical data are handled in a way that benefits these stakeholders. They should also avoid unnecessary cost for them. Relying on gene tests/storage of DNA from commercial interests have the risk of introducing unnecessary cost for dog owners.

It is also crucial to enable the samples and data for research. In the Nordic countries there is a long tradition of collaboration between the kennel clubs and universities, including the sharing of samples on specific diseases/breeds/projects for the benefit of the dogs and their owners. Universities will also ensure impartial quality control of disease diagnostics/classification using a limited number of highly qualified specialist/clinician/pathologists which is necessary in most projects. Too much commercial interest could hamper efficient sharing of samples across borders and have a negative effect on research for the benefit of dog welfare.

DNA profiling (DNA “fingerprinting”, parental testing) (item 7, 2019)

Statement: In general, there are currently more cost than benefit to perform mandatory DNA profiling (parental testing). The NKU/DNA group agrees that DNA profiling on a routine basis should not be mandatory. This statement is supported by the NKU/VK.

DNA test for diseases/conditions with unclear inheritance (item 7, 2019)
Statement: The general approach of NKU/DNA-group and NKU/VK is to advice against the use of genetic tests for conditions where the inheritance is unclear. Tests for diseases that are influenced by many genes should be applied only in cases where evidence based on scientific publications has established that the mutation or mutations cause a considerable and defined risk of disease, and provided that the condition is of clinical relevance in the breed concerned. If risk tests are recorded in the databases, the results should not be recorded as “affected” or “free”, but rather a grade/letter associated with a relative risk estimate.

Laboratories approved for DNA-testing in the Nordic Kennel Clubs (item 7, 2019)
Statement: The Nordic kennel clubs approve of the IPFD harmonization project and value this as important for developing more specific quality indicators for laboratories. However, the Nordic kennel clubs may have additional requirements. The quality verification of laboratories is time consuming, and the Nordic kennel clubs may therefore reject new laboratories according to lack of recourses. If a laboratory is approved for one test in one of the Nordic countries, as a general principle, the lab should also be approved for this test in the other Nordic countries, if applicable.

Recognition of new breeds – from the NKU/AU-meetings (item 20c, 2019)

Statement: NKU/VK would like to stress the expressed view from March 2018 that our general opinion is that the negative effects of small populations should be taken into consideration when recognizing new breeds. The first choice should always be considering the new breed as a variety of an existing breed or permitting crossbreeding with related breeds. When new breeds (non-FCI recognized breeds) are recognized by NKU/AU on national basis, crossing with closely related breeds should be considered.