Massey University is undertaking a research project called ‘Right Dog for the Job’.

They will learn more about the DNA make-up of our New Zealand Huntaway and Heading dogs, with the objective being to develop breeding options to enhance the health and performance of working dogs.

The researchers are collecting data such as physical measurements, working attributes, and DNA samples from a selection of working dogs. This will be used to produce their genotypes, to better understand which genetic disorders occur in these dogs and to identify which genes may influence the physical traits, health issues and work performance of these breeds.

So far, several disease variants have been detected, with two of them being specific recessive genes. One causes a cobalamin (vitamin B12) malabsorption disorder and the other causes a neurodegenerative disorder in young dogs.

Another area of study is seeking to identify what role genetics may play in the development of the devastating health issues of GDV (twisted stomach) syndrome and dilated cardiomyopathy.

The goal is to enable selective breeding by offering the use of DNA based testing to farmers and breeders so that they can avoid matings between carriers, thereby reducing the incidence of these genetic disorders.

These studies are an exciting development in working dog health and future farming operations.