Embark for Breeders offers three breed-specific genetic health tests for the Great Dane among the 270+ genetic health conditions for which Embark tests. Breeders can easily share breed-specific DNA test results on parents or puppies with the one-page DNA Health Summary report with Embark test results.
Genetic health testing is an integral part of a responsible dog breeding program. When using genetic health testing, breeders need to educate themselves about concepts such as modes of inheritance, penetrance, prevalence, and phenotype for a specific variant in their breed to apply test results. Breeders also need to know which variants are causing health concerns in their breed and which health conditions currently have no genetic test available. This handy search function by breed or health condition can show breeders which DNA tests Embark provides.
Embark DNA tests for the Great Dane include the following conditions. The health condition percentages based on clear, carrier, and at-risk status presented on common, rare, and very rare genetic risk factors are based on a subset of dogs within the Embark database and do not necessarily represent all dogs of this breed. While we are not able to provide specific population numbers at this time, we believe the data provided here to be sufficient to inform on current trends within the North American population of Great Danes.
Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kits
- Sale Price
- $119-$149 per test
Very rare genetic health risk factors >99% clear rate
The following genetic conditions have a greater than 99% clear rate and are considered very rare genetic diseases in the Great Dane.
Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A)
The dog equivalent of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, DM is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities. The gene is SOD1A*, and the mode of inheritance is recessive.
* SOD1A vs SOD1B
Please note: While we test for the SOD1A variant, we do not test for the SOD1B (Bernese Mountain Dog type) variant at this time. Degenerative Myelopathy genotype results apply only to SOD1A.
Citations: Awano et al 2009, Shelton et al 2012, Capuccio et al 2014
Ichthyosis (SLC27A4, Great Dane Variant)
This skin disorder gets its name from the thick, darkly pigmented scales of skin (“ichthys” is Greek for “fish”) that affected dogs display on their noses, paw pads, and muzzles. The gene is SLC27A4. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Metzger et al 2015
Inherited Myopathy of Great Danes (BIN1)
IMGD stems from a mutation in the BIN1 gene, which produces a protein that controls cell membrane remodeling. This is especially important for muscle development and growth. Loss of BIN1 prevents muscle cells from differentiating correctly, ultimately leading to muscle malfunction and damage in the growing dog. The gene is BIN1. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Bohm et al 2013
With three known conditions in the Great Dane, this is evidence that genetic disorders are of concern within the breed, and other conditions are likely to be identified in the future. By DNA testing your Great Danes with Embark, you can help accelerate more novel discoveries to help your breed and all dogs.
Canine Health and Breed Resources
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
OFA Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
OFA-CHIC Health Testing Requirements for the Great Danes
Mandatory
Hip Dysplasia
ACVO Eye Exam
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Cardiac Evaluation
Remember, genetic health testing is not a diagnosis of a disease. Please consult your veterinarian for any health issues with your dog. To start your DNA testing journey, explore Embark for Breeders Dog DNA Tests.
