Embark for Breeders offers four breed-specific genetic health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer among the 250+ 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer.
Common genetic health risk factors <95% clear rate
These are the most common genetic conditions based on Embark data, ranked from most to least prevalent in the Miniature Schnauzer, with less than 95% of dogs testing clear.
Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome, PMDS (AMHR2)
A developmental disease that causes male dogs to develop parts of the female reproductive tract. This can cause significant complications later in life. Female dogs with PMDS have zero anatomic abnormalities. PMDS males are quite normal as far as their male external genitalia goes, though 50% will have one or two undescended testes (unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism). The gene is AMHR2. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
- Based on Embark-tested Miniature Schnauzers that have opted into research, here’s a snapshot of the breed today: 88% of dogs tested clear; 11.1% tested as carriers; and 0.7% at risk for Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome, PMDS (AMHR2)
Citations: Wu et al 2009 Liao et al 2009 Sapierzynski et al 2007
Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kits
- Sale Price
- $119-$159
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 Miniature Schnauzer.
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
Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (SBF2/MTRM13)
Demyelinating polyneuropathy is a disorder that causes a change in neurological function. Dramatic decreases in nerve conduction velocities are observed in affected dogs, leading to multiple clinical signs. the gene is SBF2/MTRM13. The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Granger et al 2019 Marine et al 2020
Myotonia Congenita (CLCN1 Exon 7, Miniature Schnauzer Variant)
This condition is characterized by prolonged muscle contraction and stiffness that usually resolves with normal exercise. The gene is CLCN1 (Exon 7). The mode of inheritance is recessive.
Citations: Rhodes et al 1999
With four known conditions in the Miniature Schnauzer, 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 Miniature Schnauzers with Embark, you can help accelerate more novel discoveries to help your breed and all dogs.
Canine Health and Breed Resources
The American Miniature Schnauzer Club
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
OFA Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
OFA-CHIC Health Testing Requirements for the Miniature Schnauzer
Mandatory
ACVO Eye Exam
Cardiac Evaluation
Optional but recommended
Myotonia Congenita
Mycobacterium Avian Complex
PRA Type B HIVEP3 DNA Test
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.
