Tails or dewclaws from an entire litter may be submitted to provide samples for the WSSCA DNA banking. At the time of tail docking or dewclaw removal, the tissue can be saved and submitted to the University of Missouri. Each puppy should be individually identified at the time of surgery so the proper sample will be with the correct puppy. You can use ribbons, hair clipping or pictures; the main thing is that the correctly identified tissue is with the correct puppy. Tissue from each puppy should be placed in an individually marked zip lock plastic bag. These bags should be placed in another zip lock plastic bag.  These tissues should be frozen and sent to the U of Missouri.

For each litter the following must be included:

• Litter information
• Litter list
• Pedigree

For each individual sample the following must be included:

• Individual dog questionnaire.

For the Litter ID code use the kennel name or breeder name, plus the date of birth of the litter. If Pat Doe had a litter born May 15, 1992, the code would be "Doe 05-15-92".

The Litter information sheet and the litter list must go with the samples if the rest of the paper work is sent later. The remainder can be sent when the puppies have been sold. It is easier to wait and send all the information at once when the AKC numbers and new owners are available.

The tissue must be sent on ice, next day mail on Monday through Thursday. Do not mail the samples that will arrive on Saturday or Sunday. There is no one at the laboratory to receive the samples.

Dr. Gary Johnson

Welsh Springer DNA Research

209 A Connaway Hall

University of Missouri

Columbia, MO 65211

573-884-3712

If you need any clarification contact Liz Hansen at the above number or email at hansenl@missouri.edu