First, THANK YOU for participating in this exciting and important research project! The samples you provide will allow researchers to continue discovering the genes controlling traits in this breed, and dogs in general. As the canine genome is mapped, breeders will have an unprecedented opportunity to identify and avoid producing disease, and concentrate on positive advances in their breeding programs.

It is of the utmost importance that the information you provide with the samples is as complete and accurate as possible. The presence of disease, unusual, or undesirable characteristics should be revealed to the researchers wherever it has been identified. Information on specifics, individual dogs will not be revealed - results of the research will identify what markers have been found, but not the names of those who submitted the samples where a characteristic was located, nor which individual dogs show affected or carrier states for any given condition. Information provided will be kept strictly confidential. As the research produces results, participants may request information on the genetic status of their dog(s).

Complete families are critical to locating specific genes and markers. Wherever possible, submit samples from an entire litter, both parents and all available grandparents (and beyond if available).

Begin by gathering the pedigree, litter information, and litter list(s) for each family you plan to submit. You will need a correctly formatted (sire on top, dam on bottom), typed or computer generated pedigree (5 generation is ideal, 4 is acceptable). If the sample is for the DNA bank, send a pedigree of the individual dog. The pedigree will connect each sample you submit to the family if comes from, so make copies for each individual dog who will be sampled. Make a Litter Packet for each litter - this consists of the Litter Information sheet, Litter list, and Pedigree. 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". Dr. Johnson and staff have a different system of coding in the lab to anonymously identify samples, but this is a simple way to tie your information together and place individuals in the families where they belong as samples are submitted. This ID code should be on each form sent in. Keep a copy of the packet for your own records, and send a copy to Dr. Johnson. This family information may be sent with the blood samples or separately.

Here is Dr. Johnson’s address:

Gary Johson, Ph.D.

Dept. of Veterinary Pathobiology

209 A Connaway Hall

University of Missouri

Columbia, MO 65211

Next, begin collecting and submitting blood samples. See the Sample Handling sheet for procedures. The Individual Dog Questionnaire should accompany each sample, along with a marked pedigree copy that will tie in with the initial information you sent. If several dogs’ samples are being sent together, number the forms and samples to be certain there is no confusion (Sample #1. #2, etc.). On a spare copy of the pedigree you may want to mark (for yourself) who is alive and sampled, not sampled, and those no longer living, to keep track of who you need to get samples from. As stated before, entire families will give the best chance at finding specific genes - do your best to include all living family members.

If you need clarification, or have any questions on any of these procedures, please contact Liz Hansen by phone at 573-884-3712 (lab), email hansen@missouri.edu, or regular mail t 209A Connaway Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211. Liz is Dr. Johnson’s Coordinator of Veterinary Information, and can help with any questions you may have.

Once again, thank you for participating in this important research - you are contributing to the betterment of the future.