The BHWF is an independent charitable foundation whose mission is to improve the life, health, and longevity of the borzoi.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible. Our EIN is 81-2383230

HEALTH

Preserving Borzoi Genetic Diversity
Borzoi Health and Welfare Partners with UC Davis!

UC Davis has developed a simple and efficient test that measures genetic diversity, determines internal relatedness of a single dog and compares that internal relatedness to the breed population as a whole. This diversity testing began with Standard Poodles and Italian Greyhounds to help them manage and identify diversity, with the intent of reducing heritable disorders. It has since expanded to include 17 more breeds.

 

We are looking to add borzoi to this program, but first we will need 100-400 swabs from dogs as unrelated as possible. Borzoi Health and Welfare Foundation will subsidize baseline testing by prepaying for tests. Participants will be provided a coupon code.

Acceptance into UC Davis’ genetic diversity testing program will also grant us access to the Better Bred website tools. By utilizing verified UC Davis diversity tested dogs, breeders can log into Better Bred to look at breeding matches based on:

  • Genetic value to the breed (Outlier Index)

  • Genetic similarity between mates (Genetic Relatedness)

  • Similarity to the breed (Average Genetic Relatedness)

  • And more!

 

The Better Bred system also gives us access to haplotype data, internal relatedness, homozygosity by loci, and a percentage of dogs unrelated. Users can list temperament data, information on a dog’s appearance, and health data.

This means that, using this information, breeders will be able to make breeding choices for their kennels that minimize the chances for heritable disorders and keep our beloved breed vigorous, healthy and genetically diverse for centuries to come.

 

This is an important first step in determining our genetic health and developing a plan to maintain diversity in borzoi.

Please consider helping us through donations, auctions, and by providing DNA samples!

The BHWF raised $5,000 in order to fund the cost of the first 100 dogs in this study. Please consider supporting this on-going effort by ordering additional DNA kits for your borzoi. The cost per kit is only $80 and it will mean so much to the future health and diversity of our breed.

You may order additional kits, directly from UC Davis by following this link: