Publication of DNA results. – Swedish Bear Dog Club
Interpretation, use and publication of genetic test results in Karelian Bear Dog breeding
Starting point:
Genetic test results are an important part of the breeding work with Karelian bear dogs. Genetic testing is one tool among several and does not alone determine breeding decisions.
Justification for publication of genetic test results:
The Bear Dog Section in Finland believes that publication of genetic test results for Karelian Bear Dogs is justified and expedient from the breeding perspective of the breed. The Swedish Björnhundklubben shares the opinion and has therefore decided to make common cause in the matter. The following interpretation, use and publication are in line with the Finnish Björnhundsektionen's.
An extensive amount of genetic information has been collected from approx 950 hundar. By using this information, breeding choices can be made in a more conscious and responsible way. The publication increases access to information and improves breeders' opportunities to plan combinations so that the risk of hereditary diseases can be minimized.
Transparency is also considered to increase trust in breeding operations and promote uniform working methods within the breed.
At the same time, it is stated that genetic test results describe a single characteristic and should not be used as the sole basis for breeding decisions. When choosing breeding, the whole must be taken into account, which includes health, usage characteristics, lineage and the breed's genetic diversity.
It is particularly emphasized that carriers are healthy individuals and that it is not in the overall interest of the breed to exclude them from breeding. The main purpose of the gene tests is to prevent sick puppies from being born, not to limit the breeding base.
In addition, the Swedish Björnhundklubben's breeding group believes that the publication of genetic test results is based on the legitimate interest of both the Finnish Spitzclub and the Swedish Björnhundklubben to:
•promote the health of the breed
• manage the breeding in a responsible manner
•prevent the occurrence of hereditary diseases
The information that is published can be compared with other information that is central to breeding, such as health examination results and test results, which have long been published as part of the breeding work.
When handling the data, the following principles are taken into account:
•only information relevant to breeding is published
•stigmatizing or misleading interpretations are avoided
•clear instructions for interpreting genetic test results are attached
•breeding advice supports correct use of the data
The Swedish Björnhundklubben decided in the spring 2026 that the results of the genetic tests after 2026-05-01 published on the club's website. Publication takes place starting in the autumn 2026. Dog owners who do not want their dog's results to be published must notify the breed council in writing. (hagets44@gmail.com)
If nothing is announced about NOT wanting to publish the result, it is considered okay to publish on the club's website.
Interpretation of genetic test results:
•A (normal; clear): the dog is healthy and does not carry the examined gene mutation.
•B (carrier; carrier): the dog is healthy but carries the examined gene mutation.
•C (affected/risk individual; at risk): the dog has two copies of the gene mutation and can become ill.
Use of carriers in breeding:
Carriers are healthy individuals who neither can nor must be excluded from breeding.
The purpose of genetic testing is to prevent sick puppies from being born, not to limit the breeding base.
Recommended combinations:
combination / Recommendation
A × A ✔ is recommended
A × B ✔ is recommended
B × A ✔ recommended
Combinations that are not approved:
combination / Recommendation
B × B ✖ is not accepted
B × C ✖ is not accepted
C × C ✖ is not accepted
Combinations that require thought:
combination / Recommendation
A × C Can be considered. The puppies become carriers, but no sick puppies are born.
Balance in breeding:
It is important that breeding is not unilaterally directed towards genetic freedom (A) individuals.
If only genetically free dogs are used in breeding:
•the breeding base is rapidly narrowing
•the same family lines are overrepresented
•genetic diversity decreases
• the risk of new problems accumulating increases
In the population of Karelian bear dogs, it is estimated that about a third of the dogs carry the PRA-prcd mutation gene. Excluding all carriers from breeding would therefore significantly reduce the genetic diversity of the breed and is not consistent with the overall best interests of the breed.
Because:
•breeding should be carried out in a balanced way
•carriers should be used in a controlled manner
•the most important thing is the right combination, not a single test result
Correction of information:
If errors are detected in the published list of genetic test results, please contact the breeding council. (hagets44@gmail.com)
In order for data to be corrected, the dog's official data must be submitted to the breeding council (for example, test results or other documentation). Changes are not made on the basis of rumors or unofficial information.
Open information improves breeding work.
A single updated list serves the breed better than multiple unofficial lists.
The Swedish Björnhundklubben's Breeding Group.
