The MyDog DNA protocol: 240+ genetic tests to safeguard health
The MyDog DNA protocol, certified by the Vetogene laboratories — a spin-off of the University of Milan — is currently the most advanced solution available for parentage testing according to the ISAG 2020 profiling standard and for monitoring and preventing hereditary genetic disorders. Since 2025, together with clinical tests for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye diseases, this screening forms the foundation of our selection.
What the MyDog DNA protocol is
The MyDog DNA package offers screening for over 270 genetic disease risks, not all of them specific to any single breed but covering a broad spectrum of known canine diseases. The screening detects the presence of mutations responsible for eye diseases (e.g. prcd-PRA), skeletal diseases (e.g. CDDY), neurological and metabolic conditions, and reports for each one whether the dog is Clear, Carrier or At Risk.
The protocol also includes:
Analysis of over 50 physical traits: detailed information on coat type and colour (e.g. chocolate, dilution, merle), physical conformation and ideal size.
Measurement of genetic diversity (heterozygosity): calculation of the dog’s effective genetic diversity percentage compared with the average for its own breed.
ISAG 2020 profile integration: official genetic fingerprint based on the ISAG 2020 SNP standard, ready for parentage testing.
Digital tools for breeding: access to software functions dedicated to breeders — a true bioinformatic suite for precision breeding.
Litter Predict — the litter predictor
It is the genetic “matchmaking engine” of the platform. It allows breeders to digitally select a dam and a sire present in the database to simulate the mating virtually before it happens.
Health risk calculation: the system cross-references data on over 270 diseases. If both dogs are healthy carriers of the same recessive condition, the algorithm visually flags the risk, preventing the birth of affected puppies.
Phenotype prediction: it generates a statistical estimate of the physical characteristics of the future litter (e.g. “50% probability of long coat, 25% of chocolate colour, 100% erect ears”).
Diversity prediction: it estimates the heterozygosity index of the future litter, helping to choose the combination that maximizes the immune health of the offspring.
Genetic diversity dashboard and COI
Unlike traditional calculations based exclusively on paper pedigrees (which often underestimate actual relatedness), this tool measures the effective genomic inbreeding.
It shows an interactive graph in which the dog’s genetic diversity is placed within a bell curve representing the entire worldwide population of that specific breed. It makes it possible to tell at a glance whether one’s subject is “genetically rare” (and therefore valuable for breeding) or too similar to the population average, guiding the choice towards the most appropriate bloodlines.
Breeder Access — secure collaborative access
It allows breeders to digitally and securely share their dog’s genetic profile with another breeder. The authorized collaborator can enter the shared sire into their own Litter Predict calculations or Parentage Verification.
Parentage Verification — automated parentage verification
Making use of the integration of the new ISAG 2020 standard, the portal offers an automated calculation system for genealogical certainty.
In the case of large litters or accidental multiple matings, the breeder uploads the profiles of the puppy and the presumed parents. The algorithm instantly compares the approximately 230 SNP markers and issues a validated digital parentage certificate, ready to be sent to official registries (such as ENCI in Italy) for the correct issuance of pedigrees.
MyBreedData — the global database
It is an open-access Big Data resource fed by hundreds of thousands of dogs tested worldwide. It allows breeders to consult the epidemiological statistics of their breed in real time. It is possible to verify the actual spread of a given genetic mutation at a global level, helping to understand whether a disease is becoming an emergency in the breed or is under control.
Why Vetogene and the University of Milan
Vetogene is not just any commercial laboratory. It is a spin-off of the University of Milan — born out of academic research and maintaining the scientific rigour of the university environment. This means that the analysis protocols, validations and methodologies are those of research, not of marketing.
Vetogene is also accredited as a partner of ENCI Servizi — the operational arm of the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana. This accreditation guarantees that test results are recognized by ENCI for the official DNA deposit and for parentage verifications in the Stud Book.
Choosing MyDog DNA/Vetogene therefore offers a double guarantee: the state of the art of genomic technology with the rigour of a university laboratory, and the official recognition of the national canine organization.
What else we test besides genetics
Genetic tests are not the only screening. Before entering our breeding program, every dog undergoes:
Hip dysplasia: official X-ray evaluated by the reading centre accredited by ENCI. We only breed subjects up to grade B.
Patellar luxation: clinical evaluation performed by specialized veterinarians. Grade 0 only.
Eye diseases: ophthalmological examination performed by veterinarians accredited by the ECVO (European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) — the European standard. Only clear subjects.
Temperament evaluation test (TVC): performed by ENCI judges, only at official events of the CIRN (Club Italiano Razze Nordiche).
Where to find and how to read the test results
The deposit of the biological sample and the results of the tests for hip dysplasia and temperament can be viewed directly on the ENCI website, in the “Libro Genealogico” (Stud Book) section, after registration. Once registered, simply search for the subject of interest by entering its name, pedigree number (LOI) or microchip, and the pedigree with the dog’s entire history will appear.
The managers of genetic tests and ophthalmological examinations do not allow public consultation, but if you were interested in one of our puppies, we would be happy to provide the results on request.
What it means for your puppy
When you choose a Shinjukawa puppy, you know that both parents have passed over 240 genetic tests, have been clinically evaluated for the orthopaedic and eye diseases most common in the breed, have passed the temperament test and have demonstrated their quality in the show ring with at least one championship title.
Every mating stems from a breeding plan based on experience, deep knowledge of our bloodlines and the use of cutting-edge technologies. Ours is not a mere paper pedigree — it is a conscious, verifiable, documented and traceable selection.
