09/24/2026
"While I was at the Health Committee meeting on Sept. 14, part of the quarterly AKC Delegate meeting in Newark, NJ, the AKC DNA department made a presentation and then asked if there were any questions. I stood and asked if there was any hope of the crd3 PRA test being added back onto the AKC DNA health screening panel.
For those members who weren't aware of this change, crd3 was removed from the AKC panel in August 2026 due to the difficulty the lab was having in running the test. It often had to be run multiple times before a result could be obtained adding to the AKC's cost and increasing the turnaround time.
I was told on Sept. 15 that it was reinstated in early February 2026, about 6 months after it had been removed. We were not notified at the time it was reinstated. Since no other labs in the US were offering crd3 testing, this meant that US Glen breeders had to send DNA samples to Europe to complete health testing. Testing for PRA markers is a part of the GITCA Breeder's Code of Ethics.
Here is the full response I received from the AKC DNA department:
"Jill Zapadinsky (the person who made the presentation at the health committee meeting) forwarded your (my) inquiry regarding the Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 3 (Glen of Imaal Terrier Type) test and its addition back to the AKC DNA + Health test panel.
The test was temporarily removed from the testing platform for several months due to a higher-than-expected rate of unsuccessful results. When the test did not produce a result, additional testing was required, which led to extended turnaround times for customers.
The test was added back to the panel in early 2026, in late January/early February, following an update to the technology used to perform the test. The laboratory validated the updated technology to confirm that it could consistently and successfully produce results.
Importantly, there was never a concern regarding the accuracy of the test results. The issue was solely related to the test's success rate in producing a result on the initial attempt. The updated technology has significantly improved the laboratory's ability to consistently deliver results on the first attempt, which has also had a positive impact on turnaround times. I hope this information is helpful to you and the breeders."
The AKC DNA + Health Kit costs $135.99 and combines a 201-marker genetic identity profile with over 328 health and trait markers.]
What is Included:
AKC DNA Profile: 201 markers used for parentage verification and genetic identity
Health & Traits: Over 328 genetic variants screening for inherited diseases and physical traits like coat color.
Expert Support: Lifetime access to veterinary-staffed canine genetic counselors.
Results & Processing: Processed by Neogen with digital PDF reports delivered in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Purchase a testing kit here:
One LineThis kit requires activation using a sample key and activation code at https://dna.akc.org prior to submission. Failure to do so will result in delays in receiving results. Includes genetic identity for parentage verification and genetic health and traits testing. Does NOT determine dog b...
