PRA (crd-3) is an unfortunate consequence of the Glen’s limited gene pool.  Late onset of the condition made it impossible to detect until adulthood, when an Affected dog could experience gradual sight loss from the age of seven years and upwards.  Quite often, the dog had already been used for breeding before the condition presented itself. 

 

First discovered in Glens during the mid-1990s, the breakthrough moment came in 2010, when OptiGen in the USA and Ruhr-Universität-Bochum in Germany both identified the mutant crd-3 gene.  Thankfully, DNA-testing means we can now ascertain whether a dog is either Clear or a Carrier before breeding.

 

Clear:  Dogs have no copies of the mutant gene and will neither develop the condition nor pass the gene on to their offspring.

 

Carrier:  Dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutant gene; they will not develop the condition, but will pass a mutant gene on to approximately half of their offspring.

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At least one hereditary Clear parent will ensure that the puppies do not develop crd-3.

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Clodagh is a Carrier, but both her mates were Clear.  Happily, both Rock Steady Beat and Fragarach are confirmed as Clear.  And so is Florence!

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It is still recommended that Glens have regular eye-tests at least annually.

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All our dogs' details are registered with Glen Footprints - they maintain a global Glen of Imaal terrier database.  All Teamhrach puppies will be registered with the UK Kennel Club and Glen Footprints. 

 

We firmly believe the condition can be eradicated by informed and responsible breeding.  This is why we are open and honest about the status of each dog we have tested.  Knowledge really is power.  Together, we can make this a mere footnote in the breed's rich history.