Sussex Genetics Project
An exciting project bringing together the expertise of the Roslin Institute, the RKC and the Sussex Spaniel owner community.
We have falling puppy numbers, smaller litters and high mortality rates.
Bitches are often not getting into pup despite being mated, or are losing puppies.
This project may help us find out why.
There's NO FEE to participate and DNA test your dog. Every DNA test will make a difference. We have 150 FREE tests available.
The project involves the DNA testing of between 125 and 150 Sussex Spaniels. The results will then be analysed. This will be led by Roslin with the RKC’s pedigree data and population analysis expertise.
The aim is to develop a practical, evidence-based population management strategy of genetic diversity. In practical terms this may help the Sussex Spaniel community find solutions to the breeding issues currently being faced, help in the breeding of healthier dogs and help future breed sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does my dog need be a ‘show’ dog to participate?
No, we want a wide selection of dogs to take part.
Can I have more than 1 dog tested?
Yes, provided the criteria are met and there are enough tests available.
Do I need a vets help to sample my dog?
Not necessarily. If you cannot make the testing session, full instructions on how to do yourself will be provided. However, if you are having problems you will be able to contact us and we will arrange help.
Does my dog need to have been bred from to take part?
No, all dogs whether they have been bred from or not can take part subject to the criteria and enough tests being available.
My dog is imported. Can they be tested?
Yes, provided they meet the criteria and are registered with the RKC. We want a wide selection of dogs but are limiting ourselves to dogs resident in the UK.
I live abroad but my dog was bred in the UK. Can they be tested?
It is highly likely that we will have relatives in the UK who will be tested. If the dog is not resident in the UK we will put them on a waiting list for any spare tests we may have.
Can my neutered dog be tested?
Although we are particularly interested in dogs who could potentially breed, we will offer testing to neutered dogs if there are enough tests available.
Why are you only testing dogs between the ages of 0 to 6.5 years for bitches and 0 to 10 for dogs?
These age ranges are most likely to capture ‘breeding age dogs’.
Who are the Roslin Institute?
The Roslin Institute is part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the University of Edinburgh. It undertakes research on the health and welfare of animals and seeks to apply their findings in basic animal sciences to human and veterinary medicine and to improve livestock. It is best known for creating Dolly the sheep in 1996.
Will I get the test results back for my own dog?
This study looks at a genetic diversity in the Sussex Spaniel population, and so there won’t be a “pass/fail” type results produced for individual dogs.
What happens to all the test results; will they be shared more widely?
The outcomes of the study will be shared with the breed community, SSA (via the website and News & Views), and using both breed and RKC channels. We are hopeful this will lead to a breed management programme, in which the entire community will collaborate.
Will my dog be identifiable?
The RKC will use registration data to match samples to pedigrees, and then anonymise the data that is sent to Roslin. As such, Roslin and any potential scientific publication will only ever operate on anonymised dog data. No owner/breeder information will be used in the study.
How have dogs been selected?
The RKC has selected dogs currently in the Breed Register, with males born since 2016, and females born since 2019. This gives a total of 309 dogs.
How will I know if my dog is to be tested?
You will receive an email from the RKC inviting you and your dog(s) to participate. Please respond to this email. All information will be included in the email.
What will happen if I cannot attend on the 26th September?
The initial testing will take place at the SSA Championship Show on 26th September 2026. The show will take place at Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3FL. The show opens at 9.30am. Please do not arrive before this time.
Where will testing take place?
We may be able to arrange testing at another time. Please bear with us whilst we organise this.
Will I need to register my dog to be tested at the SSA Championship Show?
Yes, in addition to responding to the RKC email, if you regularly show and have a Fosse Data account you will need to enter your dog as ‘not for competition’ (NFC). Going through Fosse Data will incur a charge, but the SSA will refund you if your dog is taking part in the testing.
If you do not have a Fosse Data account, on arrival you will need to complete an unentered dog form (there will be no charge for this) and a consent form before your dog(s) can be tested.
What will happen on the day of testing?
Your dog will ideally need to be separated from other dogs for around 30 minutes before sampling, as far as is realistically possible. Please avoid crating dogs together immediately before testing.
Your dog will be put onto a grooming table (or on the floor, whichever they are most comfortable with), and a swab taken from inside their mouth. (Similar to cleaning their teeth.) Once tested you are able leave the show should you wish to do so.