DNA Cheek Swabs

Research supported by the Endowment, other Wheaten organizations, and the Wheaten community resulted in DNA testing for some diseases with hereditary components, such as PLN, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Microphthalmia. DNA samples are taken via cheek swabs (“cytology brushes”) by owners in their homes, and the swabs are sent to the testing lab. Results are not only useful to owners and breeders but also to researchers.

Researchers recommend that all Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners know the PLN Variant Gene Test results on their Wheaten Terrier.

To support research and help supply owners with hard-to-find cheek swabs, the Endowment is presently making them available upon request at no charge. A Wheaten breeder or owner can request up to 20 swabs (enough for 10 dogs) by sending an email by clicking the link below including your full name, address, and phone number as well as the number of dogs being tested.

Note: At the present time, we can only send swabs to US addresses.

These are just the cheek swabs you use to collect DNA samples which you then send to a lab such as PennGen or a commercial lab of your choice. Some labs provide swabs as part of their test kits. Please see your chosen lab’s website for more information about DNA testing. Learn more about testing facilities.

Once you receive the test results on your Wheaten Terrier we invite you to enter them in the SCWT Health and Pedigree Database so that your Wheaten Terrier can aid in future research.  This enables researchers to have a complete health picture of our breed. For assistance in submitting your test results to the database please email Kathleen McIndoe at comments@scwtdb.org