Revolutionizing Breeding Decisions for Healthier Dogs

The ICB Breeder Tool is a game-changing resource designed specifically for dog breeders, enabling you to make better-informed breeding decisions for healthier dogs while safeguarding genetic diversity and reducing the risk of genetic disease. By leveraging cutting-edge DNA technology, this tool ensures you get the maximum value from your investment in genetic testing.

What Is the ICB Breeder Tool?

The ICB Breeder Tool provides invaluable insights into the genetic status of a breed and offers advanced tools for mate selection, using high-quality DNA data produced by Embark Vet. Embark’s research-grade analyses, powered by the Illumina CanineHD Whole-Genome Genotyping BeadChip, provide the most accurate and comprehensive summary of breed and individual genetics available today.

With information derived from more than 200,000 genetic markers across all 38 canine chromosomes, the ICB Breeder Tool employs the same state-of-the-art technologies and analytical methods used by top researchers and conservation geneticists worldwide. This ensures compatibility with other studies and makes the data highly reliable for both present and future genetic analyses.

Why Use the ICB Breeder Tool?

Breeding decisions are at the heart of breed preservation and individual dog health. The ICB Breeder Tool empowers breeders to:

• Improve Breeding Choices: Optimize mate selection for reduced inbreeding, better genetic diversity, and healthier litters.
• Protect Genetic Diversity: Preserve your breed’s unique genetic makeup for future generations.
• Reduce Risk of Genetic Diseases: Make informed decisions that minimize inherited health risks.
• Maximize DNA Test Value: Use your DNA testing results to their fullest potential, gaining actionable insights and clear strategies for breeding success.

Key Features

The ICB Breeder Tool organizes critical genetic information into modules for easy use. Key analyses include:

• Genetic Diversity: Understand the genetic variation in your breed.
• Inbreeding: Monitor and manage inbreeding levels.
• Relatedness: Avoid unintended pairings of closely related dogs.
• Population Structure: Identify subpopulations within the breed.
• Health Data: Use genetic health insights for better planning.
• Trait Genetics: Explore genetic influences on traits of interest.

Interactive modules, including a forthcoming Test Mating feature, will allow breeders to visualize the genetic outcomes of potential pairings.

How to Add Your Dogs or Breed

Adding your dogs to the ICB Breeder Tool is simple:

1. Submit DNA Data: We accept raw data files from labs using the Illumina CanineHD BeadChip.
2. Use Embark Vet: We recommend Embark Vet for DNA analysis. They provide research-grade genotyping, including data on inbreeding, DLA diversity, mitochondrial DNA, and Y chromosome haplotypes.
3. Email Your Files: Once your Embark results are ready, send us the raw data to be added to our database.

Submission is FREE, and analyses are available for all breeds. Population-level statistics may require a minimum number of samples, depending on breed characteristics.

Who Created the ICB Breeder Tool?

The ICB Breeder Tool is developed by the Institute of Canine Biology in collaboration with leading PhD biologists specializing in canine genetics, population genetics, and animal breeding. It has been years in development and continues to evolve based on breeder feedback and the latest advances in science.

How Much Does It Cost?

• Basic Access: Free for general genetic insights and breed-wide data.
• Mate Selection Module: Subscription-based for advanced, personalized breeding recommendations.

Get Started Today!

Explore the ICB Breeder Tool and discover how it can revolutionize your breeding program. Protect your breed’s future, enhance your breeding strategies, and ensure your dogs are healthier and genetically diverse.

Have questions? Contact us anytime—we’re here to help!