Improper Coat (IC13) Test:

For: Portuguese Water Dogs

Improper Coat (IC) in the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is an autosomal recessive inherited trait that causes a significant change in the PWD coat.  One of the breed’s most striking and valuable characteristics is its unique coat. As defined by the breed standard, it should be:“A profuse, thickly planted coat of strong, healthy hair, covering the whole body evenly, except where the forearm meets the brisket and in the groin area, where it is thinner.”  In addition to its pleasing appearance, the coat of the PWD is highly prized because it does not shed, thus making the breed an excellent choice for people who are allergic to dogs.

PWDs with IC would hardly be recognized as members of the same breed as those bearing proper coats. The hair on the IC dog’s face, head, muzzle and legs is short and lays flat against the skin, giving the dog an appearance somewhat akin to that of a border collie or a flat coated retriever.  Perhaps most importantly, the IC dogs are prone to shedding, greatly reducing the value of these dogs.

A mutation that causes IC in the PWD has been identified through research conducted by Heidi Parker et al. as part of the collaborative studies between Dr. Gordon Lark’s laboratory in Utah and Dr. Ostrander’s laboratory at NIH.   The scientific manuscript of this finding is in preparation. Terry Cardillino, editor of the PWD breed club journal, “The Courier”, (www.pwdca.org) has generously gained permission from authors, Dr. Lark and Karen Miller, to make their articles on Improper Coat in the January/February 2010 issue available to the public: http://www.pwdca.org/health/tests/information/ImproperCoatCourierArticle.pdf

It is important to keep in mind that, although the IC13 test is likely responsible for the majority of cases of Improper Coat in the PWD, other causes of this condition are possible.  OptiGen would like to assist further research on IC in the PWD.  Feedback (on coat characteristics) from clients whose dogs are tested for IC13 is encouraged.

 Please follow the instructions at the link "Ship Sample" and submit the information at "Request Test" . The cost of the IC13 test for PWDs is $80 per test. 
Whole, unclotted blood, cheek swabs and semen samples are accepted. If a sample has been previously tested by OptiGen (e.g. for prcd), select “Sample is already at OptiGen either under a long-term storage agreement or because the dog was previously tested.” on the order form.