Blue Weimaraner DNA Study in Germany

[Steve Graham]

I found on the German-language Weimaraner list that the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany is expanding their genetic studies to include the so-called "blue" Weimaraner.

The September issue of Weimaraner Nachrichten (the German club's magazine) included a detailed genetic profile on the Weimaraner as compared with some other breeds. Unfortunately, I believe they only included German Weimaraners. I would like to have had American Weimaraners included for comparison, but I digress.

The group is seeking blood samples or cheek swabs, along with pedigrees to add to their databank of genetic information.

I don't know if this is at the behest of the German club or an independent effort. Neither do I know what the group expects to find, since Sylvia Voorn's research shows that there's not a Weimaraner in the U.S. or Germany that is not descended from Cäsar von Gaiberg, the original "blue."

In any event, the results will be interesting - and perhaps disturbing to some.

Dr. Gabrielle Dekomien is conducting the study. I sent her an e-mail asking if they still needed DNA samples and she replied that they were awaiting samples from North America, but that all further support will be greatly appreciated.

If anyone is interested in contributing to the study, you can use the AKC (or similar) DNA swabs and mail the swab, together with a copy of the pedigree and any microchip or tattoo information to:

Dr. Gabriele Dekomien
Human Genetics, Building MA 5
Ruhr-University
44780 Bochum
Germany

Note that the AKC DNA parentage profile is not sufficient for this study. More than likely, Dr. Dekomien can correspond in English.

[tasha]

I assume they are only interested in the Blue stock we don't have many here in the UK but I can ask about to see if anyone wants to participate.

Will the university be sharing their findings or is this going to be another one of those thanks for the info but we're keeping it to ourselves jobbies??

[Steve Graham]

I don't see why the Ruhr University would not share their findings since they've published many other studies, including the one published in the September issue of Weimaraner Nachrichten.