Frequently Asked Questions

What is this page for?

This page provides the current forms, collection instructions, and shipping information for Eurasier owners who would like to contribute a DNA sample to the University of Minnesota’s ongoing cholesterol research.

The United States Eurasier Club will update this page as additional information becomes available and will publish a fuller summary when the study and preliminary testing initiative are complete.

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What are researchers studying?

Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the University of Bern are investigating a potentially inherited form of severe hypercholesterolemia identified in a small number of Eurasiers.

A genetic variant of interest has been identified, but additional samples are needed to confirm the findings and support the possible development of a reliable genetic test.

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Is this condition believed to be widespread?

No. The number of Eurasiers currently believed to be affected is very small.

The wider sample request is intended to provide researchers with useful comparison samples from healthy dogs, relatives of potentially affected dogs, and dogs with relevant medical histories—not because the condition is believed to be widespread throughout the breed.

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Should I be concerned if my dog has had elevated cholesterol?

An isolated or moderately elevated cholesterol result does not necessarily indicate the inherited condition being studied. Cholesterol and triglycerides can be elevated for several reasons, including other underlying medical conditions.

Owners should discuss abnormal results with their veterinarian. Dogs with unusually high, persistent, or otherwise concerning cholesterol or triglyceride levels may be particularly helpful to the research and should include relevant veterinary records with their submission.

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Can healthy dogs participate?

Yes. Samples from healthy Eurasiers are valuable because researchers need a broad comparison group to evaluate the genetic variant accurately.

Participation is voluntary, and there is no research or genetic-testing fee at this stage.

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What type of sample is needed?

Blood is preferred because it generally provides a larger quantity of high-quality DNA. A veterinarian may collect 1–3 mL of whole blood in a purple-topped EDTA tube.

Two at-home cheek swabs are also accepted and are usually sufficient for the research. The laboratory may request a blood sample later if a dog is of particular interest or if the cheek swabs do not provide enough usable DNA.

Please use the collection instructions and submission forms linked above.

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Will owners receive results?

The submission form allows owners to indicate whether they would like to receive a preliminary genetic result if one becomes available.

Because this is an active research project, preliminary findings should not be considered the same as a finalized or commercially validated genetic test.

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Is participation confidential?

Yes. The researchers will not publicly disclose the identities of participating dogs or owners.

Owners who receive a result are also invited to share it privately with the United States Eurasier Club for inclusion in our breed-health records, but doing so is entirely voluntary.

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When should samples be submitted?

Samples should be submitted by November 30, 2026, to be included in the current international research and preliminary testing initiative.

Canadian and other international participants should include the supplied USDA import documentation with their shipment.

 

Where can I ask questions?

For questions about the USEC’s participation in the research, please contact the United States Eurasier Club.

For technical questions about sample collection or shipping, contact the University of Minnesota Canine Genetics Lab at cgl@umn.edu.