Border Collie Research Project - What is it about?
This study explores the genetics behind several important traits in Border Collies, including:
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coat color & shade intensity
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eye color
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OCD and orthopedic traits
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epilepsy and neurological health
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LTV (lumbosacral transitional vertebrae)
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other hereditary health factors
Every dog contributes a tiny piece to a much bigger picture. Together, we can learn so much that will help future generations.
This research is done at the Institute of Genetics, University of Bern and the data are used anonymously in scientific studies.
How do I participate - Quick Overview:
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You register your dog on the form → you get a PDF with instructions
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You get swabs from pharmacy/vet
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You swab at home in few minutes
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You mail the sample to Switzerland
Costs: swabs + postage only
Vet visit: not required
Dogs: all ages, from anywhere
Results: shared if causal variants found
Jump directly to what you’re most curious about:
Can dogs from any country participate?
Yes!
No matter where you live, you are warmly welcome to participate.
We happily accept samples from anywhere in the world.
Which dogs can join?
All registered Border Collies are welcome - working, sport, show, pet
Every dog helps, because many genetic traits are complex and require a large number of samples to understand properly.
We especially welcome:
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dogs of any coat color
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dogs with blue, light amber, dark brown or mixed eyes
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dogs diagnosed with OCD, epilepsy, LTV, or other orthopedic/neurological issues
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healthy dogs (equally important!)
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entire litters
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siblings or parents
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sport and working dogs
One sample can be used for several projects, so sending swabs once is enough.
If you’re unsure whether your dog fits — they do.
Is there an age limit?
All ages are welcome — puppies, adults, seniors.
Can I send samples from more than one dog?
Absolutely — and it actually helps a lot!
Many people send swabs for:
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multiple household dogs
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entire litters
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sports teammates
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kennel dogs
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relatives (parents/siblings)
More related dogs = much stronger scientific power.
So if you’d like to send more than one, that’s wonderful.
What do I need to do?
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Get cheek swabs (from your pharmacy or veterinarian).
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Swab inside your dog’s cheek at home.
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Let the swabs air dry and place them in an envelope.
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Mail them to the Swiss address provided in your PDF after submission.
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Complete the online form so we can link your sample to your dog.
You’ll receive an instruction PDF automatically after filling out the form.
How much does this cost?
Just the swabs and the postage.
The research itself is free.
This small personal cost allows the project to stay open to the whole world while focusing resources directly on the genetic analyses.
Where do I send the swabs?
The mailing address appears directly in your instruction PDF after submitting the form.
It includes everything you need to put on the envelope.
Do I need a vet?
Not at all.
Swabbing is easy, gentle, and can be done at home with no equipment other than the swabs.
Can I get swabs from a vet and mail them?
Yes - swabs from vets are perfect. Just follow the instructions in your generated PDF.
Will the results be published?
Yes - in scientific journals. All data are anonymized.
Will I get results for my dog?
If causal variants are discovered in the traits we study, we will share relevant findings with participating owners.
Not all dogs will receive individual results - this depends on the science.
Can I still send blood sample?
Yes - blood samples are still accepted for this project.
Buccal swabs are simply the easiest option for most owners.
Why Should I Be Interested in This Research
Every Border Collie carries a unique genetic story — not just for how they look, but also for how their body and brain develop.
Many traits we care about in the breed, such as hip dysplasia, OCD, epilepsy, spinal structure or coat color shades and eye color, are not caused by a single gene. They are complex traits that only become understandable when we study many dogs together.
By participating, you help us:
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move from assumptions to real genetic knowledge
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understand why some dogs stay healthy while others develop problems
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identify genetic risk factors earlier
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improve breeding decisions in the future
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support evidence-based veterinary and breeding recommendations
Even if your dog is completely healthy, their DNA is just as important as that of affected dogs.
What’s in it for you and your dog?
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Your dog becomes part of a real scientific study
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You contribute to improving the future of the breed
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If we identify a causal variant related to a studied trait, we will share that information with participating owners
Most importantly, you help transform individual dog stories into knowledge that benefits the entire Border Collie community.
Small effort — long-term impact
Taking a cheek swab takes a few minutes.
But the data your dog contributes can remain useful for years, helping answer questions that we cannot solve today.
Research like this only works because owners choose to be involved.
Your decision to participate truly matters.
Info about buccal swabs:
We do not require a specific brand of swab.The easiest option is to get buccal swabs from your local pharmacy and send them by normal post in a paper envelope.
There are two back up options, if you cannot optain buccal swabs yourself -
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I can send you the ones we have at the institute (there would be a fee for that), or
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You can try the biggist interdental brushes (the least optimal option).
Lower there are pictures of what the buccal swab should look like - its the simples possible option of the brush.
You can take the samples yourself. No need for the vet.
The process is simple and takes only a few minutes. Here’s how it works - we do have an online questionare for filling all the data and photos (required for color research like whiteheads or shades of brown). After you submit the form, you choose the buccal swab mailing option. A PDF with step-by-step instructions is generated automatically, including the mailing address. And you send both PDF and sample via normal post to the Institute of Genetics.
The important thing is, that samples are properly labeled for each dog. Taking the sample is the same as for MyDogDNA testing. Your contribution matters to science and to the breed’s future.
Buccal swab submissions are currently accepted until 30 June 2026.
Blood samples were collected earlier in this project and are still accepted. To make participation easier and more accessible, the study is now open to cheek swabs collected at home.
How does the research work?:
This project is based on sample donations and carried out at the University of Bern, Institute of Genetics.
I am a geneticist working under Prof. Tosso Leeb, and our goal is to learn more about the underlying genetics of important Border Collie traits - both health-related and appearance-related.
Your contribution supports:
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variant discovery
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trait mapping
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population genetics
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potential identification of causal variants
All laboratory analyses and computational work are funded through university and research grants - there is no charge for participants, other than providing the swab and mailing it.
If we identify a causal variant relevant to your dog, you may receive this information.
You are always welcome to reach out if you have questions
Can I ask questions or get help?
Yes, of course.
If you’re unsure about anything - how to swab, mailing, multidog submissions, anything at all - just write me. I’m happy to guide you through it.
My work email - jana.gresova@unibe.ch
