DALMATIAN CLUB OF AMERICA FOUNDATION
For the Health of Dalmatians and all canines...
The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation (DCAF) is a non-profit charitable Corporation devoted to advancing the health and quality of life for Dalmatians and all dogs through supported research and education.
We welcome your support. DONATIONS ONLINE
The Foundation has received from the IRS 501 (c)(3) status. Your contributions to the Foundation should be tax deductible on your federal income tax return. However, each donor should consult with their tax advisor.
For information about Dalmatians and/or the Dalmatian Club of America, please visit the web site of the Dalmatian Club of America.
You may also enjoy the web site of the official publication of The Dalmatian Club Of America, The Spotter.
If you have any questions please CONTACT US
If you would like to support our cause go to DONATIONS ONLINE
Copper Storage Disease
Early Onset Renal Disease
OUR MOST CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS...
COPPER STORAGE DISEASE
The DCAF & DCA, with the support of the CHF, is sponsoring a study which might help determine if there is an inherited link to Copper Storage Disease in the Dalmatian breed. We are hoping to find the genetic marker and a DNA test for Copper Storage Disease in Dalmatians.
What If My Dog Has Symptoms
UPDATE OCTOBER 2018
Hepatic Disease Research Study Announcement - Grant period 12/1/2016 to 11/30/2018.
Update August 31, 2017
Dalmatians may be at risk of inheriting a rare copper storage disorder of the liver, canine copper
toxicosis (CT). CT can be fatal and can quickly spread through a pedigree if left unmanaged. The disease
is known to affect several breeds, including the Bedlington terrier and Labrador. The problem genes
have been identified in these two breeds. Many dogs respond to copper chelation therapies. So it is
important to catch dogs early in their disease process, even before symptoms appear. A genetic test
can help identify dogs-at-risk early in the disease process. The test can also help to reduce the spread
of problem genes by enabling breeders to make informed choices prior to breeding carriers of CT associated
genes.
EARLY ONSET RENAL DISEASE
The DCAF & DCA, with the support of the CHF, is sponsoring a study which might help determine if there is an inherited link to kidney disease in the Dalmatian breed. We are hoping to find the genetic marker and a DNA test for Juvenile Renal Disease in Dalmatians. Below is a flyer with information on how you can help if you have an affected Dalmatian.
What If My Dog Has Symptoms
UPDATE MAY 2018
Do you own a Dalmatian that has been diagnosed with kidney disease or is related to one with kidney disease? Click here for Kidney Flyer for information on how you can help.
Study outline and Owner Consent Form
Status Update Document (Release date: December 2, 2015)
You can also get DNA blood draws on your dog and you can submit them through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
DEAFNESS STUDIES
The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation is funding two deafness studies.
Dr. Strain Sibling Pairs Study
UPDATE OCT 2017
DCAF in-conjunction with the Australian Cattle Dog Club is funding a study of sibling pairs, where one is bilateral hearing and one is either unilateral deaf or bilateral deaf. DNA samples have been collected from 136 Australian cattle dogs (ACDs) and 237 Dalmatians (Dals), exceeding our original goal of 50 pairs (100 total) from each breed. The assumption that the DNA from litter mates is more similar than that of unrelated dogs, thereby reducing data variability and increasing the likelihood of identifying a causative gene.
Dr. Wade Genome Study
UPDATE JUNE 2018
Congenital deafness is a health issue that has higher prevalence in certain breeds, including the Dalmatian. Other studies in this breed have found the trait to be inherited in a complex rather than simple Mendelian manner...The ultimate goal is to identify mutations underlying the trait of congenital deafness in the Dalmatian breed and work towards a genetic testing solution for the Dalmatian breeding community.
Click here for more detailed CHIC information as it pertains to the Dalmatian.
WE SUPPORT HEALTHY DALMATIANS
& OTHER CANINE RESEARCH
DCAF supports the health of Dalmatians and all canines. Do what you can to help support our breed into the future! Health testing our breeding stock and relatives and registering the results in the OFA CHIC database is one of the best ways to ensure the future of our breed. Use the data to help make the best breeding decisions possible based on past generations. It's up to us to help provide the healthiest Dalmatians we can for future generations.
- DCAF works in conjunction with AKC Canine Health Foundation to fund canine health research projects.
- DCAF funds entire litter BAER submissions to the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals and has a Dalmatian Health survey available to owners for submission for tracking health issues and longevity in the breed.
Please also submitt DNA samples on your pups. This is often done at the time of BAER testing.
Click here for information on SUBMITTING DNA ON A LITTER. - Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. The foundation is a global leader in funding scientific studies for cats, dogs, horses and wildlife. Since its founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $103 million toward 2,500+ studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments and preventions to benefit animals worldwide.
HEALTH TESTS AT 2021 DALMATIAN CLUB OF AMERICA NATIONAL SPECIALTY
DCAF annually underwrites health clinics at our National Specialty. Tests are offered at below market costs and DCAF picks up the OFA submission fees.
Click here for the Health Clinics page.
Countdown to Health Tests at 2021 DCA National
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CURRENT FUNDRAISERS
The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation has these fundraisers active for 2019! Please click on each one and don't forget to help support healthy Dalmatians by participating or sending us a donation! Your donation can be earmarked for a particular study or go into the general fund.
OR
Go to our HOW YOU CAN HELP page to see all the current support opportunities. We are a 503c non-profit organization so all donations should be tax deductible (check with your tax advisor) and count towards your life-time total DCAF Donation Level.
DCAF Annual Drive
YES! I want to return the FAVOR!
I want to help PROTECT the breed I love and EDUCATE and promote HEALTH TESTING. Your donation will help in the search for causes and treatment of both genetic and non-genetic diseases. Funding will help sponsor educational seminars, events and health testing and clinics.Click here for Annual Campaign Drive information.
Heritage Society and Bequests
You can help your favorite breed that you have dedicated your passion and time to for years to come. You can honor Dalmatians and DCAF by including us as a benefactor in your will. You will be an esteemed member of our "Heritage Society" and published on this website and in The Spotter magazine - the official quarterly printed and on-line magazine of the Dalmatian Club of America
Click here for more information on how to participate.