Jack Russell Terrier

The latest deafness project that was funded by the JRTRF is located at Louisiana State University with Dr. George Strain. The following links will guide you to proposals that have been considered including Dr. Strain's original proposal.

Click here for a copy of Dr Strain's Proposal

Congenital hereditary deafness affects alarming numbers of dogs. A consequence is euthanasia of many affected animals and unmeasurable anguish for the owners. Deafness in most breeds is linked to pigment genes responsible for white, primarily the S gene series. The Dalmatian is most affected, but other breeds are

DNA and hearing data will be collected in this study from a kindred of Jack Russell Terriers to establish data to be used in linkage studies based on findings in the Dalmatian. The outcome of the Dalmatian study will be the foundation from which DNA tests can be derived to identify carriers, which will become the basis for breeding decisions directed toward reducing deafness prevalence. The data from this study will be used to establish the validity of applying a test derived from Dalmatian studies to other breeds affected by hereditary deafness. Another outcome will be an enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of mammalian auditory function.