The Royal Kennel Club DNA Testing Service Closure

Following a review of services, the RKC have made the decision to close their DNA Testing Service.

The RKC state “The decision reflects significant and fast-paced changes in the DNA testing marketplace, with a wider range of tests and services now available to breeders and owners. Use of the RKC DNA Testing Service has remained low, and the service is no longer able to compete with the options available elsewhere.”

As of 30 September 2026 the RKC stopped accepting new DNA testing orders, and the service will close completely on 31 December 2026. Their website is currently being updated to reflect these changes.

What this means for breeders

• New RKC DNA testing orders are no longer being accepted.
• The RKC DNA Testing Service will close on 31 December 2026.
• The RKC are continuing to process outstanding orders until the end of December and have contacted all customers. Samples for these orders need to be returned by 30 October to allow sufficient time for testing and results to be returned. Customers who do not wish to proceed can request a full refund.
• Owners and breeders will continue to be able to access DNA testing through other providers.
• DNA test results from recognised laboratories will continue to be recorded and published in the usual way.
• The closure of the RKC DNA Testing Service does not represent a change to existing health testing recommendations or the importance placed on appropriate DNA testing as part of responsible breeding.

A list of approved laboratories and the DNA tests recognised for each breed can be found on the RKC website under Laboratories we record and publish results from: DNA testing Laboratories

Discount voucher codes are still available via the Breed Health Co-ordinator for the Laboklin Giant Schnauzer DNA bundle (prcdPRA, DCM, HUU, PRA5 & DM)