A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, has identified a gene called SLAMF1 that significantly increases the risk of developing canine atopic dermatitis in 71% of French Bulldogs and 40% of Boxers.

The research was carried out by scientists from Wisdom Panel, a pet DNA testing company that is part of Mars Petcare’s Science & Diagnostics division.

The discovery was made by analysing clinical data from Banfield Pet Hospital paired with DNA data from Wisdom Panel.  

The researcher say estimates suggest canine atopic dermatitis affects up to 10-30% of dogs, and that these findings could lead to more targeted solutions in the future.

In addition, identification of the SLAMF1 variant presents the opportunity for breeders to breed toward dogs with a lower risk of atopic dermatitis. 

Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC, Chief Medical Officer for Mars Petcare’s Science & Diagnostics division said: “This finding could have a real impact on dog health

"While atopy has long been suspected to have a genetic component, this is the first time the SLAMF1 gene has been convincingly linked to this debilitating skin condition.

"This knowledge will help identify dogs at risk and could lead to new therapies and more informed dog breeding practices.” 

Wisdom Panel has developed a DNA test that will be offered in partnership with Canine Genetic Testing at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge so breeders can make informed decisions to reduce the frequency of atopic dermatitis while maintaining genetic diversity. 

Reference

1. Forman, O. P., Freyer, J., Kerr, A., Labadie, J. D., Denyer, M., Gow, D. J., Alexander, J., Daya, M., Olivera, Y. R., Lozoya, C., Leutenegger, C., Savard, C., Huff, J. T., & Foran, R. C. (2025). A splice donor variant in SLAMF1 is associated with canine atopic dermatitis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, Article 1550617. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1550617 

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