Research Projects
Perhaps our most important contribution to the health of the Cairn Terrier is our ongoing funding of medical research that is fairly specific to the Cairn Terrier breed. These are studies that may get ignored by some as they simply don’t affect enough dogs in enough breeds. For us, it is everything and we applaud the researchers who take these studies on.
Since inception, the Foundation has distributed $200,000 in grants for medical research either directly to the medical/scientific institution with which the researchers are associated or through the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation. In many instances the studies are multi-year and/or multi-phased. As a result a particular study may not be funded on an annual basis.
The Foundation also asks you to join in current research studies to advance the health of our breed. Download and share the project flyer and help spread the word!
Participate in Important Research Studies
2022 – The Foundation of the CTCA Asks You to Contribute to an Important Project: Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Research Study
The goal of this Cornell University research study is to develop a genetic test for informed breeding decisions. Of particular interest are Cairns and Westies, with and without LCPD. Please participate! You will be contributing to a potentially important advance in the health of our breed.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease Research Study
2021 – The Foundation of the CTCA Asks You to Join an Innovative Canine Health Research Initiative: Dog Aging Project
Your help requested! Click here to read the full article on a track of research specifically for Cairn Terriers in the largest canine health study in the world to date.
Preliminary findings conclude that dogs fed once a day are smarter, healthier, and may live longer. Click below to read more about these results.
Dog Aging Project
In addition to the studies above, we are actively supporting:
Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD, Michigan State University
Click here for the study’s November 2024 update
Click here for the study’s report: DNA marker identified
Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Renal Dysplasia (with AKC CHF)
Dr. Margret Casal, DVM PhD; University of Pennsylvania
Present Research
2019 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Renal Dysplasia
Dr. Margret Casal, DVM PhD; University of Pennsylvania
2018 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2016 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2015 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2014 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2013 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2012 – Continuing Research into Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2011 – Renal Dysplasia in the Cairn Terrier
Dr. Margret Casal, DVM PhD; University of Pennsylvania
2010 – Association mapping study of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in the West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Cairn Terriers
Dr. Alison Starr-Moss, PhD; Clemson University
2009 – Eradication of Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2009 – Genotyping Small Breed Dogs with Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies and Microvascular Dysplasia
Dr. Sharon A. Center, DVM; Cornell University
2008 – Eradication of Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Petersen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2008 – Genotyping Small Breed Dogs with Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies and Microvascular Dysplasia
Dr. Sharon A. Center, DVM; Cornell University
2007– Candidate Gene Investigation of Cairn Terrier Ocular Melanosis
Dr. Simon M. Peteresen-Jones, DVM PhD; Michigan State University
2006 – Linkage Analysis of Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) in Terrier Breeds
Dr. Patrick Venta, PhD; Michigan State University
2001 – Development of DNA-Based Diagnostic Test for Craniomandibular Osteopathy of the Cairn Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Scottish Terrier Breeds
Dr. Patrick Venta, PhD; Michigan State University
1999 – Development of DNA-Based Diagnostic Test for Craniomandibular Osteopathy of the Cairn Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Scottish Terrier Breeds
Dr. Patrick Venta, PhD; Michigan State University