Do Cavaliers Have the Canine DVL2 Gene Variant?

A study at the University of California Davis in 2018 discovered a genome variant that impacts negatively on various dog breeds. In this article, I’m explaining in layman’s terms what that means and whether cavaliers have the canine DVL2 gene variant or not.

Inspired by the interest my readers are showing in the cavalier articles, I wanted to cover a similar subject this time. Research about the canine DVL2 gene mutation is newfound and in its infancy yet it has already given us invaluable information regarding certain dog breeds.

Cavaliers and cavalier health is a big passion of mine. In the Cavalcadia blog, I write a lot about the breed and it’s no surprise that cavalier articles are my best-performing content. I wasn’t sure how interested people would be in the niche articles so I’ve been amazed at how well those articles are doing. Yay!

What Is the Canine DVL2 Gene?

The DVL2 gene in dogs encodes the Dishevelled-2 protein, which plays a crucial role in the Wnt signaling pathway.

This pathway is essential for embryonic development and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation in many tissues and organs, including the nervous system.

Wikipedia explains that the name Wnt is derived from the first members of this family of proteins that were discovered, which were initially identified as a fusion protein between the mammary tumor virus (Wnt1) and a mouse proto-oncogene.

All dogs of any breed have the DVL2 gene as they are supposed to. We, humans, have it too.

About the Canine DVL2 Gene Variant

Problems occur because it has been discovered that mutations in the DVL2 gene have been linked to several canine diseases including:

• autosomal recessive Robinow syndrome which is characterized by short stature, facial abnormalities, and limb deformities.
• Mutations in this gene have also been associated with congenital deafness and sensorineural hearing loss in certain dog breeds.
• The DLV2 gene variant is associated with a type of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a heart disease that affects the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.
• If the gene variant is inherited from both parents, it leads to a developmental disorder called caudal vertebra also known as the corkscrew tail.

Note that more research has to be done and what we know now is just the beginning.

Do Cavaliers Have the DVL2 Mutation?

For full transparency, as of March 2023, I have not found a study where cavalier King Charles spaniels were tested for the DVL2 variant but few signs indicate cavaliers do not have the gene mutation:

1. The University of Helsinki tested 47 King Charles Spaniels, and none of them had the gene variant. It is fair to point out that 47 dogs are a small sampling size.
2. DVL2 gene variant has been widely found in breeds like French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and Boston terriers.
3. Genetic mutation was also found in pit bull-typed breeds like American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers but not as broadly.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels do share an origin with King Charles spaniels a.k.a English toy spaniels but do not share a history with bulldogs and pit bulls. Therefore it could be appropriate to assume cavaliers don’t have the gene variant.

However, the DVL2 gene variant causes health problems that sound too familiar when talked about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. That’s why I was first alarmed and started wondering whether cavaliers have this or not.

DVL2 and Brachycephaly

Canine DVL2 variant and brachycephaly are connected through their impact on the development of the skull and facial structures in dogs.

It is important to note that the DVL2 variant is not the sole contributor to brachycephaly in dogs. Other genetic factors are also involved in the development of this condition. They walk hand in hand, but the DVL2 variant doesn’t cause brachycephaly alone.

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Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels a Brachycephalic Breed?

DVL2 is a gene that plays a critical role in the development of the skull and facial structures in both dogs and humans.

A variant of this gene is strongly associated with the development of brachycephaly in certain dog breeds, such as the French bulldog and English bulldog. Brachycephaly is a condition where the skull is flattened and shortened, resulting in a shorter and wider face than typical for the breed.

Breeding of dogs with extreme brachycephaly has been associated with a variety of health problems, including respiratory and dental issues, eye problems, and neurological disorders. Sounds familiar for cavaliers.

By understanding the genetic basis of this condition, breeders and veterinarians can work to reduce the incidence of health problems associated with extreme brachycephaly in dogs.

Conclusion

To summarize, the canine DVL2 variant is a significant genetic mutation that can have a profound impact on dogs’ health and well-being. This variant is associated with various health problems, particularly in brachycephalic breeds.

As of now, no research or studies are showing that cavalier King Charles spaniels would have the DVL2 gene variant. If you have more information, please contact me via email or leave a comment!

It is crucial for breeders, owners, and veterinarians to be aware of the potential risks and to take appropriate measures to address them. This includes genetic testing and responsible breeding practices. By working together, we can help to mitigate the negative effects of this genetic variant and ensure that dogs receive the best possible care.