Recessive hypotrichosis / hairlessness (SGK3-related) - Scottish Deerhound

What does this test examine?

This genetic test examines the SGK3 variant c.137_138insT in the Scottish Deerhound. The variant is associated with recessive hypotrichosis, also known as recessive hairlessness or congenital alopecia. The trait is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner: a dog is affected when it carries two copies of the tested variant.

What does recessive hypotrichosis mean?

Affected Deerhound puppies are born with a sparse coat and lose most or all of it during the first weeks or months of life. The skin may therefore remain almost completely hairless. The SGK3 variant in the Scottish Deerhound is different from the SGK3 deletion found in the American Hairless Terrier, which makes breed-specific testing important.

Practical value of this test

Because carriers can have a normal coat, DNA testing is the most direct way to reveal breeding risk. The result helps breeders avoid combinations that can produce hairless puppies while still preserving valuable lines responsibly.

• Distinguishes clear dogs, carriers, and genetically affected dogs.
• Helps prevent two carriers from being mated unintentionally.
• Provides clarity in families where sparse coat or early hair loss has been reported.
• Supports transparent communication about carrier status within the breed.

Result and inheritance

A dog with N/N does not carry the tested variant. A dog with N/insT is a carrier and can pass the variant on. A dog with insT/insT has the genotype that causes recessive hypotrichosis in the Scottish Deerhound.