We're beginning to learn that our dogs can help us hunt much more than birds; they can help us hunt down the origins of hereditary disease.

It turns out we were entirely accurate when we dubbed dogs Man's Best Friends.We love our dogs, so it stands to reason that if we knew of some simple thing to do which would help future generations of dogs live longer, we would do it. And there is such a thing.The mission of the Canine Health Foundation (www.caninehealthfoundation.org) is to advance the health of all dogs by funding sound scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. We dog owners can greatly help the foundation's cause, simply by submitting a DNA sample from our purebred dog.That is as simple as taking several cheek swabs, which can be shipped by regular mail, because the DNA on a cheek swab can be stored for ten years at room temperature. Your DNA swab will be added to the DNA data bank, where it can potentially add to the wealth of information the foundation has already gathered.Here are some of the discoveries made possible through research funded by the Canine Health Foundation:Development of a genetic test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a malady first identified in Gordon Setters and now found in more than 100 breeds.Isolation and characterization of the tumor initiating cell in canine osteosarcoma (bone cancer).Genetic tests for various hereditary problems in many breeds. For example, in the German shorthaired pointer, dogs can be tested for cone degeneration in the eyes, Lupoid Dermatosis (fatal skin disease), Merle-Silv (coat disorder) and von Willebrand's Disease (similar to hemophilia in humans).Identification of the dysplasia gene in Alaskan Malamutes.And there are many more, some specific to a particular breed of dog and some conditions that affect numerous breeds. On the CHF website, you can search by disease/disorder or breed. The website also includes a library of articles, searchable by breed, research area and other criteria.Because of these genetic tests, dogs can be tested to see if they are carriers of hereditary diseases - before they are bred. This is a tremendous improvement in the breeding of purebred dogs. For example, Progressive Retinal Atrophy may not show up in a dog until it is about eight years old; however, that dog could have been bred several times before that. The more these hereditary issues are identified, the less they will reappear.Did you know that the genetic makeup of dogs and humans is about 85 percent the same? As a result, there are about 400 diseases that affect both species the same way. As the Canine Health Foundation continues to make strides in identifying genes that carry certain disorders in dogs, they are also leading researchers to being able to identify genes for similar disorders in humans.In addition to sending cheek swabs, you can also help the foundation by becoming a member, donating to research projects, and also by volunteering. For more information on supporting the foundation, and to get the information about collecting and mailing the cheek swabs, go to the website,

www.caninehealthfoundation.org.