"ATP7A and ATP7B Copper Transport Gene Mutations in the Mastiff Breed" Study

The MCOA Health Committee is partnering with UC Davis to offer discounted DNA testing for ATP7A and ATP7B gene mutations.

The ATP7A and ATP7B genes are involved with the transport and regulation of copper within a dog’s body. Mutations of the ATP7B gene can cause copper overload within the liver and the brain.

The ATP7A and ATP7B gene mutations have been found within our breed. We don’t know if there is any clinical significance for Mastiffs who carry one or more copies of either gene mutation. At this point, we do not know if these gene mutations have an effect on Mastiff health.

2024 Mastiff Club of America National Specialty Health Award Recipients

Health Awards

  • GCHG Britestars Fortune Favors the Bold FDC CGC TKN ATT
  • GCH Comstock's Heartstrong From Nacimiento CD BN RI CGC TKN
  • CH Divine's Where Love Abounds CGC
  • GCH Eyota's Indestructible
  • AKC GCHS, UKC CH, IABCA IntCH Gatehouse LP Look'N For A Feeling CD BN RA FDC CAX4 DCAT ACT2 ACT2J DD VDD THDN RATI RATNX RATCHX3 CZ8P2B CGCA CGCU TKP ATT BN-V3 CD-V VHMA VSWE FITG TT ITD-M ETD SSH SOR23 BTC48 A+23 D=OG2 O-B CCF1 2K9 T3 AA2 CAL24 HRAT HRBR1 HRJP HRDN PRCL PRSL PRU2 PLSB RACEA PKD-N PKD-TF3 NWDS PWD2 (Renewal)
  • GCHS Harvesthaze Good Golly Miss Molly at Windward FDC CGC TKN
  • CH Lakeside MN Some Like It Hot ATT
  • GCHB Mountainview's I Put a Spell on You FDC CGCA CGCU TKN ATT TT TDI (Permanent)

OFA Champion of Health Award

  • AKC GCHS, UKC CH, IABCA IntCH Gatehouse LP Look'N For A Feeling CD BN RA FDC CAX4 DCAT ACT2 ACT2J DD VDD THDN RATI RATNX RATCHX3 CZ8P2B CGCA CGCU TKP ATT BN-V3 CD-V VHMA VSWE FITG TT ITD-M ETD SSH SOR23 BTC48 A+23 D=OG2 O-B CCF1 2K9 T3 AA2 CAL24 HRAT HRBR1 HRJP HRDN PRCL PRSL PRU2 PLSB RACEA PKD-N PKD-TF3 NWDS PWD2

Meet the Heros

In 2018, the Mastiff community lost a leader and advocate for Mastiff health. Anna was passionate about Mastiff health and worked closely with breeders, owners, and researchers. She was a wealth of information and will be greatly missed. In her honor, Anna May's Health Heros showcases Mastiffs who have contributed to the advancement of health-related research.

If you have a Health Hero, feel free to send their information to info@mastiffhealth.org.

Upcoming Events

2025 Mastiff Club of America National Specialty

May 19 - May 24, 2025

Marriott MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center
Kingsport, TN 37660

What's New

Canine Cardiomyopathy - An Update for the MCOA

Authors: Taylor C. Parker, Sarah Bell, DVM, MS, DACVIM, John R. Parker, MD

Canine Degenerative Myelopathy - An Update for the MCOA

Authors: Taylor C. Parker, Joan R Coates, DVM, and John R Parker, MD

“DNA sample collection to study dog breed differences in drug response”study

Has your Mastiff had an adverse reaction to anesthesia/sedation or post operative bleeding? If so, researchers at College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University could use your DNA

What is the purpose of this study?

  • The purpose of this study is to identify genetic causes of adverse drug reactions that are thought to occur more frequently in certain dog breeds
  • This study can provide valuable information to help prevent adverse drug reactions by identifying genes that may make certain patients more susceptible to adverse drug reactions
  • The long term goal of the study is to prevent adverse drug reactions in dogs by using genetic testing to identify patients at risk for adverse drug reactions. These patients could then be treated with a different drug dose or a different type of drug
For more information or to request DNA swabs, please contact Mary DeLisa (divinemastiffs@gmail.com).

Updated: 05/18/2025