About CavGens Project
The project originally emerged as an initiative focused on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed in the Czech Republic; however, its ambition is to provide a generally applicable framework for responsible, data-driven breeding management.
The goal of CavGens is to offer breeders, dog owners, and the professional community objective genetic data placed within a population-level context. The tool enables the monitoring of genetic diversity, relatedness within populations, and long-term trends related to health and breeding sustainability.
Collaboration and Data
CavGens collaborates with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, an organization that has long supported responsible breeding practices and the prevention of inherited diseases.
Through this collaboration, the system works with up-to-date data on breeding animals, pedigrees, health examinations, and demographic characteristics of the population.
Transparency of data and methodology is one of the core principles of the project.
What You Will Find in CavGens
CavGens provides a comprehensive overview of genetic and population characteristics of the breed, including:
- key population-level genetic indicators and their trends over time,
- analysis of relatedness, inbreeding, and effective population size,
- statistics on health screenings and genetic risk indicators,
- demographic overviews (number of litters, age structure, reproductive metrics),
- tools for evaluating specific breeding combinations within a population context.
Why This Matters
- key population-level genetic indicators and their trends over time,
- analysis of relatedness, inbreeding, and effective population size,
- statistics on health screenings and genetic risk indicators,
- demographic overviews (number of litters, age structure, reproductive metrics),
- tools for evaluating specific breeding combinations within a population context.
Why This Matters
Maintaining genetic diversity is a fundamental prerequisite for the long-term health, adaptability, and viability of dog populations.
Without systematic monitoring of genetic indicators, risk factors—such as increasing relatedness or the concentration of genetic influence within a limited number of lines—may remain hidden for long periods.
CavGens helps reveal these relationships early and provides a foundation for informed, responsible, and sustainable breeding decisions.
Our Vision
Our vision is to support breeding practices based on data, understanding, and responsibility, rather than simplified conclusions or subjective impressions.
CavGens does not classify dogs as “good” or “bad,” nor does it replace expert judgment—it serves as a tool to help better understand genetic relationships and their long-term consequences.
The project strives for maximum openness, transparency, and scientific integrity for everyone who cares about the health and future of the breed.