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Dalmatiner von House Illyria

LUA Genetics  - Health of our Dalmatians of House Illyria

Comparing LUA & HUA

Unless specifically bred to carry the functional SLC2A9 gene, all purebred Dalmatians are HUA (High Uric Acid) and lack the ability to efficiently excrete uric acid through their kidneys. This trait is fixed in the breed due to a historical mutation. However, through selective breeding—stemming from a backcross project that reintroduced the healthy gene variant—some Dalmatians now carry the LUA (Low Uric Acid) version.

While LUA and HUA Dalmatians are identical in appearance and temperament, this genetic difference has important implications for health and breeding decisions. Understanding the inheritance of this trait allows breeders and owners to make informed choices that support long-term wellness without compromising the character of the breed.

SLC2A9 Gene & Uric Acid

LUA Dalmatians carry a version of the SLC2A9 gene that allows their kidneys to excrete uric acid efficiently, significantly reducing the risk of urate stone formation. This is especially beneficial from a health management perspective: LUA dogs do not require purine-restricted diets or specialized veterinary monitoring related to uric acid. They are indistinguishable in appearance and temperament from traditional Dalmatians—only with a lower medical risk in this specific area.

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That said, it’s important to remember:​

HUA Dalmatians can and do live long, healthy, and active lives. With proper hydration, a balanced, purine-aware diet, and informed veterinary care, many never develop urate-related issues. Male HUA dogs, however, are anatomically more prone to urinary blockages and may require closer observation and proactive management during their lifetime.

The Backcross Project

The development of LUA Dalmatians began in the 1970s when geneticist Dr. Robert Schaible identified a recessive mutation fixed in the breed that caused high uric acid levels. To correct this, he introduced a single outcross to a Pointer, then bred back to purebred Dalmatians over multiple generations—carefully preserving the Dalmatian’s signature appearance and temperament.

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Thanks to years of dedicated breeding and genetic testing, LUA Dalmatians were officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 2012. Today, LUA lines are slowly expanding in Europe, offering breeders a valuable tool for improving the breed’s overall health.

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Understanding the Genetics

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The key difference between LUA and HUA lies in the SLC2A9 gene, which controls uric acid transport in the kidneys.​

  • HUA Dalmatians are homozygous for a recessive mutation (hu/hu), meaning both copies of the gene are faulty. This results in elevated uric acid and a higher risk of urinary stones.

  • LUA Dalmatians carry at least one copy of the dominant healthy allele (N). Whether heterozygous (N/hu) or homozygous (N/N), they are able to maintain normal uric acid metabolism.

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Genotypes at a glance:​

  • N/N (LUA) – Two healthy alleles; all offspring will inherit at least one LUA gene.

  • N/hu (Carrier) – One healthy and one mutated allele; phenotypically LUA, but can produce HUA offspring depending on the mate.

  • hu/hu (HUA) – Two mutated alleles; expresses the high uric acid phenotype and may require dietary or medical management.

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​This is a Mendelian trait: the healthy version of the gene is dominant, and only dogs with two mutated alleles will express the HUA condition. Understanding these inheritance patterns empowers breeders to make thoughtful pairings that prioritize health without losing genetic diversity.

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Supporting the LUA Project 

We advocate for science-based breeding that strengthens the long-term health and sustainability of the Dalmatian. While we value every Dalmatian—LUA or HUA—we’re especially encouraged by what LUA lines offer for the breed’s future.

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By applying genetic knowledge, promoting transparency, and always putting our dogs’ well-being first, we can build a healthier future without sacrificing the traits that make Dalmatians so beloved.

Punnett Square LUA (heterozygot) x HUA Dalmatiner

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Sources & Further Reading

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