A & A's · Alfheim-Andromeda

Our Research Program.

Active studies. Regular health clinics. The dogs — and owners — who move the data forward.

A & A's runs breeder-led research on Chihuahua genetics, structure, history, and imaging. Participation is free and open to pet homes, show homes, and international lines. Every dog in the dataset is credited when findings publish.

All-Breed Health Clinics →Chihuahua History Project →

02 · Active Studies

Current research projects.

Each study has its own participation requirements, stats, and dedicated page. Click through any active card for the full methodology and intake form.

Now Enrolling N° 01

Breed History · Genetics

The Chihuahua History Project

The Stringer Integrated Pedigree-Genomic Study (SIPGS) combines verified AKC pedigrees with Embark DNA to investigate Chihuahua maternal and paternal line origins — going back thousands of years.

Dataset: 123 dogs · 5 countries · 7 maternal lineages
Needs: AKC registration + Embark DNA
Output: Book & peer-reviewed paper

Read the methodology

Now Enrolling N° 02

Neurology · Structure · Lineage

CM/SM Risk Lineage Study

Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia come packaged with the apple-dome head. This study pairs at-home measurements, MRI validation, and forensic-genealogy pedigree analysis to identify which lines carry the highest risk. Normal dogs and affected dogs both needed.

Dataset: 40 dogs · 2 MRI-documented cases
Needs: MRI, measurements, photos & pedigree
Support: Low-cost MRI partner + CCA screening-cost help

Read the methodology

Now Enrolling N° 03

Genetics · Structure · Gait

FGF4 Leg Length Gene Study

How does the FGF4 Chr 18 retrogene — the chondrodystrophy insertion — shape Chihuahua proportion and movement? Combining Embark DNA with standardized measurements and gait mechanics across the three genotype classes (AA, NI, II).

Dataset: 21 Embark-tested dogs · 1 AA / 5 NI / 14 II
Needs: Embark DNA + 14 structural measurements
Finding: 70% carry II — yet show the widest gait variation

Read the methodology

Now Enrolling N° 04

Health · Genetics · Longitudinal

Copper Toxicosis / ATP7B Longitudinal Study

A prospective longitudinal study of the ATP7B variant in Chihuahuas — open to breeders and pet owners alike. Tracking genotype, bloodwork, and clinical outcomes from baseline forward. Five-year follow-up target; bioRxiv publication plan.

Dataset: 24 dogs · 6 collaborating kennels
Needs: Embark DNA + annual vet bloodwork (ALT, ALP, bile acids)
Finding: 2 in 3 tested carry the variant — Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium reached

Read the methodology

Now Enrolling N° 05

Genetics · Variant Validation

GH1 / Proportionate Dwarfism Validation Study

A 2020 case report introduced the GH1 c.573_578del variant as a candidate cause of proportionate dwarfism. The replication, segregation, and functional work that would normally settle its classification haven't yet been published. Our preliminary 113-dog cohort contributes early evidence worth examining.

Dataset: 113-dog cohort · 41 tested · 2 homozygous (both healthy)
Finding: Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.698 across genotypes on body weight
Aim: Peer-reviewed paper + ACMG/AMP reclassification review via OMIA

Read the proposal

03 · Health Clinics

Two all-breed clinics, every year.

Every spring and fall we bring boarded specialists together under one roof — one-stop health testing without the referral runaround.

Fall Clinic — September 12, 2026

The Eclectic Chic — 2044 Glenwood Shopping Plaza, Oneida, NY
Check-in blocks: Morning 10 AM–1 PM · Afternoon 1–5 PM

Echocardiogram (OFA) — Dr. Oxford — $300
Cardiac auscultation (OFA) — Dr. Oxford — $45
Eye exam (OFA / CAER) — Dr. Kern — $45
BOAS assessment — Dr. Cashman — $60 — new this fall
Wellness exams — details to be announced

Cash only, paid directly to the specialist · Fully indoors · ATM & two restaurants on site · OFA submission coupons offered when available.

05 · Get Involved

Four ways to be part of it.

Whether you have a Chihuahua to enroll, a question to ask, or just want to follow along — here's where to find us.

Enroll in a study

Five active studies, each with its own intake. Pick the one that fits your dog from the list above — or email us with your dog's details and we'll help you find the right fit.

See the studies ↑

Register for a clinic

Clearance exams, screening, and specialty services. Open to all Chihuahuas — no pedigree or registry requirements.

Sept 12 registration →

Learn the science

Want to understand the genetics, structure, and breeding decisions behind these studies? CBSA — our online college — covers the science breeders actually need, taught from the same evidence-based foundation as the research program.

Explore CBSA courses →

Join the CM/SM community

We run a dedicated private Facebook group for the study — "CM/SM Risk Lineage Study in Chihuahuas". Measurement help, results discussion, and peer support for participants. Other studies communicate with participants directly by email.

Request to join on Facebook →

04 · Field Notes

Latest from the research program.

Milestones, publication updates, new enrollments, and the occasional thought piece. Updated as news breaks — not on a PR schedule.

APR · 2026

Research hub now live — five studies open to contributions

The dedicated research site launched with all five studies active: Chihuahua History Project, CM/SM Risk Lineage, FGF4 Leg Length, CAH / ATP7B Longitudinal, and GH1 Validation. Breeders and pet owners alike can now browse and enroll from a single hub.

Program

APR · 2026

Fall clinic booked: Sept 12, Oneida NY

Eye exams with Dr. Kern at The Eclectic Chic, $45 per dog, open to all Chihuahuas — our first fall all-breed health clinic of 2026. Registration open now; a spring 2027 clinic waitlist is also accepting sign-ups.

Clinics

APR · 2026

Chihuahua History Project passes 123 dogs across five countries

The SIPGS integrated pedigree-genomic dataset now spans 123 Embark-tested Chihuahuas and seven documented maternal lineages across five countries. Contributions from international lines especially welcome as the cohort continues to grow.

History Project

APR · 2026

CAH / ATP7B cohort compiled — July bioRxiv snapshot on track

The longitudinal copper toxicosis cohort has reached 24 Embark-tested Chihuahuas across six collaborating kennels (one international). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium observed almost exactly across all three genotype classes. Initial dataset snapshot targeted for bioRxiv in July 2026.

Publication

06 · Fine Print

Before you hit submit.

Do I need to own an A & A's dog to participate?

No. Our research studies are open to any Chihuahua, regardless of breeder. Our health clinics are open to any dog, any breed, any registry — pet or show, no pedigree requirement. International lines, rescues, mixed breeds, and pet-home dogs are all welcome. The broader the sample, the stronger the findings.

Is there a cost to enroll in a study?

No. Participation in any of our research studies is free. Clinics charge at cost for specialty services — those fees go to the specialists providing them, not to us. Cash only on clinic days; ATM available on premises.

How is my dog's data handled?

Data is de-identified before analysis. Your personal information — your name, address, contact details — is never published or shared. The dog's registered name may appear in contributor credits at publication if you consent; otherwise it stays anonymous.

Can my senior dog still contribute?

Absolutely — and often, senior dogs are the most valuable participants. Longer lifespans mean more data. For the History Project specifically, senior dogs from long-established bloodlines are especially welcome.

What if my dog has a diagnosed condition?

Often that's exactly who certain studies recruit. Imaging and health-focused projects are built around affected and clear dogs together — both contribute to the genetic picture. The CM/SM Risk Lineage Study, in particular, needs both.

How long until I see results?

Research takes time. Personalized reports (where offered) may come back in weeks. Peer-reviewed papers typically take two to five years from enrollment to publication. The Field Notes section above tracks milestones as they land.

Can I withdraw my dog later?

Yes. Email us and we'll remove your dog's data from the active dataset. Data already published cannot be pulled from the published record, but no further use will be made of it.

I have an idea for a study — can I suggest it?

Please do. Email us with the question and any background you have. We'll take it seriously.

Research questions: healthresearchataa@gmail.com · Contact us