This research has narrowed the search for the gene for renal dysplasia to two genes in a region of the genome that has caused kidney disease similar to juvenile renal disease (JRD) in humans. JRD, a genetic disease in which the kidneys fail to develop normally, is thought to occur in 31 breeds. It is seen in high frequency in Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This project sought to find the mutation or mutations causing JRD in each of these three breeds, using DNA sequences of two candidate genes. Researchers identified the two genes in the region that have caused kidney disease similar to JRD in humans. They plan to sequence these genes and search further for the causative mutation.