Archives for Dec. 28, 2018

While advancements in science, medicine, and agriculture have played a role in decreasing the relative importance of the dog in human survival, their importance as pets, companions, and surrogate family members may be greater than ever. Once more commonly selected for their athletic prowess and behavioral traits, the rise of dog fancying over the past 250 years has elevated the importance of canine aesthetics to previously unprecedented heights. As a result, dog breeders have historically gone to great lengths to produce dogs with unique phenotypic characteristics desirable to potential pet buyers. While most of these characteristics are simple, mendelian genetic traits without health concerns, some desirable and interesting traits such as the merle coat color pattern are unique to domestic animals and bring with them a complexity and potential health concerns that veterinarians should be aware of in their goal of facilitating canine health and wellbeing. 

An Interesting Mutation for an Interesting Haircoat

In 2006, Dr. Leigh Anne Clark and others identified a semi-dominant genetic mutation responsible for the merle coat color pattern commonly seen in numerous dog breeds including the Australian shepherd, collie, border collie, and dachshund. Merle coat color is marked by areas of normal, eumelanistic pigmentation ...

As one year closes and we begin a new, I like to take this time to reflect on the accomplishments of Paw Print Genetics (PPG).  It still amazes me that in such a short time (PPG was founded in 2012), we have become the most trusted laboratory in the industry.  Even if we didn’t do the testing, breeders come to us for advice and help in figuring out the sometimes complex nature of genetic testing results.  Perhaps this is because we are so accessible. PPG employs PhD geneticists and licensed veterinarians who are on-staff and in our offices, available by phone for consultation about your breeding program, a particular dog that needs testing, or a specific result.  Providing genetic counseling and a helpful ear is so important for assisting breeders in navigating the ever-changing world of canine genetics.

As in previous years, PPG had many accomplishments this year. Only a few are highlighted in the following paragraphs. For me, our biggest accomplishment is how fast we continue to grow and the number of new breeders who tried us for the first time this past year.  These new customers are finding us mostly from you – our current ...