Tag archives: bleeding disorder testing

Paw Print Genetics Develops 12 New Tests

Paw Print Genetics Develops 12 New Tests

One of the goals at Paw Print Genetics (PPG) is to add to our large menu of tests whenever we can. New genetic changes found in the dog genome for diseases and traits are published periodically in the medical literature. These publications guide us in developing new tests for our customers.

Among the new tests launched this month are three tests for traits. Two of the tests will identify whether a dog carries for polydactyly, which results in having hind dewclaws. One of the polydactyly variants in the LMBR1 gene will cause hind dewclaws in many different breeds, while the mutation in ALX4 only causes polydactyly in the Great Pyrenees. Both variants are dominant, meaning that one or two copies will result in polydactyly. Interestingly, the mutation for the Great Pyrenees causes double dewclaws, whereas the mutation in LMBR1 causes just single dewclaws.

The third trait launched is for another E locus variant. PPG offers several E locus variants, so it is important to read the description of each before choosing your test. Most breeds will produce a yellow or red coat color when there are two copies of the ‘e’ allele from the common E locus variant.  However ...

To Anyone Dedicated to Breeding Better Dogs, an open letter by Cheryl Hass

To Anyone Dedicated to Breeding Better Dogs, an open letter by Cheryl Hass

Brief personal history as credentials . . .

In the world of dog breeding, I started long before any genetic testing was readily available, with Chesapeakes, more than 25 years ago now. We performed OFA Hips and that was about it. Then I went back to my herding dog roots with Australian Shepherds, Miniature Australian Shepherds and now Miniature American Shepherds. What I have to say about genetic testing however, applies regardless of breed.

Some of you that have been in this for a while, may remember a company that offered a slew of testing, all in one package, for $25. It was the hottest item on the market. I remember feeling very virtuous about being able to test all my dogs, for a reasonable price, for a whole bunch of things that I didn't understand at the time. But as breeders we educated ourselves, found out that testing really DOES matter and learned how to breed away from some of the unfortunate genetics that our dogs carried. It really was an exciting time in breeding because it gave us such powerful, valuable information that increased the overall health of the dogs we produced. The problem was that this company was not all ...

Beyond Dominant and Recessive: X-Linked Canine Inheritance

Beyond Dominant and Recessive:  X-Linked Canine Inheritance

My last blog talked about the basics of two types of inheritance for genetic conditions found in dogs: dominant and recessive.  To review, dominant conditions need one copy of the mutated gene in order for the dog to show symptoms.  Recessive conditions need both copies of the mutated gene inherited from each parent to have the disease.  Knowing the difference can change the way breeders choose which dogs to breed.  However, the wonderful world of genetics is not that simple.  Another pattern of inheritance is called X-linked, or sex-linked.  Although it is not as common as dominant and recessive; it is important to know which diseases follow this inheritance pattern, because it may impact breeding.

Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes (humans have 23).  Something dogs and humans have in common is the X and Y chromosomes determine gender.  XX is a female while XY is a male.  Females always give away an X chromosome to their offspring.  So, it is the male that determines gender for the next generation.  If he passes on the X chromosome, the offspring is female.  If he passes on the Y chromosome ...