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Dogs + Breed Characteristics

  • Collie Eye Anomaly

    Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a genetic mutation affecting many breeds that causes developmental defects in the eye that can lead to vision deficits or blindness. This defect can be diagnosed by a veterinary ophthalmologist between 6 and 8 weeks of age by visualizing spots of choroidal hypoplasia or a colobomas . It can be associated with microphthalmia or enophthalmia. It can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. Although laser repair of partial retinal detachments can be attempted if detected in early stages, there is generally no treatment for CEA. Vision varies depending on the extent of the lesions and some dogs will become blind. Prevention requires not breeding animals that carry the mutation and this can be achieved through genetic testing of breeding dogs.

  • Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs

    Color dilution alopecia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects dogs with dilute-colored coats causing hair loss. Some dogs will also be affected by secondary bacterial infections so topical management and pruritus treatments may be needed to improve the dog's comfort. Affected dogs and their relatives should not be bred.

  • Do Dogs Recognize Facial Expressions?

    The simple answer to a complicated, much researched question is, yes! Dogs do recognize our facial expressions which makes them wonderful family members.

  • Do Dogs See Color?

    Dogs are not completely color blind, as they can see yellow and blue, as well as shades of gray. Their eye structure allows them to see better in dim light compared to people. Near-sightedness is common among dogs.

  • Factors to Consider in Pet Selection - Dogs

    Dogs can be amazing family members and greatly enrich our lives! Adding a dog to the family is also a serious commitment, and research before choosing a dog will help set the family and the dog up for success. This handout goes over some factors to consider when selecting a dog.

  • Genetic (DNA) Testing

    Genetic (DNA) testing is readily available, whether you are using it for fun to find out what breeds your pet is made up of or if you are looking into possible medical conditions. DNA samples can be collected either from a cheek swab or a blood draw. Knowing which breeds your pet is made up of can help you and your veterinarian prevent or prepare for health issues in the future.

  • Genetics Basics: Breed Determination

    All dogs evolved from a common ancestor. Humans started breeding dogs for pleasure in the 19th century and this led to an intense diversification of dog species into the nearly 400 breeds recognized today. DNA tests can be performed on mixed-breed dogs to determine their breed ancestry.

  • Genetics Basics: Coat Color Genetics in Dogs

    Despite the huge variety in coat color, there are only two basic pigments that determine the color of canines: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red). All different variations in color are created by these two pigments, which are both forms of melanin. This handout discusses the details of genetics and coat color selection.

  • Genetics Basics: Modes of Inheritance

    There are multiple methods of inheritance that determine which characteristics (or phenotypes) are displayed by the offspring, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-linked inheritance. There are also many polygenic traits (i.e., associated with multiple genes) as well as environmental factors that make it much more complicated to predict disease or the likelihood of passing disease onto offspring.

  • Genetics Basics: Mutations vs Markers

    Mutations are errors made during DNA replication. Mutations can be acquired as cells divide within the body or can be inherited if the parent's DNA contains a mutation. Genetic markers can be used to determine genetic heritage such as breed origins.