Minnesota Science
Vol. 52, No. 1
Cleaning The Canine Gene Pool: Experiment Station Book Teaches New Tricks
by Larry Etkin
Dogs have been humanity's faithful companions for tens of thousands of years;
longer than any other animal. This is because dogs are versatile and fill many
roles for people. This relationship led people to create subbreeds with concentrated
sets of characteristics that unfortunately also resulted in concentrations of
genetic diseases.
FutureDog: Breeding for Genetic Soundness, a new publication of the Experiment Station, discusses this accumulating genetic problem, and its potential solution using new tools of genetically based diagnostics. "Every breeder is a keeper of the 'genetic flame' for his or her breed," says author Patricia Wilkie, and "every breeding decision an individual breeder makes has the potential to affect the future of the breed. For conscientious breeders, each attempt to produce quality purebred dogs includes a strong commitment to reduce inherited disease."
FutureDog, is a basic reference on the tools and techniques modern biotechnology makes available to breeders trying to eliminate genetic diseases and accelerate breeding to the standard. The 100-page book presents a technical subject in language suitable for a nonexpert reader, and includes more than 60 color photos. FutureDog explains how genetics affect inheritance of traits and diseases and why genetic testing will improve purebreds.
FutureDog is available for $13.95 plus shipping. To order call 800-876-8636 and ask for item number 7046.
PHOTO CUTLINE: The Corgi is one of several breeds with a genetic blood-clotting
anomaly. The FutureDog book covers all aspects of genetics in canines.