Wagner Genetics Series Spring 2007

For thousands of years dogs have been loyal, hard-working companions of humans. The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 dog breeds, and more than 400 breeds are accepted worldwide. Dog breeds differ tremendously in physical attributes and temperaments, yet these breeds represent a single biological species. Recent advances in genomic sciences, especially the completion of the Canine Genome Project, provide new approaches to studying canine biology. This course will focus on using genetics to understand the basis of dog breed diversity.
Jet Davis at home.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007: Introductory lecture
This lecture will provide an overview of fundamental topics in cell biology and genetics that will be referred to during the course. Topics to be covered include cellular structure, DNA structure, and the flow of information from gene to protein.

Wednesday January 24, 2007: The Canine Genome Project
The goals of the Canine Genome Project include finding genetic markers and identifying genes related to inherited diseases and differences between breeds; research relevant to this lecture series will be summarized.

Wednesday January 31, 2007: Evolutionary history of the domestic dog
Theories on the evolution of dogs from wolves and the origins of “Old and New World” dogs will be presented.

Wednesday February 7, 2007: The morphological and genetic diversity of dog breeds
We will discuss the extraordinary variations that distinguish dog breeds, research into the genetic basis of some distinctive traits, and the application of canine genome project data to estimate genetic relationships between breeds.

Wednesday February 14, 2007: The morphological and genetic diversity of dog breeds
Continuation of the topics from February 7.

Wednesday February 21, 2007: Inheritance of complex traits: behavior
Selective breeding has resulted in distinctive temperaments and “personalities” associated with specific dog breeds; now scientists can utilize the canine genome project to study the genetics of behavior.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007: Artificial selection for specialization: the olfactory system and working dogs
Jobs performed by dogs of many breeds rely on the canine’s superior sense of smell. The canine genome project provides new insights into the biological basis of the dog’s olfactory system.

Online Resources

A. Web sites with information on basic genetics with a focus on dogs and the canine genome project

The NGHRI Dog Genome Project
Information for Dog Owners from the NHGRI Dog Genome Project
These web sites present an overview of the canine genome project and a basic “Primer on Canine Genetics” for the general public.

Gateway to the research tools and DNA sequence resources from the Canine Genome Project

The Canine Genome Diversity Project - A comprehensive collection of articles about genetics, dog breeding, canine health, and problems of inbreeding.

B. Web sites focused on the genetics of specific phenotypes

Genetics of Coat Color and Type in Dogs - a brief review of the genes controlling dog coat colors and patterns, as well as coat type
Sheila M. Schmutz, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan

Canine Inherited Disorders Database
Provides information on about the inheritance of various disorders in dogs, descriptions of the conditions, and an index of dog breeds with information about common disorders in individual breeds.
This database is a joint initiative  of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

C. Information about Dog Breeds

American Kennel Club - www.akc.org

Dog Breed Directory from the Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel

D. Television Documentary and Museum Exhibit Companion Web Sites

PBS NOVA - "Dogs and More Dogs" - "In this companion Web site to the NOVA program Dogs and More Dogs, learn about the diversity of dogs, explore their geographic origins, and get to know working dogs and their jobs"

PBS Scientific American Frontiers - A segment on family pets and new technology.

Dogs: Wolf, Myth, Hero, Friend - an exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

E. Miscellaneous sites about dogs

National Geographic.com Resources on Dogs - News articles on dog behavior, evolution, working dogs, and other canids

Veterinary Education and Information Network of Australia - Dog Resources
A comprehensive annotated collection of links for web based resources on genetics, health, and breed information. Resources for both the general public and veterinarians are included.

Return to the homepage for the Genetics Series at the Wagner Free Institute of Science

Latest update: January 7, 2007
Questions? Email Mary Beth Davis.