Studies of the genetics of spotting in domestic dogs

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This study will focus on developing DNA tests for dogs that are spotted or ticked. In many breeds there are several forms of spotting and not all are equally desirable by individual breeders or by the breed as a whole. In other breeds there are solid or spotted dogs of only a single pattern of spotting, such as Newfoundlands. Developing DNA testing for these breeds will need to take such information into account. The gene MITF has recently been shown to be associated with some forms of spotting in dogs and so this needs to be studied more fully. Ticking is a pattern or small pigmented areas within larger nonpigmented areas. Hence ticking only shows on dogs with white markings. We will study several candidate genes to determine if they might be associated with ticking.