The Inbreeding Coefficient: What Every Herding Dog Breeder Needs to Know
Understanding COI calculations, their impact on health and genetic diversity in herding breeds, and how modern genomics helps breeders make better pairing decisions
Read moreArticles
In-depth articles on canine genetics, from MDR1 mutations to coat color inheritance and DNA testing guides
Canine Genetics Articles
Explore our comprehensive collection of articles covering the science of canine genetics. Each piece is researched and written by Dr. Emily Watson, drawing on decades of experience in molecular genetics and herding breed health research.
Article Categories
Drug Sensitivity & Pharmacogenomics Understanding how genetic mutations affect medication safety in dogs, with particular focus on the MDR1 gene and herding breeds.
Coat Color & Pattern Genetics The fascinating world of color inheritance in dogs, from basic genetics to complex interactions between multiple genes.
DNA Testing & Health Screening Practical guides to understanding and utilizing genetic testing for breeding decisions and health management.
Breed-Specific Research Focused research on genetic factors unique to herding breeds and their implications for health and breeding programs.
Browse our latest articles below to deepen your understanding of the genetic factors that shape your dogs.
Behavioral Genetics in Herding Dogs: How DNA Shapes Working Instinct
Exploring the genetic basis of herding behavior, from the 'eye' of Border Collies to the loose-eyed style of Australian Shepherds, and what genomics reveals about canine behavioral traits
Read moreProgressive Retinal Atrophy in Herding Breeds: Genetics, Testing, and Prevention
A thorough look at the multiple genetic forms of progressive retinal atrophy affecting herding dogs, how DNA testing identifies carriers, and what breeders can do to eliminate these blinding diseases
Read moreThe Merle Gene in Border Collies and Australian Shepherds: Science, Risk, and Responsible Breeding
How the SINE insertion that creates merle coat patterns also affects eye development and hearing, why double merle breeding causes serious health problems, and what genomics reveals about merle variants
Read moreVon Willebrand Disease in Dogs: Genetics, Diagnosis, and Breeding Management
Understanding the three types of von Willebrand disease in dogs, their genetic basis, which herding breeds are affected, and how DNA testing has changed the landscape for breeders
Read morePopulation Genetics of Herding Breeds: Founders, Drift, and Diversity
How the principles of population genetics explain the genetic structure of modern herding breeds, why founder effects still shape contemporary dogs, and what effective population size means for breed health
Read moreExercise-Induced Collapse in Dogs: The DNM1 Mutation and Herding Breeds
Understanding exercise-induced collapse, its genetic cause in the DNM1 gene, which herding and retrieving breeds are affected, and how to manage and test for this condition
Read moreAutoimmune Thyroid Disease in Herding Dogs: Genetic Susceptibility and Breed Risk
How autoimmune thyroiditis develops in herding breeds, the role of DLA genetics in immune-mediated disease, clinical recognition, and what breeders can do to reduce thyroid disease prevalence
Read moreConserving Genetic Diversity in Herding Breeds: Lessons from Conservation Biology
How techniques developed for endangered wildlife populations can be applied to preserve genetic diversity in herding dog breeds, including kinship analysis, gene banking, and managed breeding programs
Read moreRough and Smooth Collie Genetic Health: Key Conditions and Breeding Protocols
An overview of the inherited health conditions affecting Rough and Smooth Collies, from CEA and PRA to MDR1 sensitivity and dermatomyositis, with guidance on systematic genetic health management
Read moreWhole-Genome Sequencing for Dogs: What It Reveals and How Breeders Can Use It
How whole-genome sequencing differs from panel tests and SNP arrays, what information it provides for herding breed health and diversity management, and the practical state of canine WGS in 2026
Read moreSOD1 Mutation and Degenerative Myelopathy in Herding Breeds
A detailed guide to the SOD1 gene mutation responsible for degenerative myelopathy, its inheritance, affected herding breeds, testing, and management strategies
Read moreThe Genetics of Hip Dysplasia in Herding Breeds
How polygenic inheritance drives hip dysplasia risk in herding breeds, and what breeders can do with modern genetic and phenotypic tools to reduce its prevalence
Read moreThe Future of Canine Genomic Medicine
How advances in genomic technology are transforming veterinary medicine, from precision diagnostics to gene therapy for inherited diseases in dogs
Read moreEpigenetics and Environmental Influence on Gene Expression in Dogs
How environment, stress, nutrition, and experience shape gene expression in dogs beyond the DNA sequence itself
Read moreGenetic Bottlenecks in Herding Breed Populations
How population bottlenecks have shaped the genetic landscape of modern herding breeds, and what breeders can do to preserve diversity
Read moreGenetic Mutations Common in Herding Breeds
An overview of the most significant genetic mutations affecting Collies, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and related herding breeds
Read moreA Breeder's Guide to Canine DNA Testing
Everything you need to know about genetic testing for dogs, from choosing a laboratory to interpreting results
Read moreUnderstanding Coat Color Genetics in Dogs
A comprehensive guide to how genes determine coat color and pattern in dogs, from basic pigmentation to complex color interactions
Read moreThe Complete Guide to MDR1 Gene Mutation in Dogs
Understanding the MDR1 gene mutation, which breeds are affected, and how to keep your dog safe from drug sensitivities
Read more