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
The Herding Gene - Canine Genetics Decoded
Expert insights into canine genetics, from MDR1 mutations to coat color inheritance. Science-based information for breeders and dog owners.
Understanding the Genetics Behind Your Dog
Welcome to The Herding Gene, your trusted resource for science-based canine genetics information. Our mission is to bridge the gap between complex genetic research and practical knowledge that breeders and dog owners can use every day.
Why Genetics Matter
Understanding your dog’s genetic makeup goes far beyond curiosity. Genetic testing and knowledge can:
- Prevent serious health issues by identifying carrier status for hereditary conditions
- Help breeders make informed decisions to produce healthier puppies
- Explain behavioral traits and physical characteristics
- Guide veterinarians in medication choices, especially for breeds with drug sensitivities
Our Focus Areas
Drug Sensitivity Mutations The MDR1 gene mutation affects how certain breeds metabolize medications. Knowing your dog’s MDR1 status can literally save their life when it comes to common treatments like ivermectin.
Coat Color Genetics From the dilute gene to merle patterns, we explore how genetic combinations create the beautiful variety of coat colors and patterns in dogs.
Hereditary Health Conditions Many health issues in purebred dogs have genetic origins. We provide clear explanations of how these conditions are inherited and what testing options exist.
Breed-Specific Research Herding breeds carry unique genetic signatures that affect their health, behavior, and appearance. Our research focuses particularly on these intelligent working dogs.
Featured Articles
Explore our latest research and educational content to deepen your understanding of canine genetics. Whether you are a breeder selecting for health, a veterinarian advising clients, or a dog owner wanting to understand your pet better, you will find valuable information here.
Latest Articles
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
Progressive 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
The 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
Von 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
Population 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
Exercise-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
Expert Research You Can Trust
The Herding Gene is authored by Dr. Emily Watson, PhD Molecular Genetics, UC Davis. With 18 years of research experience and over 40 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Emily Watson brings academic rigor to accessible canine genetics education.
Learn More About Our Research