QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - How do dogs get their coats?‏

Q: How do dogs get their coats?

A: There is astounding variation that exists within dogs. There are different sizes, shapes, and colors. What causes this variety? How can there be so much diversity within a single species?

With the rapid accumulation of genomic data, these questions are beginning to be answered. Several different genes have been associated with variation in coat color of dogs. Now, a new study has found that three genes account for most of the variation in canine fur patterns.

The researchers of this fascinating study looked at three different coat characteristics: 1) “furnishings,” a moustache and eyebrows commonly seen in wire-haired dogs, 2) hair length, and 3) curl. After performing genome-wide association studies on more than 1000 dogs from 80 breeds, it was found that 95% of the variation in these characteristics was attributable to just three genes: RSPO2, FGF5, and KRT71.

Read more in the newest Answers in Depth article: Hairy New Findings in Dog Variation.

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