Breaking news

COAT COLOR RESEARCH:

MERLE GENE TESTING NOW AVAILABLE

TESTING FOR BLUE NOW AVAILABLE http://www.healthgene.com/canine/c128_great_dane.asp


FAWN MANUSCRIPT - PDF file
BLUE MANUSCRIPT- PDF FILE
MASK GENE MANUSCRIPT- PDF FILE

Dr. Sheila Schmutz of the U. of Saskatchewan has isolated the gene that results in the dilution called "blue" in the Great Dane:

The manuscript for this is available here in a PDF form, as is her original article on the discovery of fawn.More information and updates on the blue research can be found at her website:
http://skyway.usask.ca/~schmutz/dilutions.html

She had received an ACORN grant (a small initial grant) from the AKC-CHF to work on this and has had the support of several breeds (e.g. Chows, IGs) for the initial study about the Maltese (blue) dilution occurs. The gene involved is called the MLPH gene. Publication is pending with details then to follow. There is more work to be done & for breeds with blue dilution, especially those with distinct color (hue) variations and those where some individuals suffer from coat problems seemingly related to the blue phenotype, asking the CHF to support her work further (using your parent clubs or directly by contributing to the Donor Advised Fund) might be a help. 

Dr. Schmutz is now asking for volunteers to submit simple DNA cheek samples for a continuing study of blue Danes. Blue Danes, blue fawns and blue brindles are all welcome. Adults over three years old with a healthy coat are especially sought, but any Dane with the blue dilution may be useful. For more information on how you can help, email or call Dr. Schmutz using the information provided below:

Sheila M. Schmutz, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Animal and Poultry Science
University of Saskatchewan
51 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5A8
phone: 306-966-4153
fax: 306-966-4151
http://skyway.usask.ca/~schmutz
sheila.schmutz@usask.ca



Permission to reprint as submitted for educational purposes is given. 
Submitted by JP Yousha, Chair, H&W Committee, GDCA 2004.

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