Pedigree-based analysis of genetic variability in the Chinese Crested dog population in Poland

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyse the level of genetic diversity within the small-sized population of Chinese Crested dogs bred in Poland, considering the common occurrence of hereditary diseases, probably related to the high level of inbreeding. The pedigree data provided by Polish Kennel Club were used to estimate different genealogical parameters in the ancestral (n=1,860) and active population (n=1,313). The mean equivalent number of complete generations known per animal reached 5.97 and 6.75 generations in the ancestral and active populations, respectively. The mean inbreeding coefficient values were 0.083 and 0.049 in the ancestral and in the active population, respectively. The effective number of founders (fe) and ancestors (fa) and the ratio fa/fe were 38, 20, 0.54 and 79, 34, 0.43 in the ancestral and active population, respectively. It should be concluded that the genetic variability of the Chinese Crested dogs in Poland is currently at a satisfactory level. However, high proportion of related male-female pairs may cause future mating problems. The population should be monitored for inbreeding and genetic variation. The breeders should choose reproducers in such a way as not to create large groups of paternal half-siblings in the offspring.