The genetics of the dog

Abstract

Canine genetics is of both specific and general interest to veterinarians. Specifically, veterinarians need to be able to diagnose genetic disease and offer advice with respect to breeding programs. Increasingly, to be able to carry out these tasks successfully the veterinarian also needs to understand and keep abreast of the advances in molecular genetics and genomics. Generally, there is much interest in the genetics of dogs probably owing to two facts mentioned on several occasions throughout this book. Namely, that the dog is the most phenotypically diverse of all mammals, and that it is the oldest of our domesticated species. The book is written with a broad audience in mind, not just veterinarians, and sets out to cover “all major directions in dog genetics”. It is the fifth book in a series on mammalian genetics published by CAB International that follow a similar remit. The editors have recruited an impressive array of authors from around the world to ensure that the publication is as comprehensive as possible. Topics covered include everything from phylogenetics to the genetics of domestication to developmental genetics to dog genetic data used in forensic science. Like many books that compile chapters from a large number of authors the quality and style is quite variable. Many of the chapters of particular relevance to veterinarians are very well written and useful. Examples include those on coat colour, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, hip dysplasia, developmental genetics, and genetic aspects of disease. The chapter on pedigree analysis and genetic testing was well written but was frustrating in that it lacked many specifics that would enable a veterinarian to perform a pedigree analysis. The same criticism could be levelled at the chapter on canine blood groups; that is, while being informative it was not as practical or as applied as a veterinarian would require. The immunogenetics chapter was somewhat longwinded and would have benefited by the use of diagrams. If there is a general criticism of this book it is that more use could have been made of diagrams and a number of the chapters could have been more succinct. Finally, while interesting, the chapter discussing experiments in canine domestication was too long, confusing, poorly written (or translated) having, it would seem by-passed the editors. In summary, this book sets out with the bold aim to cover all of canine genetics. It succeeds but with variability in quality of presentation and usefulness of the information contained within its chapters. It would, however, be a good first stop for veterinarians interested in any aspect of canine genetics.