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White Patches of Labrador Retrievers/Goldens?

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Trust me...I'm a- beagle

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 10:16am PST


	I haven't really been able to find much information on this. But I'm sure most of you have noticed at some point a retriever with a white patch on it? Whether it be in the paws or on the chest. Is anyone aware of whether this trait is a genetic oddity among retrievers or simply meaning that somewhere down the line there is another breed? Or if just plain and simple people are claiming their mixed breeds to be purebred?

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CD RE (CKC)- RXMCL (CARO) FM- CGN SJATD

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 10:32am PST


	The white point on the chest and the very tips of the toes is not due to genetics at all. As the fetus develops in utero, a thick cord of cells is located along what will become the spinal cord and brain. These cells migrate down the sides of the body, to the underbelly, and down the limbs. As they migrate, they differentiate into both nerve cells and pigment cells. The final location on a dog that these new pigment cells reach is the point of the chest and it isn't uncommon for a pup to be born before the migration of cells is complete, essentially leading that small point void of pigment cells, hence white. This white spot appears in nearly every breed and should never be counted as a "fault" as far as breed standards are concerned. Though for aesthetic purposes, many breed standards have a limit as to how large this spot can be. This same situation occurs in many breeds, for instance, in cattle there is often a white spot just above the umbilicus that is there for the same reason as the chest spot in dogs.

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Trust me...I'm a- beagle

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 10:40am PST


	Thank you Gio! I was actually reading an article that had exactly to do with this last night! I just failed to make the connection between it and the retrievers! Here is the link http://homepage.usask.ca/~schmutz/pathway.html

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CD RE (CKC)- RXMCL (CARO) FM- CGN SJATD

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 10:42am PST


	The author of that website is one of the leading researchers in canine coat color genetics. She is also my boss. I've been studying and working under her since 2005.

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Trust me...I'm a- beagle

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 10:48am PST


	That is awesome! This website I have found to be an amazing source (the best I've found so far) If it's not too much to ask, would you mind explaining a bit about what you do? This is really a field I am interested in, and I would love to know more

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CD RE (CKC)- RXMCL (CARO) FM- CGN SJATD

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 10:59am PST


	Sure, I started out with a degree in Animal Science and that lead me in the direction of genetics. A requirement for getting my BSA (Bachelor of Science in Agriculture) majoring in Animal Science was to write an undergrad thesis. I studied "Progressive Greying" in dogs under Dr. Schmutz (the author of that website). After getting my degree, I went on to work on my Masters under Dr. Schmutz, this time working on coat color in Holstein Cattle. But because my primary interest lies in dog color genetics, I was able to assist in much of the dog projects happening in the same lab. I'm now in the process of writing my Master's thesis and have accepted a job with Dr. Schmutz for when I am finished working on another dog color research project. I've taught numerous labs for undergrad and veterinary genetics and am very fortunate to have wound up working with the people that I am. There are very few research groups currently working on dog color genetics.

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Trust me...I'm a- beagle

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 11:06am PST


	Wow that is really amazing! It's unfortunate that there are so few people studying dog coat colour genetics. I suppose that would lessen my chances of obtaining a position in that specific field. Although the field of genetics in general is a very large one and I'm sure there will be something I can get into. I can only hope to achieve such a great position as you have

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CD RE (CKC)- RXMCL (CARO) FM- CGN SJATD

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 11:10am PST


	I would definitely recommend to start in some area of animal studies, either biology or animal science (often offer through agricultural colleges). In my opinion, the direction of agriculture will set you up better for getting a job that actually relates to the industry. Biology, while you will learn about genetics, seems to be focused in a different direction all together. I have found animal science to be a very well rounded area of study, including genetics, nutrition, physiology and anatomy. Much more diverse and practical than biology, but that is just my own humble opinion. I count myself very lucky that I was in the right place at the right time to be able to get so deeply involved in dog color genetics as early as I have. That is definitely not an option for all people, but neither is it a requirement. Genetic research of any sort will be beneficial, and then you can branch off into a specified area later on. Genetics is HUGE right now, whether it be human, livestock, bacteria, plant, or domestic animals, and I can't see it losing momentum any time soon.

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Trust me...I'm a- beagle

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 11:23am PST


	Once again, thanks, that has given me a lot to think about for future studies. As it stands I was planning on going into human genetics. There are a few courses offered in the University of Toronto which are based around Human Genetics (which is also of interest to me). But now I may also look into a field in Agriculture. My mother would be pleased with me getting into a somewhat medical field, and my father would be pleased with agriculture

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CD RE (CKC)- RXMCL (CARO) FM- CGN SJATD

Barked: Thu Jul 31, '08 11:25am PST


	Starting in human genetics is fine as well. Remember that if you choose human genetics now, it doesn't mean that you are doing human genetics forever. You can switch around as your career progresses. So look at the available courses for either human genetics or agriculture. Pick the best program for genetics and then adapt later on based on your interests.

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