New Article - research into the Dobermann Genome

[trouble]

Hi

As I have said previously - we have been busy creating a new paper, which has been submitted for research purpose. Before you read the presented paper, do sit down, make sure you are secure seated - read the paper through this link:

www.thyra.co.uk/wordpress/

[DeDe]

Bitten, Thank you for sharing this research data! We've all known for many years that the dobermanns of today are looking nothing like the dobermanns of 100 years ago, but the findings presented here in the article really do bring a lot to light.
I realize that this info will take quite some time to digest. Then we will need to look to the future of our beloved breed and where we NEED to go from here!

[Shadowlands]

Wow!! All I have to say is: Bitten, you may not post often but when you do, you certainly pack a punch!! And DeDe is right, some of this info is going to take a while to digest but it does make sense. Scary, but it makes.

[trouble]

Following entries in regard to this topic, ahve been made on Dobermann Review ...

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As far as I'm concerned, I would make some considerations.

Regardless of the possible causes of the genomic differences observed between the results obtained by Leroy et al. (2009) for European Dobermanns. and Parker et al. (2004) for American Dobermanns, these genomic differences are not random. 21 autosomal microsatellite markers were chosen to perform the analysis in the study of Leroy et al. (2009); sample is large enough (30 dogs) and homogeneous (100% of similitude between 30 dogs of the sample applying test standard for inclusion for each dog). The animals were sampled in order to be representative of the their breed genealogical structure using the French Kennel Club data base: each sample showed values for the average coefficients of inbreeding and kinship similar to those computed for the whole breed. The neighbour-joining tree on the loci was constructed using 1000 bootstraps, and bootstrap values above 70% were considered as significant in this study. The phylogenetic relationships are not coincidences are proven scientific facts.

I offer in the text of my article two logical possibilities to explain the genomic differences observed between the two sides Dobermanns: asymmetric selection in America and Europe (other evidence, both in terms of anatomy and the character), or by the introduction of foreign breeds in the genome of the founders. There are two possibilities, but is unlikely to know for sure which one is real, why just arguing you about the possibility more morbid? The reality is what it is, and should better think about the possible future from this reality that looking for ghosts. I have no vocation for Ghostbusters.

If a foreign breed has been introduced in the past, this introduction has not been recently, because the homogeneity of the sample in the study of Leroy excludes this possibility. The phylogenetic studies based on genome rapidly detect the introduction of alien races, and this is not the case. For instance genomic scans have detected the recent introduction of foreign breeds in Dogo Canario genome (Parker et al. 2004 Science; 304(5674):1160-4) as I know by experience.

Moreover, if this introduction occurred at some point, the chances that the genes contributed by this “alien” breed are linked to DCM in the Dobermann is remote, maximum for a polygenic disease. The number of genes that are alien breed after 15 cycles of backcrossing are only 0.0015% (for 20000 genes only 30 genes). There are described the same two modalities DCM in both Am & Eu populations: dilated modality (more frequents in males) with echocardiographic signs and ventricular arrhythmias (more frequents in females) with electrocardiographic signs. So nothing in principle supports this hypothesis

Another thing is that some of these foreign genes have been fixed by linkage with the old genes as result of the selection of anatomical features. If the selection of head morphology traits, have favored the setting of a mutation on chromosome 5 is a logical reflection by genomic proximity and by the high selection applied on this trait, but only is another logical possibility. I never claimed that this has occurred.

I have explained several times as a genetic disease appears and increases in prevalence in a population. I do not like repeating myself, but I remember that bottlenecks in the genetic history the breed, the use of popular dogs, the disproportion between males and females in the breeding population, the extreme inbreeding and the use of dogs at risk (affected or carriers) were the factors that have contributed to this sad reality.

When we select the anatomical characteristics in purebred dogs sometimes we have the idea that selection is a game without rules, where anything is possible. It is often said: "my ideal dog would have the body X and head Y", but the evolutionary genetics has its rules, and the selection allows for many things but not all. Everything we can not have and often have to choose for example between the handsome fool and the less graceful but ready.

The anatomical and behavioural traits are quantitative traits determined by multiple genes. The difference is that anatomical traits are highly heritability, but the character traits have low heritability and disappear with great ease. Working simultaneously in both wit high level of excellence is a chimera. To prove it we just have to ask the breeders of true working or hunting dogs. I read in one message that Bingo v. Ellendonk “was known for a very long and weak back and not a dog who would pass on sufficent strength of head and underjaw”; but we should ask: Do he needs? As working Dobermann he was the best and only Dobermann to do a perfect score of 300 points in ScH III. Even, his offspring is healthy and longevity. Why do we want a Doberman with a firm back if he dies within days of winning the IDC? Why do we want a dog with a good underjaw if he does not bite or bites when he should not? In a historical perspective, one might wonder if during the last thirty years we have improved or worsened the breed.

The modern selection in European Dobermann is verified in many cases on a more robust and brachycephalic type with “bodybuilding look”. The beauty is subject to fashions trends, but fashions come and go. After, we have probably only useless rags in a trunk.

Sonia
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The breedings taking place today - approx 95% of these, are within the same family => a bottleneck which degenerate the breed.

Bitten
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The dogs of the past, might not have had a huge underjaw or a big head, still they were able to performe - work as the breed was intended.
The dogs of the past, might not have had a short and strong back, but they for certain had the ability of bodily functionallity.

Bitten
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Just keeping you updated ...

[dobs4ever]

Bitten - is there a new site for this info??? The link above is not working it shows 404 file error - site not functioning now.