Congenital defects in dogs are caused from a variety of reasons. Som congeital defects, such as hip dysplasia and congenital heart defects, are more common in some dog breeds than others. Congenital defects in dog breeds »»

Animal genetics is the study of how traits, such as fur color, size, and behavior, are passed from one generation to the next. Understanding genetics helps scientists, farmers, and pet owners make informed decisions about breeding, health, and conservation. Let’s explore the key topics in animal genetics in simple terms.
Genes are like tiny instruction manuals inside an animal’s body. They determine things like eye color, strength, and even how fast an animal can run. These instructions are stored in DNA, which is found in every cell.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the material that carries genetic information. It is made up of long chains of molecules arranged in a specific order.
DNA is packed into structures called chromosomes, which are found in the nucleus of each cell. Different animals have different numbers of chromosomes. For example:
Animals inherit traits from their parents. This happens through a process called reproduction. Each parent passes half of their genes to their offspring. This is why puppies or kittens often look like their parents.
There are two main types of traits:
For example, if a dog has one gene for brown fur (dominant) and one gene for white fur (recessive), it will have brown fur. The white fur gene is hidden unless two copies are inherited.
Sometimes, changes (mutations) happen in genes. Some mutations have no effect, while others can cause differences in size, color, or health. These changes help species adapt to new environments over time.
Genetic variation is important because it helps animals survive. For example, in a group of wild rabbits, some may have a gene that makes them run faster. These rabbits have a better chance of escaping predators and passing their genes to the next generation.
Humans have used genetics to breed animals for thousands of years. Selective breeding is when people choose animals with desirable traits to reproduce. This has created many breeds of dogs, cats, and farm animals.
For example:
Sometimes, animals inherit genes that cause diseases or health problems. These are called genetic disorders. Some examples include:
Knowing about genetics can help breeders reduce the chances of passing down harmful traits.
Genetics also plays a big role in saving endangered species. Scientists study the DNA of rare animals to understand how to protect them. They can even use DNA to bring back diversity in small populations and prevent inbreeding.
Advancements in science are helping researchers discover new ways to improve animal health and breeding. Genetic engineering and cloning are two technologies that may play a role in the future of animal genetics.
Animal genetics is a fascinating subject that helps us understand how animals inherit traits, evolve, and stay healthy.
Whether you are a pet owner, farmer, or scientist, knowing about genetics can help in making better decisions for animal care and breeding. As research continues, we will learn even more about how genetics shape the animal world.
Congenital defects in dogs are caused from a variety of reasons. Som congeital defects, such as hip dysplasia and congenital heart defects, are more common in some dog breeds than others. Congenital defects in dog breeds »»
Genetic tests vary on what they are able to identify, and therefore how they can be used in managing genetic disease. Some tests measure the phenotype, or what can be seen in the animal. This may not directly relate to the genotype, or the genes regulating the defect. Genetic tests vary on what they are able to identify »»
Mating based on phenotype is called assortative mating. Mating like to like is positive assortative mating. Mating like to unlike (i.e., bringing a new trait in or correcting a fault) is negative assortative mating.
Most breeds have closed gene pools, meaning that breeding individuals must have confirmed pedigrees of ancestry from the existing breed. No new genes can be introduced into the breed, and genes can be lost to the gene pool by selective breeding (or not breeding) of individuals. The problem with limited genetic diversity in purebred populations stems from the effects of deleterious genes. The process of maintaining healthy lines with genetic diversity »»
Any trait or disorder that has a hereditary component is called genetic. Congenital disorders are those present at birth. Some congenital disorders are hereditary, and others are not. Those occurring spontaneously may be caused by environmental exposures to infections, or compounds such as drugs or toxins. Genetic disorders will sometimes only be evident much later in life, even though the genetic coding for the disorder is present at birth. Understanding basic genetic concepts »»
With complex inheritance disorders, also known as polygenic disorders, a number of liability genes must combine to cross a threshold and produce an affected individual. Most polygenic disorders have no tests for carriers, but they do have phenotypic tests that can identify affected individuals. Polygenic disorders are those caused by more than one pair of genes. »»