What Determines a Dog's Coat Color?

Posted by Clare Bristow

After collecting DNA samples from hundreds of dogs, a team of researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine, has identified the gene responsible for the color of a dog's coat.

The gene concerned makes a protein that is part of a large family called defensins - thought to be responsible for fighting infections, as well as being connected with how we (mammals) deal with stress and regulate our weight.

One version of the gene produces yellow dogs and a mutant version of the gene produces black dogs. All dog coat colors are modifications of yellow and black.

I've always thought that a Dalmatian was black and white but, based on its genetics, it's actually a black dog.

Equally confusing are Irish Setters, also known as Red Setters - genetically they are yellow dogs.

So no matter what fancy name a breeder gives your dog's coat color - for example Belton, Brindle, Dilution, Harlequin, Merle or Roan - your dog is genetically either a black dog or a yellow dog.

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Filed Under Dog News, Blog

Animal Blessings and a Heroic Dog

Can You Adopt a Dog this Month?

Posted by Clare Bristow

â€œCelebrating October as Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month is a great way to highlight the unlimited potential shelter dogs have to be unequaled pets,â€ said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres in a recent Press Release.

A great example is Toula a rescue Border Collie who was recently voted America's Most Talented Pet. Here's the dog video I recently posted showing Toula performing her dog tricks:

Many dogs that are trained for search and rescue and as assistance dogs come from shelters - giving these dogs a second chance at life has enriched (and saved) many peoples lives.

According to ASPCA estimates, approximately eight to 12 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide each year, more than half of which are euthanized due to a lack of space or resources.

If you are able to adopt a dog this month, or add to your existing pack there are two types of shelter dog that are often overlooked and really would love a second chance at life:

Older dogs - senior dogs are often passed by. People think that old dogs equal high medical bills, come with ingrained behavioral problems and/or are not so much fun as puppies. However, they are often loved family pets, given up as family circumstances change, and usually well socialized and had some degree of obedience training.

Here are two web sites dedicated to the adoption of older dogs: The Senior Dogs Project and the Oldies Club.

Black dogs - who knows why black dogs are passed over? The BlackPearlDogs web site was established to encourage the adoption of black dogs and sheds some light on why black dogs are so often shunned.

The ASPCA web site offers a lot of helpful information about adopting dogs, and emphasizes the fact that shelters (usually) offer support and advice for people who adopt dogs from them.

If you can't adopt, consider making a donation to a local shelter this month (in many countries your donation is deductible for tax purposes) - either money, food, bedding or your time. Ask your shelter what you can do to help.