Development and validation of a diagnostic test for Ridge allele copy number in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The breed-defining dorsal ridge in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs is the result of a 133,000 base pair duplication on chromosome 18. Because this trait is dominant, heterozygous dogs cannot be discriminated from those with two copies of the Ridge allele. RESULTS: A quantitative PCR test was developed and dogs of known genotype were used as test subjects. In all cases, the correct genotype was determined experimentally. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides a rapid and accurate methodology for determining dog genotype with respect to the Ridge allele.