Human genetics and the canine system

Abstract

With constant advances in canine genomics, the dog has found a permanent position as a source of genetic information for the inheritance of morphologic traits and disease susceptibility. The modern domestic dog is not a typical model organism. They share our environment, our life-styles and often our food. In addition, they experience many of the same diseases that people do and are diagnosed and treated using the same medical procedures and pharmaceuticals. However, unlike humans, the purebred dog maintains a highly structured population organization that, if used correctly, can simplify the genetics of complex traits and disorders. In this chapter, we will discuss the history of canine genomics along with recent advances in resource development. Specific examples will be provided to demonstrate strategies for using population stratification to the best advantage in mapping traits both simple and complex. Together, these data highlight the utility of the canine system for mapping traits and finding mutations important in both human and companion animal science.