With the Olympics happening and athletes from different countries competing against each other, it makes sense that this month’s issue of SHOWSIGHT is dedicated to the “decathletes” of the dog world—the Working Group.
In my monthly philosophical chat with Charlie, a member of the Non-Sporting Group, and Mary, a member of the Toy Group, I must clarify that although they may not be part of the “working” Group, they still hold the number one spot in my heart. I reassure Charlie that he doesn’t need to worry about any Group classification; he can be anything from a companion to performing specific jobs like guarding or even showing off in competitions. As for Mary, she truly embodies companionship, and her genetics make her a perfectly manageable pet.
Let’s consider the “Genetic Olympics” for dog breeds, with Charlie and Mary helping to explain the genetics of their respective Groups. Working dogs are like weightlifters, boasting big muscles for heavy-duty tasks, while our little Mary from the Toy Group is more like a professional cuddler. She might not pull a sled, but she can certainly pull off any look at a dog show!
When it comes to hereditary diseases, each breed seems to have inherited family heirlooms they’d rather not keep. For instance, our burly Working dogs might have hips that aren’t as sturdy as their appearance suggests—hello, hip dysplasia! The genetic diseases of some breeds in the Working Group highlight the importance of regular health screenings and proper care, ensuring these canine decathletes remain at the top of their game, much like their human counterparts in the Olympics.
Then there’s the Non-Sporting crew, where each breed is like a unique mystery box of genetics. Dalmatians, for example, with their uric acid issues—I guess those spots came with a little extra “spice!” At the end of the day, whether they’re pulling sleds or winning hearts, all dogs win gold medals for being our best friends, quirky genetics and all!
Genetic Purpose: Dogs in this Group are bred to perform jobs such as guarding property, pulling sleds, rescuing people, and other utilitarian tasks. It’s all in the hips and the elbows. Whether you prefer PennHip or OFA evaluations, we know that these diseases are complex and involve several genes. On top of genetics, other influences such as environment and nutrition play significant roles. It’s like a game of tug-of-war, requiring regular health checks over generations.
The Working Group, despite its diversity, shares a fascinating common ancestry. Many of these breeds have roots tracing back to ancient times when dogs were bred for specific tasks that required strength, endurance, and intelligence. For example, the Mastiff breeds, which include the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Great Dane, and the Boxer, can trace their lineage back to ancient Molossian dogs of the Roman Empire. These dogs were known for their guarding and fighting abilities and were often used in wars and for protection.
The genetic background of these breeds reveals a mosaic of traits tailored for their historical roles. The Great Dane, with its towering height and powerful build, has genes that promote rapid growth and robust skeletal development. However, this also makes them prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat. The IGF1 gene, which influences growth, is a key player in the breed’s development, akin to how certain genes in humans affect physical prowess in athletes.
Working Group Temperament & Epigenetics: Intelligent (like every breed), reliable, and alert, Working dogs are often very trainable but require a job to stay occupied. They are best suited for owners who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. Mary tells me that beneath their size and strength, many Working breeds have a calm and even-tempered nature, which comes from good training and socialization. We know that specific genes (selective breeding) are part of a dog’s behavior, and the term “epigenetics” often comes up when discussing temperament. (This might be a topic for my next article: Epigenetics & Dog Temperament.) Mary, having had two litters herself, would love to share her insights on maternal care. In the end, breeders play a key role in temperament by selecting desirable traits and ensuring they are passed on to future generations.
As Genetic George, I marvel at the natural predispositions of Charlie the Boston and Mary the Griffon. I often reflect on how Charlie’s exuberance and Mary’s gentle nature aren’t happenstance but deeply rooted in their genetic heritage. Charlie’s boundless energy requires daily playtime, while Mary, despite her grumpy look, has a serene and calming demeanor, perfectly illustrating how genetics influence temperament.
With France hosting the Olympics, it’s fitting to highlight the Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff. From their wrinkled faces to the amount of drool, when collecting a DNA swab you need to let it dry due to all that moisture. Moisture attracts bacteria, and bacteria love DNA, leading to
sample degradation.
The Great Dane, a breed Mary likes for its variety of coat colors and patterns, from fawn to brindle to black to blue to harlequin to mantle, can all be DNA tested. One of this breed’s most common health concerns is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or bloat. Just as some humans have a natural predisposition for endurance or strength, Great Danes have genes perfect for certain roles. For example, the IGF1 gene helps them grow long, powerful legs, akin to the ACTN3 gene in humans that aids in sprinting.
The Boxer, often considered a close relative to Charlie the Boston, shares similarities such as a muscular build, short coat, and distinctive face. With a lineage in the bully breed ancestry, Boxers are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cancer, both complex genetic diseases. They need regular health check-ups, similar to athletes monitoring their heart health. The MYO (Myostatin) gene in Boxers enhances muscle growth and strength, making them the gymnasts of the Working Group.
The Rottweiler, a versatile breed with roots tracing back to the Roman Empire, is known for its distinct black and tan coat color. We can even see some long-haired Rottweilers, thanks to the FGF5 long-hair gene. If this breed were in the Olympics, they would be the weightlifters of the Working Group. Genetic tests such as Polyneuropathy (JLPP) and Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) are some of the recent additions to their health screenings. And let’s not mention the “elephant in the room,” the T Box Mutation or Natural Bob Tail, which is seen in the breed.
Finally, the Portuguese Water Dog, the swimmer of the Olympics, is a robust and spirited breed originally from the Algarve region of Portugal. Bred to work on fishing boats, their strong swimming ability and water-resistant coat made them invaluable to fishermen. The breed has two primary coat types, curly and wavy, influenced by several genes like RSPO2 and FGF5 which impact hair length and texture. Their webbed feet give them an edge in swimming, much like flippers for a diver.
As Genetic George, I often ponder the remarkable traits that make each breed unique. Whether it’s Charlie’s boundless ball-chasing energy or Mary’s calming presence, these characteristics are deeply ingrained in their genetic makeup. Breeders and owners alike play crucial roles in nurturing and understanding these traits. Let’s continue to appreciate and celebrate the diverse genetic heritage of our beloved canine companions, ensuring they remain our loyal and healthy friends for generations to come.
