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Dog Breeders Deploy DNA Tests

Genetic screening enables breeders to design dogs to suit their needs

By Max Brallier, Newser User

Posted Jun 12, 2007 8:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – With the first map of a dog genome recently completed, scientists are hot on the trail of genes for individual canine traits from coat color to cocking their heads in a cutesy way—and dog breeders are right behind them. Without any of the inhibitions attached to eugenics in humans, they're snapping up genetic tests to improve their breeds.

“We’re on the verge of a real radical shift in the way we apply genetics in our society,” a veterinary geneticist tells the the New York Times. “It’s better to be first confronted with some of these issues when they concern our pets than when they concern us.”

TO GO WITH: China-animals-dogs-Beijing (Getty Images)

A six month old Weimaraner puppy guards his master during Slovakia... (Getty Images (by Event))

Cloie Harnois, a worker at the Polka Dog Bakery, in Boston's South End neighborhood, holds out a treat for Sadie, a customers dog, Tuesday, April 3, 2007. The boutique dog-bakery sells organic doggy treats... (Associated Press)

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Dog Breeders Deploy DNA Tests

Genetic screening enables breeders to design dogs to suit their needs

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We're All Mutant X-Men

We're all chock-full of mutations, scientists find

Monkeys Pass Altered Traits to Offspring

Genetic breakthrough will aid disease study, but troubles some

Amid Outcry, Doc Backs Off Designer Babies

Clinic will only screen embryos for disease, genetic disorders

Cute Dog Craze Yields Dumber, Weaker Breeds

Shift from function to fashion impairs dog brains: study

10 Volunteers Go Public With Their DNA

Database will divulge what really makes a Harvard man, and other genetic secrets

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Dog Breeders Deploy DNA Tests

Genetic screening enables breeders to design dogs to suit their needs

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

genetics • breeding • genetic screening • genome • eugenics • dog

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

We're All Mutant X-Men

We're all chock-full of mutations, scientists find

Monkeys Pass Altered Traits to Offspring

Genetic breakthrough will aid disease study, but troubles some

Amid Outcry, Doc Backs Off Designer Babies

Clinic will only screen embryos for disease, genetic disorders

Cute Dog Craze Yields Dumber, Weaker Breeds

Shift from function to fashion impairs dog brains: study

10 Volunteers Go Public With Their DNA

Database will divulge what really makes a Harvard man, and other genetic secrets

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?