Published in Canine Genetics, Health and Medicine, this review summarizes more than a decade of rapid progress in dog genomics. The authors describe how technological advances have transformed dogs into one of the most informative mammalian models for studying the genetic basis of disease, morphology, and behavior.
The review highlights how genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and large-scale sequencing efforts have identified genes linked to major canine health conditions, including cancer, cardiac disease, hip dysplasia, vision disorders, and hearing impairments. These discoveries have clarified the genetic architecture underlying both inherited diseases and complex traits.
A central theme is the extraordinary genetic variability between dog breeds. Due to selective breeding programs guided by strict breed standards, modern breeds function as genetically isolated populations. This structure amplifies the visibility of disease-associated variants and makes dogs particularly valuable for mapping genotype–phenotype relationships.
The authors emphasize the impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS), which has enabled the identification of millions of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across breeds. These data provide unprecedented resolution into breed-specific genomic landscapes, uncovering previously unknown functional mutations affecting health, appearance, and behavior.
Beyond veterinary relevance, the review underscores the importance of canine genomics for comparative and translational medicine. Because many genetic disorders are shared between dogs and humans, insights gained from canine populations can inform human medical research while simultaneously improving canine welfare.
Overall, the study positions modern canine genomics as a cornerstone for future advances in precision breeding, disease prevention, and personalized veterinary care, grounded in a detailed understanding of each breed’s unique genetic makeup.
Source: D’Agaro, E., Favaro, A., & Rosa, D. (2021). Canine Genetics and Genomics. Canine Genetics, Health and Medicine. Published January 20, 2021.
