Origins of Dog Coats
Ever wonder how and why your dog was born with its particular coat? Dogs are unique in every way, but a dog’s coat can really tell a lot about them. Coat color variations are one of the most unique characteristics of a dog and its breed. But the real question is, are dog coats random or an evolution throughout their origin?
Genetic Research
A study done by professors at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine genetics department has revealed new genetic information about dog’s gene expression. The study determined that variants control the expression of signaling protein (ASIP) at 2 different locations to create 5 distinctive coat color patterns in dogs. Patterns are broad and spread out, meaning they occur in hundreds of breeds and countless pooches around the world.
Researchers found that genetic combination for a dominant yellow coat pattern is shared by white wolves in the Artic. From analysis, they originated from an extinct species related to gray wolves from over 2 million years ago.
Phenotypes In Coats
Dogs have evolved from wolves, and the two species make up both black and yellow pigments. If the pigment production is precise in its occurrence at the same time, numerous coat color patterns are made. In order to get different colored coat patterns, mutation is needed in 2 areas of expressed genes. Variations of phenotypes that combine are called agouti, shaded yellow, dominant yellow, black back, and black saddle.
Dominant yellow has been discovered to be almost ancient, meaning it didn’t come from modern wolves, but 2 million years back from ancient wolves. Black back stems from domesticated dogs from around 9,500 years ago. Dogs have had a variation in coat color patterns from near the first domesticated furry friends.
