Assortative mating and fragmentation within dog breeds

摘要: There are around 400 internationally recognized dog breeds in the world today, with a remarkable diversity size, shape, color and behavior. Breeds considered to be uniform groups similar physical characteristics, shaped by selection rooted human preferences. This has led large genetic difference between extent of linkage disequilibrium within breeds. These characteristics important for association mapping candidate genes diseases therefore make dogs ideal models gene disorders. However, uniformity may not always case. We studied patterns 164 poodles compared it 133 from eight other Our analyses revealed strong population structure poodles, differences among some poodle as pronounced those well-recognized Pedigree analysis going three generations back time confirmed that subgroups result assortative mating imposed breed standards well breeder Matings have taken place at random or traditionally identified size classes poodles. Instead, novel set five was identified, defined combinations color, which is officially kennel clubs. Patterns suggest leading fragmentation common feature many The observed local patterns, implying different countries. Such structuring can increase power studies, but also represents serious problem if ignored. In breeding, individuals selected on basis morphology, behaviour, working show purposes, geographic structure. same processes historically created still ongoing, create further subdivision current